Summertime comes with lots of fun get together and barbecues, which can be a little tricky to navigate if you’re gluten free. Read below for our best gluten-free grilling tips to ensure a safe celebration!

1. Steer Clear of Cross Contamination

Of course, avoiding cross contamination is easiest if the only food your kitchen & grill comes in contact with is gluten free… but that’s not always the case! If you share space with gluten-eaters, follow these tips:

• Designate a section of your grill to be strictly gluten-free.
• Label and use separate utensils. We’re talking tongs, sauce brushes, spatulas & even your grill brush.
• Use tinfoil (even in your dedicated grill space) to be extra safe!

Things get a little trickier when you’re grilling at a friend of family member’s house. Use these tips when grilling away from home:

• Tinfoil is your best friend and will create a safe barrier between your food and the grill rack.
• Invest in a small, travel-sized grill. It’s like “bring your own beverage” but way cooler ;). This is one way to be completely sure that your food isn’t touching leftover gluten on an unknown grill.
• Talk to your grill master ahead of time to educate them and emphasize the importance of preventing cross-contamination. Even if gluten-free meats are on the menu, double check to ensure the spices & sauces are safe. To be extra cautious, ask the host to leave some meat un-marinated for you.

2. Know Your Meats

Most grill meats are gluten free; however, there are exceptions to this rule. Some brands use fillers that contain wheat, making an unassuming steak or burger unsafe for celiacs. Make sure to check hot dogs and sausages, which are common culprits of hidden gluten. A safe, go-to brand is Applegate, which labels its grill meats gluten free when safe.

3. Season Sensibly

Like in grill meats, gluten can hide in seasonings. Gluten-containing thickeners are sometimes crucial components of spices or seasonings, so do some research before flavoring your grill meats for peace of mind. Make sure to check the labels of any barbecue sauces too!

4. Banish Gluten-Filled Buns

The most obvious obstacle in hosting a gluten-free barbecue is that buns are an expectation. There are two ways to address this issue: substitute gluten-filled buns for lettuce wraps, or buy special gluten free buns. For a list of gluten-free buns click here!

With these tips in mind, you’re in for a wonderful, safe grilling season. Enjoy your 4th of July and the delicious grill-inspired meals that come with it!