In the 7th inning, the fans chant, “Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack.” Both items are excellent choices of gluten-free food at MLB stadiums. Yet, sometimes, you just crave a bit more.
MLB stadiums vary in their availability of gluten-free food. In recent years, many stadiums are stepping up their gluten-free offerings to cater to fans with dietary restrictions.
Gluten-Free at MLB stadiums: General guidelines for finding gluten-free options
Here are some general suggestions for gluten-free food you may find at MLB stadiums. (Later in this article, we spotlight specific gluten-free options at some ballparks around the country.)
Important note: Always verify with the vendor to ensure the safety of ingredients and the preparation of items in a gluten-free environment. Additionally, inquire about any special seasonings or sauces, and examine condiments carefully, as some may contain gluten.
1. Salads
Many stadium concessions offer salads. Omitting croutons or certain dressings can make them gluten free.
2. Grilled Meats
Grilled meats like hamburgers, hot dogs, or grilled chicken are often gluten-free when served without buns.
3. Popcorn
Plain popcorn is usually gluten-free. But some flavored varieties may contain gluten, so be cautious.
4. Nachos
Some stadiums offer gluten-free nacho options using corn tortilla chips and gluten-free cheese sauce.
5. Tacos
Look for vendors serving tacos with corn tortillas, as these are typically gluten-free. Make sure to confirm the ingredients of fillings and toppings.
6. Vegetarian / Vegan options
Many vegetarian and vegan options are naturally gluten-free, such as veggie burgers or plant-based wraps.
7. Fresh Fruit
You may not think “fruit” when it comes to ballpark fare, but some stadiums offer fresh fruit cups. This usually is a safe gluten-free snack option.
8. Frozen Treats
Basic flavors of ice cream typically are gluten-free, but always check with the vendor to confirm ingredients and potential cross-contamination risks, especially when cones are being served. Minute Maid Soft Frozen Lemonade is also a staple at many MLB stadiums. It’s gluten-free.
Furthermore, remember, as the consumer, you must communicate any dietary restrictions or allergies to the concession staff to ensure the safe preparation of your food. Cross-contamination risks abound, especially in stadiums where cooking equipment is likely shared with gluten-filled items.
Always verify ingredients and preparation methods to minimize the risk of accidental gluten consumption.
Gluten-Free at MLB stadiums – By Team and Ballpark
Many Major League Baseball stadiums now offer expanded gluten-free options to accommodate fans with dietary restrictions. Nonetheless, the availability of specific gluten-free items can vary from stadium to stadium.
Before heading to the stadium, it’s advisable to call ahead and inquire about their specific gluten-free offerings. Moreover, inquire about their policy regarding bringing your own food into the ballpark, as this is often the safest option if permitted.
Here are a few stadiums known to provide gluten-free options:
GF at MLB stadiums: Arizona Diamondbacks – Eating Gluten-Free at Chase Field
Chase Field has several gluten-free options, including the “avoiding gluten dog.” The “avoiding gluten dog” can be found at the Four Peaks concession stand near section 139 and at A-Zona Street Tacos near section 207. Read more in this article in AZCentral. The article also highlights other gluten-free food items at Chase Field, including a cheese pizza from Streets of New York (Sections 113, 124, 305 and 318) and nachos, which are served throughout the stadium. Click this link for more details about gluten-free options at Chase Field.
GF at MLB stadiums: Atlanta Braves – Eating Gluten-Free at Truist Park
A Gluten Free Concessions Stand is located in Section 112. Other gluten-free food options available at concession stands throughout the ballpark are fresh cut fries, nachos, Cracker Jack, peanuts, popcorn, and Angry Orchard Cider. Salads can be found in Sections 110, 149, 161, 212, and 242. Fresh fruit bowls are available in Sections 109, 149, 155, 212 and 242.
GF at MLB stadiums: Boston Red Sox – Eating Gluten-Free at Fenway Park
Gluten-free options at Fenway Park include the Gluten-Free Stand on Gate A Concourse. In addition, gluten-free buns are available as well at Home Plate Concourse, Kids Concourse, and Sam Deck. MingsBings, Chef Ming Tsai’s gluten-free vegan pocket line, is sold at Jersey Street and Sam Deck.
Photo Credit: MingsBings
GF at MLB stadiums: Chicago Cubs – Eating Gluten-Free at Wrigley Field
According to this MLB/Wrigley Field accessibility link, gluten-free options include hot dogs, hamburgers, salads, and Tostitos nachos, which are available at several concession stands throughout the ballpark. Find salads at Marquee Market in Section 218 and Waveland Grill 505 in Lower Bleachers. Gluten-free hot dogs and hamburgers are available at Marquee Classics in Section 117, Third Base Classics in Section 110, First Base Classics in Section 123, and Upper Deck Classics in Sections 309 and 324. Tostito Nachos are available in the above listed sections as well as multiple other concession stands.
