Navigating the Five Guys Gluten-Free Menu
For many on a gluten-free diet, navigating fast-food restaurants can be a minefield of potential cross-contamination and hidden gluten. Five Guys is often cited as a more accommodating option due to its relatively simple menu and transparent preparation process. While the restaurant does not maintain a dedicated gluten-free kitchen, it does offer a variety of naturally gluten-free items and follows specific protocols to help minimize risks. The key to a safe and enjoyable meal lies in knowing what to order and how to communicate your needs to the staff.
Gluten-Free Burgers and Hot Dogs
The foundation of a gluten-free meal at Five Guys starts with the main protein. All of their fresh, never-frozen burger patties are made from 100% ground beef with no fillers or additives, making them naturally gluten-free. Similarly, the hot dogs are also gluten-free. The crucial step is to order your burger or hot dog without the bun. Five Guys provides two convenient bunless options:
- Lettuce Wrap: A fresh, crisp lettuce wrap is a popular choice for holding your burger or hot dog and toppings. It provides a familiar hand-held experience without the gluten.
- No Bun Bowl: For a less messy meal, you can request your burger or hot dog and toppings in a foil-lined bowl. This is the safest option for those concerned about potential contact with gluten-containing surfaces during wrapping.
The Famous Five Guys French Fries
One of the biggest draws for gluten-free diners at Five Guys is their commitment to dedicated fryers. Both the regular and Cajun-style fries are safe for consumption, as they are cut fresh from potatoes and cooked exclusively in 100% refined peanut oil. This means no other gluten-containing products are ever cooked in the same fryers, significantly reducing the risk of cross-contamination for this menu item. It is important to remember that Five Guys locations prominently display free-to-eat peanuts, so those with peanut allergies should still be cautious.
Choosing Safe Toppings and Milkshakes
Five Guys offers a vast array of toppings, most of which are gluten-free and can be added to your bunless burger or bowl at no extra charge. This allows for a highly customizable and flavorful meal. However, you must be aware of potential allergens in certain items. The milkshake base is gluten-free, but some mix-ins are not.
Gluten-Free Toppings and Condiments:
- Mayonnaise
- Relish
- Onions (fresh and grilled)
- Lettuce
- Pickles
- Tomatoes
- Grilled Mushrooms
- Green Peppers
- Jalapeño Peppers
- A.1.® Original Steak Sauce
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Hot Sauce
- Bacon
- Cheese
Milkshake Mix-Ins to Avoid (Contain Gluten):
- Oreo® cookies
- Malted milk mix-in
Minimizing the Risk of Cross-Contamination
Despite their use of naturally gluten-free ingredients and dedicated fryers for fries, Five Guys is not a certified gluten-free restaurant. All food is prepared in a communal kitchen environment where wheat-based buns and bread are present. This means there is always a risk of cross-contamination, especially for individuals with Celiac disease or high gluten sensitivity.
To maximize your safety, follow these steps:
- Inform the Staff: Clearly state that you have a gluten allergy when placing your order. This is the single most important step. When you tell them it is for an allergy, Five Guys staff have a protocol to follow, which may include changing gloves and using clean utensils.
- Watch the Preparation: Five Guys has open kitchens, allowing you to observe your food being prepared. Politely ensure that new gloves are used and that your toppings are not being handled with tools that have touched buns.
- Specify Your Needs: Request a "No Bun Bowl" to prevent any contact with the bun preparation area. You can even bring your own gluten-free bun, though Five Guys staff are not able to prepare your food with it.
- Order Online with Caution: Placing orders through third-party delivery apps or online can make it harder to communicate your allergy needs directly to the kitchen staff. For strict allergies, ordering in person is highly recommended.
Comparison of Five Guys Gluten Options
| Item | Gluten-Free with Modification? | Cross-Contamination Risk? | Ordering Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burgers | Yes, order "Lettuce Wrap" or "No Bun Bowl" | Low (if staff follows protocol) | Specify for an allergy; buns contain gluten. |
| Hot Dogs | Yes, order "No Bun Bowl" | Low (if staff follows protocol) | Mention allergy when ordering; hot dog buns contain gluten. |
| French Fries | Yes, both regular and Cajun | Very Low (Dedicated fryers) | Generally safe, but peanuts are present in the restaurant. |
| Veggie Sandwich | Yes, order "No Bun Bowl" | Low (if staff follows protocol) | The vegetables and cheese are safe, but the bun is not. |
| Milkshakes | Yes, base is gluten-free | Low (Shake machine sanitization) | Avoid Oreo and malted milk mix-ins. Ask staff to clean spindle. |
| Toppings | Yes, almost all are gluten-free | Possible (Shared utensils) | Ask for fresh, clean utensils for your toppings. Malt vinegar is not GF. |
| Grilled Cheese | No | N/A | The bread is not gluten-free and is the core of this item. |
Conclusion: Can you safely eat gluten-free at Five Guys?
Five Guys offers a viable option for those on a gluten-free diet, particularly due to their dedicated fryers for french fries and the availability of bunless options for their burgers and hot dogs. However, the level of safety for highly sensitive individuals, such as those with Celiac disease, is dependent on communication and staff adherence to allergy protocols. The open kitchen environment means cross-contamination is an inherent risk, so diners must assess their personal comfort level with this possibility. By ordering a bunless burger or hot dog in a bowl, opting for the fries, and being mindful of toppings and shake mix-ins, you can enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal. Always inform the staff of your allergy to ensure they take the necessary precautions. For more detailed information on ingredients, you can always consult their official website: Five Guys Nutrition & Allergy Information.
