The Guide to the Zaxby’s Allergen Menu: Navigating Sesame, Gluten, and Dairy
Introduction: Dine Aware, Not Anxious
For over 32 million Americans with food allergies, dining out requires more than just choosing what looks tasty—it demands vigilance, preparation, and trust. The rise of sesame as the 9th major food allergen has made checking menus more critical than ever.
Zaxby’s, the beloved chain famous for its Buffalo Wings, Chicken Fingerz, and iconic Zax Sauce®, is a crowd-pleaser. But for those managing food sensitivities or life-threatening allergies, its menu can be a maze of hidden ingredients and cross-contamination risks.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We’ve translated the official Zaxby’s allergen information into a clear, easy-to-read resource. Our goal is to empower you to make informed decisions, so you can enjoy your meal with confidence and safety.
Understanding the Big 9: From Milk to Sesame
The U.S. FDA recognizes nine major food allergens:
Milk
Eggs
Fish
Crustacean Shellfish
Tree Nuts
Peanuts
Wheat (a primary source of gluten)
Soybeans
Sesame (Added as of January 1, 2023, under the FASTER Act)
It’s crucial to understand that cross-contamination is a significant risk in any restaurant kitchen. Shared fryer oil, grills, utensils, and prep surfaces can transfer allergens, even to items that don’t contain them as ingredients.
1. Zaxbys Zalads Allergen Menu Information
Menu Item | Milk | Egg | Wheat | Soy | Peanut | Tree Nut | Fish | Shellfish | Sesame | MSG | Gluten |
The Grilled House Zalad | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | |||||
The Fried House Zalad | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | |||||
The Garden House Zalad | |||||||||||
The Grilled Cobb Zalad | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | |||||
The Fried Cobb Zalad | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | |||||
The Garden Cobb Zalad | |||||||||||
The Grilled Asian Zensation Zalad | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ||||
The Fried Asian Zensation Zalad | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ||||
The Garden Asian Zensation Zalad | ∙ | ||||||||||
The Grilled Blue Zalad | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | |||||
The Fried Blue Zalad | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | |||||
The Garden Blue Zalad |
2. Zaxbys Sandwiches Allergen Menu Information
Menu Item | Milk | Egg | Wheat | Soy | Peanut | Tree Nut | Fish | Shellfish | Sesame | MSG | Gluten |
Kickin’ Chicken Sandwich Only | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | |||||
Grilled Chicken Sandwich Only | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | |||||
Nibblerz™ Only | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | |||||
Signature Sandwich (Zax Sauce) | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | |||||
Signature Sandwich (Spicy Zax Sauce) | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | |||||
Add Cheese (1 Slice) | ∙ | ||||||||||
Add Bacon (2 Slices) | ∙ |
3. Chicken Plates & Meals Zaxbys Allergen Menu Information
Menu Item | Milk | Egg | Wheat | Soy | Peanut | Tree Nut | Fish | Shellfish | Sesame | MSG | Gluten |
Chicken Finger Plate (4,5,6) | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | |||||
Buffalo Chicken Finger Plate (4,5,6) | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | |||||
Boneless Wings & Things | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | |||||
Buffalo Boneless Wings & Things | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | |||||
Traditional Wings & Things | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | |||||
Buffalo Traditional Wings & Things | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | |||||
Boneless Wings Meal (5) | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | |||||
Traditional Wings Meal (5) | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | |||||
Big Zax Snak Meal | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | |||||
Buffalo Big Zax Snak Meal | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ |
4. Chicken Protein (No Sides) Zaxbys Allergen Menu Information
Menu Item | Milk | Egg | Wheat | Soy | Peanut | Tree Nut | Fish | Shellfish | Sesame | MSG | Gluten |
