Do any fast food places offer gluten-free? A 2025 Guide

October 8, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Celiac Association, the number of people following a gluten-free diet has risen significantly, driving many major brands to adapt their menus. Yes, many fast food places offer gluten-free choices, but with varying levels of safety for those with celiac disease versus gluten sensitivity.

Quick Summary

Several fast food chains now provide gluten-free options and protocols to minimize cross-contamination. This guide details which restaurants are most accommodating and how to navigate ordering for dietary restrictions.

Key Points

Five Guys and In-N-Out offer safer options: These chains are often recommended for their simple menus and dedicated fryers for fries, reducing cross-contamination risks.
Chick-fil-A provides clear protocols: With certified gluten-free buns and dedicated fryers for waffle fries, Chick-fil-A is a reliable choice for gluten-free fast food.
Chipotle requires glove changes: At Chipotle, almost everything is gluten-free by ingredients, but you must ask staff to change gloves and use clean utensils to avoid cross-contamination from tortillas.
Wendy's has naturally GF items but shared fryers: While Wendy's chili, baked potatoes, and Frostys are gluten-free, their fries are not safe for celiacs due to shared fryers.
Always state 'allergy' to be safe: Clearly communicating that you have a gluten allergy is crucial for ensuring staff follow proper contamination prevention protocols.
Cross-contamination is a constant risk: The high-speed environment of fast food kitchens means cross-contamination is always possible, so be cautious and verify preparation methods.
Dedicated certified places offer most peace of mind: For those with celiac disease, seeking out fast-casual places with third-party gluten-free certification, like PowerSoul Cafe, is the safest approach.

Navigating the Gluten-Free Landscape in Fast Food

Finding genuinely gluten-free food at a fast food restaurant can feel like a daunting task, especially with serious conditions like celiac disease where even trace amounts of gluten can cause a reaction. The good news is that in 2025, many chains have recognized this growing demand and offer menu items and procedures to accommodate gluten-free diners.

Best Choices for Celiac-Safe Ordering

For individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities, minimizing the risk of cross-contamination is paramount. The following fast food places are generally considered safer due to their specific preparation protocols:

Chipotle Mexican Grill: Chipotle is a fantastic option as almost everything on their menu is naturally gluten-free by ingredients, with the notable exception of the flour tortillas. They will change gloves and utensils upon request. Items like burrito bowls, salads, and crunchy corn tacos (ask to confirm dedicated fryer use) are excellent choices.
Five Guys: The fries at Five Guys are cooked in dedicated fryers using 100% peanut oil, making them safe for many gluten-free eaters. Burgers and hot dogs can be ordered "bunless" or in a lettuce wrap, and staff are trained to handle allergy orders with fresh gloves and clean surfaces.
In-N-Out Burger: Similar to Five Guys, In-N-Out also uses a dedicated fryer for their fresh-cut fries. Their burgers can be ordered "Protein-Style," wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun.
Chick-fil-A: Chick-fil-A is consistently praised for its allergy protocols. They offer a certified gluten-free bun for their grilled chicken sandwiches and the grilled nuggets are also gluten-free. Their waffle fries are prepared in a dedicated fryer.
Shake Shack: At most locations, Shake Shack offers gluten-free buns and can prepare burgers with specific allergy protocols. Ask for a lettuce wrap or the gluten-free bun, but be cautious with fries due to potential cross-contamination in shared fryers or filtration equipment.

Restaurants with Limited or Moderate Gluten-Free Options

Other chains offer some gluten-free choices, but vigilance is required due to a higher risk of cross-contamination. Always inquire about preparation methods.

Wendy's: Wendy's offers a variety of inherently gluten-free items like the baked potato, chili, and Frosty. Burgers can be ordered with a lettuce wrap. However, their fries are typically cooked in a shared fryer.
Taco Bell: While certain ingredients like seasoned beef, rice, and beans contain no gluten, Taco Bell has a high risk of cross-contamination due to its rapid-paced kitchen environment and shared surfaces. The Power Bowl is often the safest bet when asking for fresh ingredients and clean utensils.
Boston Market: Rotisserie chicken, roasted turkey breast, and various sides like steamed vegetables are often gluten-free. They have an allergy search feature on their website to help plan your order.

