Can I order a gluten free burger at In-N-Out?

December 27, 2025 •

3 min read

Did you know that with one simple modification, nearly everything on the In-N-Out menu can be made gluten-free? This means you can confidently ask, "Can I order a gluten free burger at In-N-Out?" and get a delicious, safe meal with the right steps.

Quick Summary

You can get a gluten-free burger at In-N-Out by ordering it 'Protein Style' with a lettuce wrap instead of a bun. French fries and shakes are also naturally gluten-free menu items.

Key Points

Protein Style is Key: To order a gluten-free burger, request it "Protein Style," which means it will be wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun.
Communicate Your Allergy: Explicitly stating you have a "gluten allergy" is crucial for triggering In-N-Out's specific safety protocols, including glove changes and dedicated utensils.
Safe Sides are a Go: The classic In-N-Out french fries are safe for gluten-free diets as they are cooked in a dedicated fryer with 100% sunflower oil.
Beware of Cross-Contamination Risks: Individuals with Celiac disease should be mindful of potential gluten exposure from the shared grill, grilled onions, and shared sauce containers.
Modify Your Condiments: Ordering the signature spread in a sealed packet on the side and requesting raw onions can help mitigate cross-contact risks.
Try the Flying Dutchman: This off-menu item, which is just two patties and two slices of cheese, is a naturally gluten-free option.
Enjoy the Shakes: All In-N-Out shakes are made with real ice cream and are gluten-free and safe to enjoy.

The Simple Secret: Ordering 'Protein Style'

The key to unlocking a gluten-free burger at In-N-Out is the not-so-secret menu item known as "Protein Style". This simple hack involves replacing the traditional wheat-based bun with large, crisp leaves of iceberg lettuce. The result is a delicious, fresh, and gluten-free version of your favorite In-N-Out burger, packed with all the flavor you'd expect. The transition from a bun to a lettuce wrap is seamless and surprisingly satisfying, offering a lighter alternative without sacrificing the signature taste.

How to Order Your Gluten-Free Meal

To ensure a smooth and safe ordering process, follow these steps:

State your dietary needs clearly: When placing your order, explicitly state "Protein Style for a gluten allergy". While Celiac disease is not an allergy, using this phrase is a standard protocol that triggers specific safety measures for the kitchen staff.
Ask for gloves: Politely request that the staff member changes their gloves before preparing your burger. This minimizes the risk of cross-contamination from handling buns.
Specify sauce and onions: To further reduce cross-contact, ask for the signature spread in a sealed packet on the side instead of having it spread on your burger. For grilled onions, it's safer to either request raw onions or a whole grilled onion, as diced grilled onions are often cooked with the buns.
Confirm your order: When you receive your food, double-check that your receipt is marked with the allergy note and that your burger is lettuce-wrapped.

What Else Can I Get? The Surprisingly Extensive GF Menu

In-N-Out’s famously simple menu works in a gluten-free diner's favor. Beyond the Protein Style burger, a variety of other delicious and naturally gluten-free options are available.

French Fries: In-N-Out’s fries are made from fresh, hand-cut potatoes and are cooked in a dedicated gluten-free fryer, using 100% sunflower oil. This makes them a completely safe side dish for those with gluten sensitivities or Celiac disease.
Shakes: All three shake flavors—chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry—are made with real ice cream and are gluten-free. The shakes are a safe and sweet treat to complete your meal.
Flying Dutchman: For the purists, this "secret" menu item is already gluten-free. It consists of two beef patties and two slices of cheese, with no bun or vegetables. It can also be ordered animal-style.

Managing Cross-Contamination for Celiac Disease

While In-N-Out has robust procedures, it is not a 100% dedicated gluten-free facility, and the risk of cross-contamination exists, especially for individuals with Celiac disease. Here's what to consider:

Shared Grill Space: The same grill is used to cook both patties and toast buns, creating a potential for gluten transfer. While staff will scrape the grill and use a clean spatula for allergy orders, some highly sensitive individuals may still be at risk.
Sauce Utensils: Shared containers of spread and sauce brushes can be a source of contamination. Opting for a side packet is the safest bet.
Serving Trays: As reported by some gluten-sensitive customers, there's a risk of gluten-free items being placed on the same tray as items with buns, so asking for a separate bag or box is prudent.

Comparing GF Options at In-N-Out and Competitors

To put In-N-Out's gluten-free friendliness in perspective, let's compare it to some other popular fast-food chains.


Feature	In-N-Out	Five Guys	Shake Shack
GF Bun Option?	No	No	Yes (at most US locations)
Dedicated Fryer?	Yes	Yes	No (shared fryer)
Cross-Contamination Noted	Possible on grill/spread, but protocols exist	Separate cooking areas and fryer	Potential, especially for fries
Key GF Offering	Protein Style Burger, Fries, Shakes	Lettuce-Wrapped Burger, Fries	GF Bun Burger, Lettuce Wrap

Conclusion: Your Best Bet for GF Fast Food?

For many, In-N-Out remains one of the most reliable and transparent fast-food options for ordering a gluten-free burger. The clear "Protein Style" option, combined with dedicated fryers for their delicious fries, simplifies the ordering process significantly. While managing the risk of cross-contamination is critical for those with Celiac disease, the brand's established allergy protocols provide a level of safety and awareness often unmatched by other chains. By clearly communicating your needs and taking a few extra steps, you can enjoy a satisfying and classic In-N-Out meal, even on a gluten-free diet. A great resource for further information on gluten-free dining options is Go Gluten Freely.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, In-N-Out does not offer a gluten-free bun option. However, you can order any burger "Protein Style," which replaces the bun with a fresh lettuce wrap.

Yes, In-N-Out's fries are considered safe for individuals with Celiac disease. They are made from fresh potatoes and cooked in a dedicated fryer, meaning they have no cross-contamination risk from other fried items.

To minimize cross-contamination, order your burger "Protein Style for a gluten allergy," ask for sauce in a side packet, and request raw onions instead of grilled.

Yes, the In-N-Out spread recipe is gluten-free. However, to avoid cross-contamination from shared utensils, it is safest to request a fresh, sealed packet of the spread on the side.

The Flying Dutchman is a "secret" menu item consisting of two beef patties and two slices of American cheese, with no bun. Because it contains only meat and cheese, it is naturally gluten-free.

Yes, all In-N-Out milkshakes (chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry) are made with real ice cream and are gluten-free. You can confidently order any of them.

Yes, especially if you have Celiac disease or a high sensitivity. Always state "gluten allergy" when ordering to ensure the staff follows protocol, such as changing gloves and using clean utensils.