Are In-N-Out Burger Buns Gluten-Free? Your Complete Guide

October 30, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the official In-N-Out allergen information, the hamburger buns are made with enriched wheat flour and vital wheat gluten. This means that In-N-Out burger buns are not gluten-free and should be avoided by anyone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Quick Summary

In-N-Out's buns contain wheat and are not gluten-free, but customers can order a 'Protein Style' burger wrapped in lettuce to avoid gluten. While the fries are cooked in a dedicated fryer, severe cross-contamination risks exist with other items unless specific precautions are requested.

Key Points

Buns Contain Gluten: In-N-Out's buns are made with enriched wheat flour and vital wheat gluten and are not gluten-free.
Protein Style is the Solution: To avoid gluten, order any burger "Protein Style," which replaces the bun with a lettuce wrap.
Fries are Generally Safe: The french fries are cooked in a dedicated fryer with sunflower oil and are considered safe from cross-contamination.
Cross-Contamination is a Risk: Because gluten-containing buns are prepared in the same area, there is a risk of cross-contamination with other food items.
Use the 'Gluten Allergy' Phrase: When ordering, clearly state "gluten allergy" to prompt staff to follow special preparation procedures, including changing gloves and using clean utensils.
Request Sauce Packets: Avoid the communal sauce dispenser by requesting sealed packets of spread, ketchup, or mustard to eliminate a potential source of cross-contamination.
Ask About Grilled Onions: Grilling onions are sometimes turned with the same spatula used for buns, so it is best to confirm preparation methods or request whole onions instead.

In-N-Out Burger, a beloved fast-food chain, is known for its simple menu and high-quality standards. However, for individuals with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, understanding the menu is crucial. The straightforward answer is that In-N-Out burger buns are not gluten-free. The buns contain wheat flour and vital wheat gluten, which are sources of gluten.

Decoding the In-N-Out Allergen Menu

To navigate In-N-Out safely, diners must be aware of more than just the buns. The official allergen information confirms that the standard buns contain wheat and wheat gluten. This necessitates a different approach to ordering to ensure a safe, gluten-free meal. Understanding the ingredients beyond just the bun is key, as other components can also pose a risk if not handled correctly.

Safe Gluten-Free Alternatives at In-N-Out

Fortunately, In-N-Out has multiple ways to customize an order to be gluten-free. The most popular option is to order a burger "Protein Style," which replaces the bun with a crisp lettuce wrap. This simple modification allows you to enjoy the burger patty, cheese, and fresh vegetables without any gluten-containing bread. This option is also popular with those following low-carb or keto diets. For those who want to avoid bread entirely, the "Flying Dutchman" is another choice, consisting of two beef patties and two slices of cheese without a bun or lettuce.

The Crucial Issue of Cross-Contamination

While In-N-Out can accommodate gluten-free requests, it is important to address the risk of cross-contamination, especially for those with celiac disease. In-N-Out is not a dedicated gluten-free facility, and gluten-containing products are handled in the kitchen. Several precautions can be taken to minimize this risk:

Dedicated Fryer: In-N-Out's french fries are cooked in a dedicated fryer with 100% sunflower oil, so they are considered safe for those avoiding gluten. This is a major plus for a fast-food chain.
Spread and Utensils: The signature spread is technically gluten-free, but the potential for cross-contact is high because utensils used for spreading it on buns may also be used for other orders. It is safer to request sealed packets of spread, ketchup, or mustard instead.
Grilling Surfaces: The preparation of burgers is another potential source of cross-contamination. Some online sources and former employees suggest that spatulas and grilling surfaces may come into contact with both buns and patties. Always inform the cashier that you have a severe gluten allergy and ask them to use clean utensils and prepare your order in a separate, clean area.

Comparing Gluten-Free Practices: In-N-Out vs. Other Chains

To understand In-N-Out's gluten-free options in context, it is helpful to compare them with other major fast-food chains. While no fast-food restaurant can guarantee a 100% gluten-free environment due to shared kitchens, their policies and offerings differ significantly.


Feature	In-N-Out	Five Guys	Shake Shack
Gluten-Free Buns	No	No	Yes (at most US locations)
Lettuce Wrap Option	Yes, "Protein Style"	Yes	Yes
Dedicated Fryer	Yes, for fries only	Yes, for fries only	No (potential cross-contamination)
Allergy Protocol	Specific procedure (clean station, fresh gloves, etc.) triggered by mentioning "gluten allergy"	Specific procedure (manager handles, clean area, fresh gloves) when mentioning "gluten allergy"	Specific procedure (clean area, fresh gloves) when mentioning "gluten allergy"
Spread/Sauce Risk	High risk due to shared utensils; request packets	Minimal risk with bottled condiments	Minimal risk if requesting gluten-safe condiments

A Safe Ordering Strategy for In-N-Out

For those with celiac disease or a high level of gluten sensitivity, a careful ordering strategy is paramount. It is crucial to be vocal about your needs to the cashier to activate the allergy protocol. State clearly: "I have a severe gluten allergy. Please prepare my burger Protein Style with fresh gloves and clean utensils, and provide sauce packets." Mentioning the allergy is key to ensuring staff follow the appropriate procedures. While the fries are generally safe, always remind the staff to be careful to avoid any potential stray contamination.

Conclusion: Navigating In-N-Out Safely

In conclusion, In-N-Out burger buns are not gluten-free, containing enriched wheat flour and vital wheat gluten. However, it is possible to enjoy a meal at In-N-Out by ordering a burger "Protein Style" (lettuce-wrapped) or as a "Flying Dutchman". For those with celiac disease, proactive measures against cross-contamination are essential, including requesting fresh gloves, separate utensils, and sealed condiment packets. With proper communication, In-N-Out remains a viable fast-food option for many on a gluten-free diet. For further information and detailed allergen charts, visiting the official In-N-Out website is recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, In-N-Out does not offer any gluten-free buns. The standard buns contain wheat and vital wheat gluten.

The safest way is to order "Protein Style" and state clearly that you have a severe "gluten allergy" to ensure staff change gloves, use clean utensils, and take extra care during preparation.

Yes, In-N-Out's fries are considered gluten-free and are cooked in a dedicated fryer using sunflower oil, separate from any gluten-containing items.

The spread's ingredients are considered gluten-free, but it is a high risk for cross-contamination due to communal application methods. It is recommended to ask for sauce packets instead.

Ordering a burger "Protein Style" means the standard bun is replaced with a wrap of crisp iceberg lettuce.

Yes, the "Flying Dutchman"—two beef patties and two slices of cheese—is naturally gluten-free as it contains no bun. You can also get shakes, which are gluten-free.

In-N-Out does not state that the hot chocolate is gluten-free and it may carry a risk. For a gluten-free beverage, it's safer to choose shakes or fountain drinks.

Yes, it is best practice to ask for clean and separate utensils, especially for spreading sauces, to prevent cross-contamination.