Can I Eat Gluten-Free at the St. Louis Zoo?

Can you eat gluten-free at the St. Louis Zoo? 

Yes! 

While the St. Louis Zoo has a variety of dining options, from food stands to restaurants, only one of them caters explicitly to guests with food allergies. 

Ray's Snack Shack, located next to Stingrays at Caribbean Cove, features allergy-friendly menu items, free of gluten, tree nuts, peanuts, dairy, and more. You can get chicken strips, pizza, nachos, and Dole Whip. (You can also find Dole Whip at the River Camp Cafe.)

Are you kidding me??? Our favorite Disneyland treat at the St. Louis Zoo???

Ray's Snack Shack also offers gluten-free adult beverages for guests over 21.

In cooler months, Ray's Snack Shack is closed, and you'll need to go to Lakeside Cafe for these allergy-friendly meals.

During our last visit to the St. Louis Zoo, we did not stay for lunch, but we did find a gluten-free and dairy-free snack at one of the food stands: Minute Maid Frozen Lemonade! It was the perfect refreshing treat on a hot morning, and we could eat outside and watch the zoo animals nearby.

You'll also be able to find soft drinks, frozen ICEEs, cotton candy, popcorn, candy, and ice cream throughout the Zoo. Plus, there is a Starbucks inside the Zoo!!

If you're concerned about how food is prepped at Ray's Snack Shack, Lakeside Cafe, or any of the other food stands and restaurants, you can bring in your own food in coolers and picnic baskets. Just don't bring anything in a glass bottle. The Zoo has plenty of picnic areas within its grounds, so you don't have to exit the Zoo to eat.