Why it’s not simple
Standard fish batter is made with wheat flour, which contains gluten. Even chips, which are just potatoes, can pick up gluten if they’re fried in the same oil as battered fish. For someone with coeliac disease, that cross-contamination matters.
What gluten-free fish and chips needs
- A gluten-free batter
- Fresh oil, or a fryer used only for gluten-free food
- Separate utensils and careful handling
- Checked sauces and sides
Coeliac UK has guidance for caterers and for people eating out.
Questions to ask your caterer
- Do you offer gluten-free fish and chips, and how do you prepare it?
- Is it fried in separate oil or a separate fryer?
- Are your chips fried in the same oil as battered fish?
- Which sauces and sides contain gluten?
Not every van can offer a safe gluten-free option. A good caterer will tell you honestly, and you can then plan something else for those guests.
Our approach
Tell us about coeliac guests when you enquire, and we’ll tell you honestly what we can offer for your event.
Coeliac disease or preference?
Some guests avoid gluten as a preference; others have coeliac disease and can become ill from tiny amounts. Ask guests which applies, and tell your caterer. The level of care needed is very different.
If the van can’t help
If a safe gluten-free option isn’t possible, plan an alternative for coeliac guests from your venue or another caterer, and serve it at the same time. Label it clearly and keep it separate from the van’s serving area.
Sides and sauces
Gravy and curry sauce may contain wheat, depending on the recipe, and mushy peas recipes vary. Ask about each item rather than assuming.
Eating out with coeliac disease
Many people with coeliac disease are used to asking questions when they eat out, and appreciate hosts who ask on their behalf in advance. A quiet word with the guest before the event, telling them what’s been arranged, can put them at ease.
Quick answers
Are chip-shop chips gluten-free?
Potatoes are, but chips fried in the same oil as battered fish may not be.
What should we tell the caterer?
That a guest has coeliac disease, not just a preference, and how many.
Planning an event? Tell us about it and we’ll check the date and send a quote.