Dedicated Gluten-Free Fast Food, Made From Scratch

“It's late at night, I'm gluten intolerant, and was extremely hungry when to my surprise, this place is a thing! I've never had such healthy food taste so good late at night! I'm so happy this place exists!” - Ambrozia K., Hollywood

At Ben’s Fast Food, our entire menu is gluten-free — no substitutions, no second-guessing, and clear guidance for gluten-sensitive eaters. Every bowl, every side, every sauce is made without gluten-containing ingredients. Whether you have celiac disease, a gluten sensitivity, or you’re just trying to eat better without the bloat, you can feel confident ordering from Ben’s.

We don't use fryers, wheat flour, or hidden thickeners in anything we make — just real food made from scratch with ingredients you can recognize. From fiber-rich millet and brown rice to slow-roasted proteins and vibrant veggies, every meal is nutrient-dense and naturally gluten-free. And because we operate from delivery and takeout optimized kitchens, your gluten-free meal is ready fast — whether you're picking it up or having it delivered to your door. We've built our systems around convenience, safety, and speed — so you can eat well, wherever you are.

Fast, Flavorful, and Totally Gluten-Free — No Guesswork

🙌 Why We’ve Been Gluten-Free Since Day One (And What That Means for Our Menu)

Our commitment to gluten-free food began at home. Ben, our founder, designed the original Ben’s Fast Food menu around his wife’s gluten allergy — testing every meal with her and their gluten free friends in mind so they could enjoy everything he made. No separate menu, no substitutions, just one standard: 100% gluten-free from the start.

We wanted to create the kind of menu that makes you feel at ease the moment you open it — no scanning for disclaimers, no second-guessing. Just pick what looks good and know it's safe.

That’s why we built our menu around whole, naturally gluten-free ingredients like millet, brown rice, legumes, and fresh vegetables. No white flour, no breaded shortcuts, and minimized risk of cross-contact thanks to our gluten-free by default menu. Our bowls deliver the nutrients you need — fiber, protein, and complex carbs — in craveable combinations that never feel like compromises.

👉 Read more about our mission →

⚠️ How We Handle Gluten Risk (And Why We’re Still a Safe Option)

We know that when you eat gluten-free — especially for medical reasons — transparency matters. So here’s how we operate:

  • ✅ Dedicated gluten-free kitchen: No flour, no wheat, no fryers — shared or otherwise. Our kitchen is used exclusively by us and is operated only by our team.

  • 🏢 Shared building environment: We operate in modern restaurant takeout and delivery hubs (often called cloud kitchens), where several restaurant brands operate under one roof — each in their own dedicated kitchen suite. Our space is used exclusively by Ben’s and is never shared with other teams. All our food preparation and order assembly happens inside this enclosed, dedicated kitchen.

  • 📦 Storage context: We share a central storage room with other restaurants in the building. Ben’s ingredients are stored on clearly labeled, physically separated racks that are used only by our team and regularly monitored.

  • 🚚 Ingredient sourcing risk: Some of our suppliers handle both gluten-free and gluten-containing products in their warehouses and the trucks they use to deliver to our locations. While we prep and cook all meals in our own gluten-free kitchen, we cannot control external warehouse and truck handling before ingredients arrive.

  • 📬 Delivery variables: If you order delivery, once your food leaves our hands, transit conditions are managed by third-party delivery platforms. We seal everything securely, but please inspect your order if you have a high sensitivity.

Important Note: We serve many gluten-sensitive and celiac customers every day, and we're proud of the menu and systems we've built to help make that possible. From ingredient sourcing to prep protocols, we’ve taken extra steps to reduce risk wherever we can. While no restaurant can guarantee absolute zero gluten exposure, we believe in full transparency so you can make informed choices that feel right for you. For a more detailed breakdown of our risk protocols, especially if you are highly sensitive to gluten or have Celiac, please visit our Celiac guide.

🔍 We Keep It Simple — and Safe

Ben’s food philosophy is built on whole ingredients and minimal processing. That means we know exactly what’s going into your bowl — no mystery flours, no long ingredient lists, and no hidden gluten. We use real vegetables, naturally gluten-free grains like millet and brown rice, and spices you can pronounce.

We don’t rely on gluten-free “alternatives” that mimic bread or pasta. Instead, we focus on bold sauces, slow roasted proteins, crunchy greens, and complex textures that deliver the kind of satisfaction you’d expect from your favorite restaurant.

With no breaded components, no soy sauce shortcuts, and no refined flour, we make it easy to eat well and feel good about what’s in your meal.

📙 What is Gluten, Really?

🧠 Gluten Fast Facts

  • Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye — it gives bread its chew and helps baked goods hold shape. (Mayo Clinic)

  • Up to 6% of people may have non-celiac gluten sensitivity, which causes similar symptoms but isn’t autoimmune. (Cleveland Clinic)

  • About 1% of the U.S. population has celiac disease, an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten. That’s roughly 2 million people in the US. (NIH)

  • Gluten is often hidden in sauces, soups, and marinades — which is why we make everything from scratch with transparent ingredients.

  • Gluten affects more than just the gut: Studies show gluten can also impact skin (dermatitis herpetiformis), joints, and even mood in sensitive individuals. (Healthline)

Want to learn more about what gluten is and why it matters?