Chicken Finger (No Sauce) | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | |||||
Chicken Finger with any Sauce | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | |||||
Boneless Wings (No Sauce) | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | |||||
Boneless Wings with any Sauce | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | |||||
Traditional Wings (No Sauce) | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | |||||
Traditional Wings with any Sauce | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ |
5. Sauces & Dressings Zaxbys Allergen Menu Information
Menu Item | Milk | Egg | Wheat | Soy | Peanut | Tree Nut | Fish | Shellfish | Sesame | MSG | Gluten |
Sauces (Dip Cups) | |||||||||||
Ranch Sauce | ∙ | ∙ | |||||||||
Honey Mustard | ∙ | ||||||||||
Zax Sauce® | ∙ | ∙ | |||||||||
Spicy Zax Sauce® | ∙ | ∙ | |||||||||
Hot Honey Mustard | ∙ | ||||||||||
Teriyaki | ∙ | ∙ | |||||||||
Dressings (1oz) | |||||||||||
Blue Cheese | ∙ | ||||||||||
Ranch | ∙ | ∙ | |||||||||
Honey Mustard | ∙ | ||||||||||
Citrus Vinaigrette | ∙ | ||||||||||
Lite Vinaigrette |
6. Zaxbys Sides Allergen Menu Information
Menu Item | Milk | Egg | Wheat | Soy | Peanut | Tree Nut | Fish | Shellfish | Sesame | MSG | Gluten |
Chicken Bacon Ranch Loaded Fries | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | |||||
Fried White Cheddar Bites | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | |||||
1/2 Order Fried White Cheddar Bites | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | |||||
Texas Toast (1 slice/Basket) | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ||||||||
Fried Pickles | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ||||||||
Cole Slaw – side | ∙ | ||||||||||
Asian Slaw – side | ∙ | ||||||||||
Veggie Eggroll – 1 Eggroll | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ||||||||
Crinkle Fries (Reg/Large) | |||||||||||
Tater Chips – Basket |
7. Zaxbys Kids Meals Allergen Information
Menu Item | Milk | Egg | Wheat | Soy | Peanut | Tree Nut | Fish | Shellfish | Sesame | MSG | Gluten |
Chicken Fingerz with Zax Sauce | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | |||||
Grilled Cheese Sandwich Only | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ||||||||
Kid’s Crinkle Fries | |||||||||||
Goldfish Giant Grahams, Vanilla | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ||||||||
Rice Krispie Treat | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ |
8.Zaxbys Treats Allergen Information
Menu Item | Milk | Egg | Wheat | Soy | Peanut | Tree Nut | Fish | Shellfish | Sesame | MSG | Gluten | |
Chocolate Chip Cookie | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ||||||||
Fried Cheesecake Bites | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ||||||
1/2 Order Fried Cheesecake Bites | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ||||||
All Handcrafted Milkshakes | ∙ |
9. Zaxbys Drinks Allergen Information
Menu Item | Milk | Egg | Wheat | Soy | Peanut | Tree Nut | Fish | Shellfish | Sesame | MSG | Gluten |
Milk / Chocolate Milk | ∙ | ||||||||||
Apple Juice | |||||||||||
All Other Drinks (Tea, Soda, Lemonade, etc.) |
10. Zaxbys Catering Allergen Information
Menu Item | Milk | Egg | Wheat | Soy | Peanut | Tree Nut | Fish | Shellfish | Sesame | MSG | Gluten |
All Zalad Platters (House, Cobb, Asian) | [See Zalads] | [See Zalads] | [See Zalads] | [See Zalads] | [See Zalads] | [See Zalads] | [See Zalads] | ||||
Zaxby’s Signature Sandwich Platter | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | |||||
2 Nibbler Sandwiches | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | |||||
Grilled Chicken Sandwich Platter | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | |||||
Texas Toast Platter (Half Piece) | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ||||||||
Tater Chips Platter | |||||||||||
Cole Slaw (Small/Large) | ∙ | ||||||||||
1 Nibbler (No Sauce) | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ | ∙ |
11. Bottled Sauce Zaxbys Allergen Menu Information
Menu Item | Milk | Egg | Wheat | Soy | Peanut | Tree Nut | Fish | Shellfish | Sesame | MSG | Gluten |
Zax Sauce® (Entire Container) | ∙ | ∙ |
The Complete Zaxbys Allergen Menu
The following table is based directly on the official Zaxby’s allergen guide. A dot (∙) indicates the presence of that allergen in the menu item.
