Are Five Guys Fries Gluten-Free in France? A Detailed Analysis
For those managing celiac disease or gluten intolerance, finding safe dining options while traveling can be a challenge. When it comes to popular American fast-food chain Five Guys, a common question arises: are their fries gluten-free in France? The good news is that Five Guys' global policy on their fries is consistent and based on naturally gluten-free ingredients and preparation methods. However, understanding the potential risks of cross-contamination is crucial for making an informed and safe choice.
Five Guys Fries: A Gluten-Free Overview
At its core, the Five Guys fry recipe is remarkably simple and naturally gluten-free. The company uses just a few key ingredients: fresh-cut russet potatoes, water for soaking, and 100% refined peanut oil for frying. This simplicity is a major advantage for those avoiding gluten, as it eliminates many hidden sources of contamination often found in other fast-food offerings, such as breading or wheat-based flavorings.
Crucially, Five Guys locations worldwide, including those in France, use dedicated fryers. This means the fries are cooked exclusively in their own fryers, separate from any items that contain gluten, such as buns. This practice significantly reduces the risk of cross-contact from the frying process itself. The Five Guys Style fries are simply salted, while the Cajun Style fries use a gluten-free spice blend.
The Five Guys Experience in France
Five Guys has expanded its presence into France, with locations in cities like Paris, Lyon, and Toulouse. The company's commitment to ingredient transparency and allergen protocols appears to be consistent across its international franchises. Customer reports on specialized gluten-free community sites confirm that the dedicated fryer policy extends to French locations. For example, reviewers on Find Me Gluten Free noted positive experiences with both bun-less burgers and fries, and that staff are aware of gluten-free needs.
How to Order Safely with Celiac Disease in France
While the company's policies are strong, vigilant communication with staff is always the best practice for those with severe sensitivities like celiac disease. Here's a step-by-step guide to ordering safely in a Five Guys in France:
- Order at the counter: Avoid using the self-service kiosks. Ordering directly from a cashier allows you to clearly state your dietary needs and ensures the message is communicated to the kitchen.
- Mention your allergy: Explicitly inform the cashier that you have a gluten allergy. Although Five Guys' internal term might be "allergy," using it is the easiest way to alert the team to the severity of your needs.
- Request fresh gloves: Ask the staff preparing your meal to change their gloves before handling your fries. This prevents any flour or breadcrumbs from the bun station from contaminating your order.
- Request clean surfaces: While fries are made in dedicated fryers, asking for clean prep surfaces is an extra layer of precaution, particularly if you are also ordering a lettuce-wrapped burger.
- Use the app with caution: While convenient, online ordering through an app or delivery service may not allow for the necessary real-time communication about cross-contamination precautions.
Understanding the Risk of Cross-Contamination
It is important to remember that Five Guys is not a dedicated gluten-free facility. Their kitchens handle gluten-containing buns, and there is always a chance of airborne flour or contact with shared surfaces. For most with gluten sensitivity, the dedicated fryers are sufficient. However, for those with severe celiac disease, even trace amounts can be a problem. Five Guys officially states, "While our crew members do all they can to avoid it, there is always a risk of cross-contamination".
Other Five Guys Gluten-Free Menu Items
Beyond the fries, Five Guys offers several other naturally gluten-free items, allowing for a more complete meal in France. All burger patties are 100% ground beef without fillers and are gluten-free. Customers can order any burger without the bun, opting for a lettuce wrap or a bowl instead. All toppings and sauces, with the notable exceptions of malt vinegar and certain milkshake mix-ins like Oreos and Biscoff, are also gluten-free.
Five Guys France vs. Other Fast Food Chains
| Feature | Five Guys (France) | McDonald's (France) | Burger King (France) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fries Ingredients | Fresh-cut potatoes, refined peanut oil, salt | Potatoes, dextrose, sodium acid pyrophosphate, fried in a blend of canola, corn, and soy oils | Potatoes, vegetable oil, seasoning, dextrose |
| Dedicated Fryer | Yes | No, fries are cooked in shared fryers | No, fries are cooked in shared fryers |
| Cross-Contamination Risk | Medium (due to shared kitchen space) | High (due to shared fryer and kitchen) | High (due to shared fryer and kitchen) |
| Celiac Safety | Good, with careful ordering | Not safe for celiacs | Not safe for celiacs |
Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice
When assessing whether to enjoy Five Guys fries in France, it's a decision that weighs company policy against personal risk tolerance. The official Five Guys policy provides a high degree of confidence: their fries are made from naturally gluten-free ingredients and cooked in dedicated fryers. This makes them a significantly safer choice than many other fast-food fries that share fryers with gluten-containing items. For those with less severe sensitivities, this should be a perfectly safe option. However, for individuals with celiac disease, the residual risk of cross-contamination in a shared kitchen, from things like shared surfaces and airborne particles, must always be considered. By communicating clearly with staff and taking simple precautions, you can enjoy Five Guys' classic fries with greater peace of mind.
