Low FODMAP at The Cheesecake Factory - Complete Ordering Guide
Complete guide to ordering low FODMAP at The Cheesecake Factory. Safe menu items, what to avoid, and how to customize your order.
✓ Safe Items to Order
| Item | Notes | Modifications |
|---|---|---|
| Grilled Salmon | Order plain, no glaze | Ask for no sauce, request oil and herbs only |
| Grilled Chicken Breast | Plain grilled chicken | No marinade, no seasoning blend, no sauce |
| Steamed Broccoli | Simple steamed side | Request no butter or garlic |
| Baked Potato | Plain baked potato | Skip sour cream and butter if lactose-sensitive |
| House Salad | Lettuce, tomato, cucumber | Oil and vinegar dressing only, no croutons |
| Sautéed Spinach | Simple green side | Request no garlic, use olive oil only |
| French Fries | Verify cooking oil | Confirm not cooked with onion items |
✗ Items to Avoid
- • All cheesecakes (high lactose and wheat)
- • Pasta dishes (wheat-based)
- • Fried appetizers (breading contains wheat)
- • Cream-based soups
- • Caesar salad (dressing contains garlic)
- • Bang-Bang Chicken and Shrimp (sauce contains garlic)
- • Avocado Toast (bread contains wheat)
- • Most sauces and dressings (contain garlic/onion)
- • Bread basket
Example Orders
Safe Lunch
- ✓ Grilled salmon, plain with lemon
- ✓ Steamed broccoli, no butter
- ✓ Baked potato, plain
- ✓ Unsweetened iced tea
Tip: Ask for all items prepared without seasoning blends
Simple Dinner
- ✓ Grilled chicken breast, no sauce
- ✓ House salad with oil and vinegar
- ✓ Sautéed spinach, no garlic
- ✓ Water with lemon
Tip: Confirm no marinades used on chicken
Steak Dinner
- ✓ Filet mignon, plain with salt and pepper only
- ✓ Baked potato
- ✓ Green beans (if no garlic)
Tip: Verify the steak isn't seasoned with garlic butter
Quick Summary
The Cheesecake Factory is challenging for low FODMAP diners due to the extensive use of sauces, seasonings, and dairy. However, by focusing on simply prepared proteins and plain sides, you can navigate the menu safely.
Best bets: Grilled salmon or chicken (plain), steamed vegetables, baked potato
Always avoid: All cheesecakes, pasta dishes, cream-based items, most sauces
How to Order
When ordering at The Cheesecake Factory, follow these tips:
- Start with the basics - Focus on grilled proteins and simple sides
- Always specify “plain” - Their seasonings typically contain garlic and onion
- Skip the bread basket - It will be offered automatically
- Ask about oils - Confirm vegetables aren’t sautéed in garlic butter
- Get sauces on the side - Or skip them entirely
Staff Communication Tips
The menu is enormous (over 250 items), but staff are generally familiar with dietary restrictions. Say:
“I need to avoid garlic, onion, and wheat. Can I get the grilled [protein] prepared completely plain with just salt and pepper? And steamed broccoli with no butter or seasonings?”
The Cheesecake Challenge
Sadly, all cheesecakes are off-limits for low FODMAP diners due to:
- High lactose content (cream cheese, sour cream)
- Wheat-based crusts
- Many contain high-FODMAP fruits
For dessert, consider fresh berries if available, or skip dessert here.
Last verified: January 2025. Menu items and ingredients can change. Always confirm with restaurant staff.