Looking for something fresh, customizable, and quick to grab while you’re on the go? Mad Greens is a fast-casual restaurant that specializes in salads, warm grain bowls, wraps, sides, and fresh juices.
Mad Greens started in Denver, Colorado, and has since expanded to locations throughout Colorado, Arizona, and Texas. The restaurant focuses on made-to-order meals with plenty of options to customize your order.
For someone following a gluten-free diet, Mad Greens can be an appealing option because many of the ingredients used are naturally gluten-free. However, Mad Greens is not a gluten-free restaurant, and the company acknowledges that cross-contact can occur.
Here’s what you should know before ordering.
Environment
I have only visited one Mad Greens location in Austin back when I lived there between 2019-2020. The setup was straightforward and convenient for a quick meal.
The restaurant had a serving line with registers at both ends. You start by placing your order, and the employees prepare your meal along the line based on your selections. The customizable format makes it easy to add or leave off ingredients depending on your preferences.
If you’re not eating on the go, Mad Greens also offers seating inside and, at some locations, outside. The atmosphere is casual and relatively simple, which fits the fast-casual concept well.
During my visits, I found the restaurant and serving line to be clean. The staff were also friendly and helpful, which made the ordering process easy.
Food
Salads are a major part of the Mad Greens menu, but the restaurant now offers a variety of salads, warm grain bowls, wraps, sides, and juices. You can choose one of their menu combinations or customize your meal.
If you’re looking for gluten-free Mad Greens options, the restaurant’s website is a useful resources to check before ordering. Mad Greens provides an interactive allergen and nutrition menu, allowing you to review menu items based on specific allergens.
There are currently several menu items specifically identified as gluten-free. These include the Chili Lime Chop Salad, MANGOCADO, Mad Cobb, Southwest Bowl, and Sriracha Sesame Tofu Bowl. The menu also identifies gluten-free dressings and several sides.
Mad Greens does state that its kitchens are not gluten-free and that cross-contact can occur. If you have Celiac Disease or another medical reason to strictly avoid gluten, you’ll want to communicate your needs clearly to the staff and use the allergen information as a starting point when deciding what to order.
The menu has changed since my original visit, so I recommend checking the current allergen menu before each visit. As always, ingredients, menu items, and preparation practices can change.
On my first visit, I decided to build my own salad. Unfortunately, my combination of ingredients didn’t quite work as well as I had hoped! I chose several things that I individually enjoyed, but they didn’t necessarily make the best combination together. Looking back, I think my dressing choice may have been the biggest issue.
Since then, I’ve had better luck choosing one of Mad Greens’ pre-designed salads. I particularly enjoyed the Pomodoro salad (no longer on the menu), which included apples, feta, mixed greens, and vinaigrette. It was a simple combination, but the flavors worked really well together.
Final Thoughts on Gluten Free at Mad Greens
Overall, I enjoy Mad Greens as an option when I’m looking for something fresh and relatively quick. Salads and customizable bowls are especially nice when you want something different from the typical fast-food options.
For someone eating gluten-free, Mad Greens has a number of menu items that may work. I appreciate that the company provides an interactive allergen menu rather than making customers dig through a difficult-to-read PDF.
However, if you have Celiac Disease, remember that Mad Greens is not a gluten-free restaurant and cross-contact is possible. I would recommend reviewing the current allergen menu before visiting, communicating your dietary needs to the staff, and asking questions about preparation if you have concerns about a particular ingredient or menu item.
If you’re looking for a quick meal with plenty of fresh ingredients and customizable gluten-free options, Mad Greens is worth considering.
Disclaimer
The opinions expressed in this blog are based on my personal experiences with restaurants offering gluten-free options. While I aim to provide accurate and helpful information, I cannot guarantee that the gluten-free options at these establishments will meet everyone’s needs or expectations. Cross-contact and ingredient changes are always a possibility.
Please exercise your own judgment and diligence when dining out, particularly if you have Celiac Disease or gluten sensitivity. I am not liable for any adverse effects that may occur from consuming food at any of the restaurants mentioned in this blog. Always confirm with the restaurant staff to ensure your meal meets your specific dietary requirements.
Your safety is your responsibility—eat smart and stay gluten-free!
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