[Insert the Comprehensive Allergen Table From Above Here]
Key Takeaways from the Data:
The Shared Fryer is the Biggest Risk: This is the most important point. While Crinkle Fries and Tater Chips themselves may not contain major allergens, they are fried in the same oil as breaded chicken, cheese bites, and pickles. They are cross-contaminated with milk, egg, wheat, and soy.
Sesame is Here: As mandated by law, sesame is present. You’ll find it primarily in the Asian Zensation Zalad (due to the slaw and dressing) and the Citrus Vinaigrette dressing.
Sauces Hold Secrets: Your sauce choice matters.
Zax Sauce® and Spicy Zax Sauce® contain egg and soy.
Ranch contains milk and egg.
Honey Mustard and Hot Honey Mustard contain egg.
Teriyaki sauce contains soy and sesame.
“Grilled” Doesn’t Mean “Allergen-Free”: While a Grilled Chicken Sandwich avoids the shared fryer, it still contains milk, egg, wheat, and soy in the bun, seasoning, and from preparation on a shared grill.
How to Order at Zaxby’s with Food Allergies: A Step-by-Step Guide
Know Before You Go: Review the table above and identify a few potential safe options based on your allergies.
Communicate Clearly: When you order, clearly state your allergy to the cashier. Use direct language: “I have a severe wheat allergy. I need to know if this can be prepared safely.”
Ask the Right Questions:
“Can you check the allergen guide for this item?”
“Is there a dedicated fryer for fries that isn’t used for chicken?” (The answer is almost always no).
“Can my grilled chicken be prepared on a clean surface to avoid cross-contact with other allergens?”
Consider Lower-Risk Choices:
For Gluten/Wheat Avoidance: Options are extremely limited. A Grilled Zalad without croutons or fried onions, with a simple dressing (like Lite Vinaigrette) on the side is a possibility, but grill cross-contact is a risk.
For Dairy/Milk Avoidance: Stick to non-breaded, non-cheese items. A Traditional Wings meal with a non-dairy sauce (like Tongue Torch) and a side like plain Cole Slaw could be an option, but you must confirm no butter is used on the wings.
Verify Your Order: Check your food before you leave the restaurant to ensure it matches your request.
Summary & Critical Disclaimer
Important Note on Cross-Contamination:
This guide reflects allergens present as ingredients based on the official Zaxby’s allergen chart. However, the Zaxby’s kitchen environment involves shared cooking and preparation areas. Cross-contamination between allergens is possible and likely.
Shared Fryer Oil: This is the most significant risk. Items like Crinkle Fries and Tater Chips are fried in the same oil as breaded chicken, cheese bites, and pickles. Therefore, they are cross-contaminated with milk, egg, wheat, and soy even though they do not contain these ingredients inherently.
Shared Grills & Prep Surfaces: Allergens can be transferred from one item to another on shared grills, cutting boards, and utensils.
The Sesame Law: As stated in the PDF, sesame is now the 9th major allergen. It is present in the Asian Zensation Zalad and Citrus Vinaigrette dressing.
Always inform the staff of severe allergies. While this chart provides a detailed overview, recipes and preparation practices can change. Your safety is paramount. For the most current information, always consult the official allergen guide available at your local Zaxby’s or speak directly with a manager about their specific safety protocols. When in doubt, making an alternative dining choice is the safest option.
FAQs
Q: Does Zaxby’s have a gluten-free menu?
A: Yes, Grilled chicken, fries, and salads (no croutons) are gluten-free.
Q: Are Zaxby’s dairy-free sauces available?
A: Yes, Try Buffalo or Teriyaki sauce. Avoid Zax Sauce (has dairy).
Q: Are Zaxby’s fries nut-free?
A: Yes, but fryers may share oil with gluten items. Ask staff.
Q: Can I get the allergen PDF online?
A: Yes, Visit Zaxby’s website or ask for it in-store.
Q: What is the safest thing to order with a milk allergy?
A: Options are limited. Traditional Wings (plain or with a non-dairy sauce like Nuclear), Cole Slaw, and drinks are potential choices. You must avoid all breaded items, cheese, most sauces, and desserts. Always double-check with staff.
