casual-dining

Low FODMAP at Cracker Barrel - Complete Ordering Guide

Complete guide to ordering low FODMAP at Cracker Barrel. Safe menu items, what to avoid, and how to customize your order.

Last verified: December 26, 2025 View Allergen Menu →

Safe Items to Order

ItemNotesModifications
Grilled Chicken TenderloinPlain grilled chickenRequest no seasoning, no butter
Grilled CatfishPlain grilled fishNo breading, no seasoning
Scrambled EggsPlain eggsCooked in oil, not butter
BaconPlain bacon stripsCheck for maple glaze
Fresh Seasonal FruitLow-allergen optionChoose safe fruits like strawberries, grapes, oranges
Steamed BroccoliSimple vegetable sideNo butter, no seasonings
Corn on the CobPlain cornNo butter if lactose-sensitive

Items to Avoid

  • Biscuits (wheat + dairy)
  • Pancakes and French toast
  • Country-fried items (breaded)
  • Gravy (contains wheat, likely onion)
  • Meatloaf (likely contains onion/garlic)
  • Dumplins (wheat + dairy)
  • Hash Brown Casserole (contains cream of chicken soup - wheat and dairy)
  • Most casseroles (hidden FODMAPs)
  • Cornbread (may contain wheat)

Example Orders

Breakfast

  • Scrambled eggs, cooked in oil
  • Bacon
  • Fresh fruit (specify berries)
  • Coffee, black

Tip: Skip the biscuits that come with breakfast

Dinner

  • Grilled chicken tenderloin, plain
  • Steamed broccoli, no butter
  • Corn on the cob

Tip: Avoid the tempting home-style sides

Quick Summary

Cracker Barrel presents challenges with their home-style Southern cooking, which relies heavily on wheat, butter, and gravies. However, grilled proteins and simple vegetables can work.

Best bets: Grilled chicken, scrambled eggs, bacon, steamed vegetables

Always avoid: Biscuits, country-fried items, gravy, dumplins, casseroles

The Southern Cooking Challenge

Cracker Barrel’s charm is home-style comfort food, which typically includes:

  • Biscuits with everything (wheat)
  • Gravy on everything (wheat + onion)
  • Butter in everything (lactose)
  • Fried preparations (breading)

You’ll need to order against the grain of their menu.

How to Order

  1. Focus on “grilled” - Avoid anything fried or country-fried
  2. Skip the biscuits - They come automatically with most meals
  3. Say no to gravy - Sawmill gravy is a signature but contains wheat
  4. Request plain preparation - Their seasonings may contain FODMAPs
  5. Choose simple sides - Steamed vegetables are your friends

Breakfast Strategy

Breakfast is your best bet at Cracker Barrel:

  • Eggs (scrambled, cooked in oil)
  • Bacon or ham
  • Fresh fruit
  • Skip the pancakes, biscuits, and hash brown casserole

Sides to Consider

Safe(r) sides with modifications:

  • Steamed broccoli (no butter)
  • Corn on the cob (no butter)
  • Applesauce (check for HFCS - small portion)
  • Fresh fruit

Last verified: January 2025. Menu items and ingredients can change. Always confirm with restaurant staff.