Belgian Waffle Works offers a gluten-free waffle. However, we use the same waffle irons for every variety we make. We also offer the Udi’s brand of gluten-free bread, buns, muffins and cookies. However, these products are prepared in a kitchen that also produces gluten-containing food. So if you have Celiac Disease or are especially sensitive to gluten, please choose carefully. Ask your server if you have any questions.
In Defense of Bread, Belgian Waffle Works caters to Waffle-Lovers as well as those who choose to go Gluten-Free
In a post she wrote in 2006, blogger Katherine Czapp built a convincing case for why virtually everyone should reject gluten. Pointing to the prevalence of wheat allergy and celiac disease as well as a myriad of immune system disorders which have become increasingly familiar to anyone who follows dieting trends in the U.S., she says that bread has been vilified due to:
- Modern agriculture
- World trade
- Industrialized methods of food production
Once a little-known condition affecting a scant few, gluten sensitivity is said to affect one person in 141 in the United States, which is just shy of 1 percent of the general population. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) defines the condition as “an immune reaction to gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley.” Over the years, the NIH has made strides in increasing awareness about the condition and to provide current, comprehensive, science-based information about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of Celiac Disease (also known as Celiac Sprue, Nontropical Sprue, and Gluten-Sensitive Enteropathy).
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are no “typical” symptoms of Celiac Disease or Gluten Insensitivity, but most people who have either condition share general complaints including bowel difficulties, abdominal pain and distress and bloating. The most effective method for ascertaining whether gluten presents a problem for you is to eliminate it completely from your diet for at least 30 days and monitor your results. If you suspect you might be gluten-sensitive, see your doctor.
At Belgian Waffle Works, we have to admit it. We love gluten. After all—it’s an important part of our doughy, crispy, crunchy homemade waffles. However, we are not insensitive to those who suffer from gluten sensitivity. In fact, we have hired chemists who are working to create a delicious gluten-free proprietary waffle mix for us. And, in the meantime, we have purchased a delicious gluten-free waffle mix which we are preparing to order each day at the restaurant. So if you suffer from *gluten-sensitivity or *Celiac Disease, head on over to Belgian Waffle Works.
Not only are we working on a delicious gluten-free private mix for our waffles, but many of our products are already perfect for people who want to avoid gluten—whether for health reasons or as a method for losing weight. You can enjoy any of our salad dressings except honey mustard, delicious salads that have grilled instead of fried chicken, and we will gladly substitute a side of fresh fruit for French fries. We also carry Udi’s brand gluten-free bread, buns and muffins. The Udi’s brand is a great option for gluten-intolerant diners.
Belgian Waffle Works is a full-service family restaurant located “dockside” at Lake Arrowhead Village since 1982, Featuring 17 original specialty Belgian-style waffles, homemade soups, fresh market salads, gourmet sandwiches, juicy certified Angus beef burgers with homemade buns, Espresso, Cappuccinos, premium desserts, wine, beer, specialty drinks and more. Belgian Waffle Works waffles are made from an exclusive mix, which is available for sale onsite and online at www.belgianwaffle.com. Come join us to celebrate any holiday for breakfast, lunch or dinner. You’ll be glad you did!
*Gluten sensitivity (also gluten intolerance) is a spectrum of disorders, including celiac disease and wheat allergy, in which gluten has an adverse effect on the body. Symptoms include bloating, abdominal discomfort or pain, diarrhea, muscular disturbances and bone or joint pain. It can also cause other unexpected symptoms such as headaches and vertigo, among many others.