Comparison of Fast Food Gluten-Free Safety (2025)


Feature	Chipotle	Five Guys	Chick-fil-A	Wendy's
Dedicated Fryer	No (Shared with potential corn cross-contact)	Yes (Fries)	Yes (Waffle Fries)	No (Fries in shared oil)
Gluten-Free Buns	N/A	No	Yes	No
Lettuce Wrap Option	Yes (Bowls, Salads)	Yes	Yes (Upon Request)	Yes
Allergy Protocol	Yes (Change gloves/utensils)	Yes (Change gloves/clean surface)	Yes (Specify 'allergy alert')	Varies by location
Key Naturally GF Items	Bowls, salads, corn tacos, chips	Patties, fries, milkshakes (no mix-ins)	Grilled nuggets, waffle fries, fruit cup	Baked potato, chili, Frosty

General Tips for Ordering Gluten-Free Fast Food

To minimize your risk, always take the following steps:

Communicate Clearly: State that you have a "gluten allergy" rather than just avoiding gluten. This stresses the severity and prompts staff to follow specific safety protocols.
Order During Off-Peak Hours: Busy times increase the chance of rushed errors. Ordering during a slower period can lead to more careful preparation.
Inspect Your Meal: Look at your food before you eat it. Check that the bun was removed, croutons are missing from the salad, and other common cross-contamination risks appear minimal.
Verify Fryers: Always ask if the fryers are dedicated solely to gluten-free products. This is one of the most common sources of contamination in fast food.
Avoid Unreliable Items: Steer clear of items that have obvious gluten, like buns, tortillas, and breaded items. Be wary of sauces and seasoned items, which can contain hidden gluten.
Use the Company's Website: Look for allergen information and nutritional guides online before you go. Chains like Chick-fil-A provide detailed information to help you make an informed decision.

Dedicated and Certified Gluten-Free Options

For the absolute safest option, seek out restaurants that are fully certified gluten-free. While rare in the traditional fast food space, some fast-casual establishments have achieved this status. The Gluten-Free Food Program (GFFP) provides certification to food service establishments that meet the highest standards for safety. PowerSoul Cafe is an example of a fast-casual eatery with this certification. This level of certification offers the greatest peace of mind for those with celiac disease.

Conclusion: Making Informed Choices

Yes, many fast food places offer gluten-free options, but their suitability depends on your level of sensitivity. For those with severe celiac disease, chains with strict allergy protocols and dedicated equipment, like Five Guys and In-N-Out, are the safest bets. Those with milder sensitivities might find more flexibility at places like Chipotle or Wendy's with careful ordering. Always communicate your needs clearly, do your research, and prioritize restaurants that demonstrate a commitment to preventing cross-contamination. While the convenience of fast food has its appeal, making informed, cautious choices is the key to a safe and enjoyable dining experience. [An authoritative outbound link to the National Celiac Association: https://nationalceliac.org/]

Frequently Asked Questions

As of 2025, Five Guys and In-N-Out are known for using dedicated fryers for their fries, significantly reducing the risk of cross-contamination. Chick-fil-A also uses a dedicated fryer for their waffle fries.

Yes, some fast food chains offer gluten-free buns. Chick-fil-A and Shake Shack are notable examples, though Shake Shack's availability can vary by location. Always confirm with the staff when ordering.

McDonald's is not a reliably safe option for celiacs due to a high risk of cross-contamination. While some ingredients like beef patties are gluten-free, shared cooking areas make ordering safely very difficult.

To order safely at Chipotle, choose a burrito bowl or salad and ask the staff to change their gloves and use fresh utensils. Requesting ingredients from a fresh, non-contaminated area can also minimize risk.

It depends on the restaurant's frying process. While the potatoes themselves are naturally gluten-free, many fast food chains cook their fries in the same oil as breaded items, leading to cross-contamination. Look for places with dedicated fryers like Five Guys and In-N-Out.

Always check the online allergen guide on the restaurant's official website. Many fast food sauces, marinades, and seasonings can contain hidden gluten. Ask staff for ingredient lists if unsure, or stick to plain options.

'Gluten-friendly' is not the same as certified gluten-free. It often means the menu item does not contain gluten ingredients but is still prepared in a shared kitchen with a high risk of cross-contamination. For celiac disease, relying solely on a 'gluten-friendly' menu is risky.