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McDonald's, Burger King offer gluten-free buns in Europe

January 18, 2012

Although such a widespread rollout has yet to hit domestic stores, McDonald's restaurants in Spain, Sweden, Finland and Norway now include gluten-free buns.

The blog Triumph Dining also found that Burger King offers a gluten-free bun in Scandanavia.

McDonald's Spain announced the addition of gluten-free buns in June. The company collaborated with the Spanish Federation of Celiac Associations (FACE) for the rollout.

Gluten-free Appetite posted a statement from Patricia Abril, president and CEO of McDonald's Spain, to introduce the menu item at more than 400 units throughout the country.

"McDonald's has a strong commitment to responsible nutrition and in this sense have always worked to tailor our products to the tastes and nutritional needs of our consumers. With the launch of bread suitable for people with gluten intolerance we take a further step in our commitment to responsible nutrition and hope that celiac patients not only found in McDonald's a restaurant in which to enjoy and eat with total security and confidence, but thereby also contribute to increasing their options of leisure "

In the U.S., some QSRs have embraced the gluten-free diet, including Subway, which has been testing bread for more than a year.

Burger King launched its BK Positive Steps campaign in 2010, which includes a gluten-sensitive menu. The chain's new fries are also gluten-free.

Wendy's and Arby's also both have gluten-free menus available on their websites, and Chick-fil-A's extensive menu for those with gluten intolerance now includes its new kids' meal with grilled chicken nuggets.

According to Fortune/CNN, the number of U.S. restaurants with gluten-free menus rose 61 percent in 2011. Last year, $6.3 billion of gluten-free products – that substitute corn, rice and potatoes for wheat in bread and pastas – were sold.

Read more about health and nutrition.