Here are some trusted resources:

💬 What Our Gluten-free Customers Say

“The Wagyu Beef Mixed Bowl was soooo good, the meat was so tender and packed with flavor. Got it with the chipotle sauce which was soooo good too. This place is so bomb - and the fact that it's gluten / dairy / soy free is amazing!” - Jessica M., Denver

“Fantastic. Stopped in on my way to Redding and was blown away that I could eat anything on the menu safely as I’m allergic to dairy, gluten, and soy. Not only that but it was delicious. I haven’t had plant based ranch this good ever. Knowing the ingredients were good and the flavor being as good as it was, I’m so impressed. I will definitely be stopping by here next time I’m in the area.” - Lauren B., Sacramento

“I was so excited to see Ben’s Fast Food on Uber Eats. I fell in love with Ben’s Fast Food in Oakland - this food is good I would make for myself. This location is strategically placed between Times Square and Hells Kitchen… where there are really no choices if you want gluten free, clean and better for you food without added sugars. Perfect portions, perfect flavors! Thank you Ben! This is not a franchise either - you can see the quality and love put into the food. Sorry no pics cause I ate it all!” - Lacey D., NYC Times Square

“This is some of the best and healthiest "fast food" you will ever find. It's incredible. I was skeptical, but I fell in love when I tried it. I've talked other people into trying it and they had a similar experience. It's also some of the best gluten free food you'll find in the Bay Area.” - Steven B., San Mateo

“Heya folks... So this evening my family and I tried Ben's Fast Food for the first time & WOW...! I can't say enough good things... In fact I was so jazzed to write this, that i stopped eating and started writing..I haven't even tried the dessert yet. Fyi... I ordered the chickpea & potato mixed bowl with avocado ( Ben's ranch sauce & Lemon Thyme) This was both vegan & gluten free and soooo friggin' good!!!!! My husband ordered the chicken hardy bowl... and he loved it... all those veggies!!! Yummy! We order multiple green smoothies and I have to say I consider myself a kind of connoisseur of all green drinks... and this is one killer green smoothie. As I wrote this I dug into that Dark Chocolate Cashew Pudding... and the ground coffee on top really sets it off (it's also decaf, if ya care). As a general rule... I have to say that most vegan chocolate pudding is pretty vile... but not this one! If you are into being healthy... this place is a winner.. TRY IT, you won't be disappointed.” - Lauren W., Santa Monica

😋 Flavor Comes First — No Sad Gluten-Free Swaps

Let’s be honest — gluten-free food has a reputation. And not always a good one. Ben’s had his fair share of sad, chalky pizza crusts and sandwiches that fall apart halfway through lunch. So when we built the Ben’s menu, we said no to imitation breads and “just like the real thing” gimmicks.

Instead, we leaned into what actually tastes good: roasted chicken with smoky chipotle sauce. Millet bowls with chickpeas and lemon-thyme. Spicy greens. Savory pork. Whole ingredients with big flavor — that just happen to be gluten-free.

Our team taste-tests every sauce and mix-in. We balance crunch with creaminess, spice with richness, and heartiness with freshness — all without gluten.

Whether you’re here for a quick lunch or a late-night bite, our food isn’t something you have to apologize for. You’ll want to share it — and your friends won’t even ask if it’s “the gluten-free one.”

👥 Who It's For

Whether you're managing a medical condition or just trying to feel better day to day, our gluten-free menu is here to support you:

  • For Celiacs: Peace of mind knowing every ingredient is gluten-free — and a dedicated guide for celiac customers if you need more detail.

  • For Parents: Safe, healthy meals you can trust for your kids.

  • For Gluten-Free Newcomers: An easy intro to a no-stress, flavorful diet.

  • For Athletes and Food-Conscious Eaters: Fuel that’s clean, balanced, and naturally gluten-free.

  • For Everyone Else: Real food that happens to be gluten-free — and surprisingly delicious.

🔗 Want More Allergy-Friendly Options?

Explore our other "Ways to Eat" for different dietary needs:

Each one is just as carefully crafted, with ingredients that work for real life diet and allergy management.

Gluten-Free FAQs

  • Our kitchen is dedicated gluten-free and does not use any gluten-containing ingredients. We take extensive precautions to avoid cross-contact, and many customers with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease eat here regularly without issue. That said, if you're highly sensitive, we recommend reviewing our full risk factors to make the choice that feels right for you.

  • Many do! We don’t use gluten in our kitchens and we take meaningful steps to minimize cross-contact risk. However, trace gluten may be present due to supplier practices or shared building storage. Please review our Celiac guide and consult your doctor to determine if our food is right for your needs.

  • Absolutely. Every sauce, side, and add-on is gluten-free — even the ranch.

  • Yes! Everything is dairy-free, and most dishes are plant-based unless you add meat.

  • Nope. Every item is gluten-free by default — no changes needed.

  • Our kitchen is designed for takeout and delivery, and all meals are packed with care to help minimize cross-contact during transit. We seal containers and use tamper-evident packaging whenever possible. While we can’t control how third-party platforms handle food in transit, many gluten-sensitive and celiac customers trust our takeout and delivery regularly. See our full risk factors section above to find out more.

Part of a Gluten-Free Family of Brands

Ben’s Fast Food is part of a family of restaurants that are fully gluten-free — including Palmita and Umami Express. All brands follow the same high standards and food safety practices as BFF, with dedicated gluten-free kitchens, simple whole ingredients, and a strong commitment to transparency. If you're ordering for a group or want to explore more gluten-free options, check them out!