Low FODMAP at Popeyes - Complete Ordering Guide
Complete guide to ordering low FODMAP at Popeyes. Safe menu items, what to avoid, and how to customize your order.
✓ Safe Items to Order
| Item | Notes | Modifications |
|---|---|---|
| Green Beans (small portion) | Side dish | May contain bacon and seasonings - ask about preparation |
| Corn on the Cob | Plain corn | Request no butter if lactose-sensitive |
| Coleslaw (small portion) | Check ingredients | May contain HFCS - limit portion size |
✗ Items to Avoid
- • Blackened Chicken Tenders (seasoning contains dried garlic and onion)
- • Blackened Chicken Sandwich (contains garlic and onion in seasoning)
- • Fried chicken (breaded with wheat flour)
- • Chicken sandwich (bun + breading)
- • Biscuits (wheat + dairy)
- • Cajun fries (may have seasoning with garlic/onion)
- • Red beans and rice (beans are high FODMAP)
- • Mashed potatoes with gravy (gravy contains wheat)
- • Jambalaya (contains onion and garlic)
- • Cajun rice (likely contains onion)
Example Orders
Sides-Only Meal
- ✓ Corn on the cob (no butter if lactose-sensitive)
- ✓ Green beans (verify preparation)
- ✓ Water or unsweetened tea
Tip: Popeyes has NO safe chicken options - sides only
Minimal Option
- ✓ Corn on the cob
- ✓ Water
Tip: Consider choosing a different restaurant if possible
Quick Summary
Popeyes is extremely challenging for low FODMAP diners. Their signature Cajun-seasoned fried chicken is breaded and uses seasonings that likely contain garlic and onion. Most of the menu is off-limits.
Honest assessment: Popeyes may not be a good choice for strict low FODMAP diners.
Best bets: Corn on the cob, plain green beans (verify preparation)
Always avoid: ALL chicken (blackened and fried contain garlic/onion), biscuits, beans and rice
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Blackened chicken is NOT safe - seasoning contains dried garlic and onion.
The Cajun Challenge
Popeyes’ entire menu is built around:
- Breaded and fried chicken (wheat flour)
- Cajun seasonings (likely garlic and onion powder)
- Traditional Louisiana sides (beans, rice with seasonings)
- Buttermilk biscuits (wheat + dairy)
How to Order (If You Must)
- Skip ALL chicken - Even blackened chicken contains garlic and onion in the seasoning
- Choose corn on the cob - Your safest option (request no butter if lactose-sensitive)
- Try green beans - Ask about preparation (may contain bacon/seasonings)
- Request plain preparation - No sauces or seasonings on sides
- Consider eating elsewhere - Options are extremely limited
The Blackened Chicken Problem
IMPORTANT: Blackened chicken is NOT low FODMAP safe.
According to Popeyes’ official ingredient information, the Blackened Seasoning contains:
- Dried garlic
- Dried onion
- Paprika, cayenne, salt, black pepper, herbs
This means there are NO safe chicken options at Popeyes for strict low FODMAP followers.
Honest Advice
If you’re dining with a group that wants Popeyes:
- Corn on the cob is your safest and most filling option
- Green beans may work (verify no garlic/onion in preparation)
- This will be a very limited meal - essentially sides only
- Consider eating beforehand and having a small snack here
If you have a choice of restaurant, Popeyes is NOT recommended for low FODMAP diners. Like KFC, all their chicken options contain garlic and onion seasonings.
Last verified: January 2025. Menu items and ingredients can change. Always confirm with restaurant staff.