Greetings, gluten warriors! I hope everyone’s doing well and has managed to avoid any recent “oops, is this gluten?” moments.
Lately, I’ve been leaning into a plant-based and whole-food lifestyle—because, you know, health—but when I discovered gluten-free options at McDonald’s, my resolve wavered faster than a crumbling gluten-free sandwich. Naturally, I had to investigate.
Back in September 2019, I found myself in the stunning capital of Hungary—Budapest. I’d only been diagnosed with celiac disease a few months earlier and hadn’t ventured far beyond the U.K. since. If you haven’t been, Budapest is a gem of a city. It’s vibrant, fascinating, and brimming with gluten-free options. Seriously, it’s a coeliac’s playground.
While wandering Budapest in search of safe food, I stumbled upon a McDonald’s that offered gluten-free burgers. Let me tell you, my excitement rivaled finding a rogue gluten-free brownie in the back of the pantry. Not only was I thrilled to try the food, but I was also amazed at how much faster places like Hungary have embraced the gluten-free demand compared to the U.K.
Now, I wouldn’t say I was pining for McDonald’s, but I did miss the convenience of fast food as a fallback. It’s nice to know that if I want a burger in a hurry (and who doesn’t sometimes?), I have an option—even if it does crumble like a poorly made sandcastle.
The burger can be ordered solo or as part of a meal. The fries, however, are a contentious topic among celiacs—so I’ll leave that decision in your capable hands. (Cue the dramatic dun-dun-DUN.) On the bright side, the price wasn’t much higher than a regular meal. That’s a pleasant surprise, considering gluten-free groceries usually feel like they come with a luxury tax.
As for the taste? Well, it was a McDonald’s burger, but with gluten-free bread. The grease seemed to hold things together better than your standard gluten-free loaf, but let’s be real—crumbly bread is inevitable. I think I enjoyed the experience more for the novelty than for the flavor.
Have you been to Budapest? Does your local McDonald’s have gluten-free options? Let me know—I’m always on the hunt for more surprise gluten-free finds!
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