1. Corn Tortillas
Corn tortillas are a natural gluten-free alternative to wheat tortillas. However, some corn tortillas are not pure corn! Certain restaurants might use corn tortillas that have wheat flour added – which makes them cheaper to produce. Always check when ordering corn tortillas that they are 100% corn-based.
2. Tortilla Chips
The chips served with salsa/guacamole and nachos are often corn chips. However, some restaurants fry tortilla chips in oil to make them crispy. Sometimes this oil is the same used for frying wheat tortilla dishes such as chimichangas or battered fish included in fish tacos. This can cause cross-contamination. Always ask about whether chips are fried and if the fryer is shared with other wheat-based dishes
3. Sauces and Seasonings.
Certain sauces, such as enchilada sauce and queso, may be thickened with wheat starch. The spice mixes coated on otherwise gluten-free meat dishes (such as carnitas and chicken tacos) can sometimes have flour in them as well. Always double-check with seasonings and sauces.