GF at MLB stadiums: Cleveland Guardians – Eating Gluten-Free at Progressive Field
Progressive Field in Cleveland, home to my own hometown heroes, has a gluten-free section behind home plate (Section 153), featuring hamburgers, jumbo hot dogs, peanuts, and White Claw hard seltzers. Additionally, many stands offer gluten-free items, like peanuts, popcorn, and Cracker Jack. To maximize a safe dining experience, fans with food allergies or food sensitivities are encouraged to bring food from home. You can bring soft-sided coolers into the ballpark, subject to inspection.
GF at MLB stadiums: Colorado Rockies – Eating Gluten-Free at Coors Field
Coors Field has an exclusive gluten-free stand in Section 143, offering hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken sandwiches on gluten-free buns, gluten-free veggie quesadillas, and gluten-free cookies. Fresh salads are also available at multiple locations.
GF at MLB stadiums: Los Angeles Dodgers – Eating Gluten-Free at Dodger Stadium
If you’re craving a Dodger Dog, Gluten-Free Dodger Dogs can be found at Top Deck Dogs at Top Deck 5. According to this GFF Magazine article, they are cooked separately and clearly labeled. Mediterranean bowls can be found on field level Section 40. Dole Whip is available at Left Field Plaza and Top Deck 4. Yes, Disney Dodger Fans, I said DOLE WHIP! Minute Maid Soft Frozen Lemonade, popcorn, frozen yogurt and soft serve ice cream are offered throughout the park, as are fruit and salads, available from Healthy Cards.
GF at MLB stadiums: Philadelphia Phillies – Eating Gluten-Free at Citizens Bank Park
Citizens Bank Park includes a Gluten-Free Dedicated Stand (behind Section 122), featuring hot dogs, cheesesteaks, salads, brownies, chewy marshmallow treats and beer/seltzers, which are all gluten free, according to the MLB ballpark concessions site.
GF at MLB stadiums: San Francisco Giants – Eating Gluten-Free at Oracle Park
Oracle Park features two restaurants behind the centerfield wall in The Garden where you can find gluten-free food. The menu at Hearth Table is entirely gluten-free and features all-beef hot dogs and Italian sausage with gluten-free buns, seasonal salads, and gluten-free flatbreads. Garden Table offers salads, soups, and smoothies, with several gluten-free options available, so be sure to ask. More typical ballpark fare includes gluten-free hot dogs and gluten-free buns from Budweiser Brew Pub (Section 112), fruit and salads from Farmer’s Market Cart on the Club Level, and nachos and burrito bowls at Mission St. Nachos. Top off your day at the ballpark with a Ghirardelli World Famous Hot Fudge Sundae.
Photo Credit: Ghiradelli
GF at MLB stadiums: Tampa Bay Rays – Eating Gluten-Free at Tropicana Field
Gluten-Free Fan Favorites in RF Street (Section 148) offers several ballpark favorites gluten-free style, including: Gluten-free chicken tender baskets; Nathan’s hot dogs with gluten-free buns; and Smash Burgers with gluten-free buns; French fries; and gluten-free pretzel bites with cheese dipping sauce (see here). Most concession stands also offer Udi’s Gluten-Free Hamburger & Hotdog Rolls upon request. Cheesesteak Nachos at Melted on the Budweiser Porch; Loaded BBQ chicken/pulled pork nachos at Third Base Food Hall; Chicken salad from Chicken Salad Chick at Third Base Food Hall); milkshakes at Epic Milkshakes (Section 107); and Italian Ice at Carousel Icery (Section 107) are other gluten-free options at Tropicana Field.
GF at MLB stadiums: Washington Nationals – Eating Gluten-Free at Nationals Park
Head over to Eli’s Crepes (Section 113) and Los Cinco Tacos (Section 309) at Nationals Park for gluten-free options. Moreover, according to MLB’s ballpark concession guide, Arepa Zone (Sections 148 and 304) offers the lowest risk of cross-contamination, as all food products at these locations are gluten-free. Nationals Park also permits fans to bring in single-serving food items if they’re in an approved bag per the stadium’s bag policy or carried in your hands for security screening.
Keep in mind that offerings and availability can change. Therefore, it’s advisable to check the specific stadium or team website closer to your visit date for the most up-to-date information on gluten-free options. Additionally, consider directly inquiring at concession stands upon arrival to confirm the availability of gluten-free items.
Gluten-Free at MLB stadiums: Safely navigating ballpark food options
Here are some tips to make your day at the ballpark enjoyable and filled with safe eating:
- Prioritize calling ahead to inquire about available gluten-free food options at the stadium.
- Determine if you can bring your own food into the stadium, not only ensuring access to gluten-free options but also saving money.
- Always read ingredient labels diligently. If feasible, request to see the allergen list from the foodservice counter.
Enjoy your gluten-free dining experience at the ballpark!
Let me know in the comments which other ballparks you’d like me to cover.