No, Five Guys Does Not Offer Gluten-Free Buns
For customers seeking a gluten-free bun, Five Guys' standard menu does not provide one. The company clearly states that its burger and hot dog buns contain gluten. This is a critical detail for individuals with celiac disease or a severe gluten intolerance. However, Five Guys does provide alternatives to accommodate those with dietary restrictions, primarily by serving bunless burgers or hot dogs in a lettuce wrap or a bowl. This allows patrons to still enjoy the experience by customizing their order with a wide array of toppings, most of which are naturally gluten-free.
Ordering a Bunless Burger or Hot Dog
When ordering, it is crucial to communicate your gluten allergy or intolerance to the staff. Five Guys has allergen protocols that, if requested, include changing gloves and cleaning surfaces to minimize the risk of cross-contamination. While an open-kitchen setup allows customers to observe their food preparation, it's essential to understand that an environment handling gluten products cannot guarantee zero cross-contamination. The standard practice for a bunless order involves the following steps:
- State your allergy: Politely inform the cashier you have a gluten allergy when placing your order.
- Choose your bun alternative: Specify a "lettuce wrap" or a "no-bun bowl."
- Customize toppings: Add any of the safe, gluten-free toppings to your order.
- Watch the preparation: If you are comfortable, you can watch your food being made to confirm that protocols are being followed, such as the use of fresh gloves.
The All-Important Five Guys Fries
One of the most praised menu items for gluten-free diners at Five Guys is their fries. The restaurant uses fresh-cut potatoes, soaked in water, and fries them in 100% refined peanut oil in dedicated fryers. This dedicated fryer protocol significantly reduces the risk of cross-contamination, making the fries a safe option for many with celiac disease. Both the regular Five Guys Style and Cajun Style fries are considered safe. However, those with peanut allergies should be aware that the fries are cooked in peanut oil.
Comparing Gluten-Free Fast Food Options
When comparing Five Guys to other fast-food restaurants, their approach to gluten-free dining stands out in certain aspects, particularly their handling of fries. Below is a comparison table outlining key differences in gluten-free offerings at popular fast-food chains.
| Feature | Five Guys | Shake Shack | In-N-Out Burger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gluten-Free Bun | No | Yes (at most U.S. locations) | No |
| Bunless Option | Lettuce Wrap or Bowl | Lettuce Wrap | Lettuce Wrap ("Protein-style") |
| Dedicated Fryer | Yes (for fries only) | No (shared oil) | Yes (for fries only) |
| Allergen Protocol | Requesting an "allergy" triggers specific steps like glove changes and potential surface cleaning | Requesting an "allergy" triggers specific steps | Requesting an "allergy" triggers a special protocol |
| Cross-Contamination Risk | Not guaranteed safe due to open kitchen, but lower risk for fries | Present due to shared cooking surfaces | Present on shared prep stations, but lower risk for fries |
Customizing Your Meal for a Gluten-Free Experience
Beyond the bunless burger and fries, Five Guys offers many toppings and mix-ins for their milkshakes that are gluten-free. However, as with any restaurant, caution is advised due to potential cross-contact. Most toppings, including mayonnaise, mustard, and cheese, are safe. Certain milkshake mix-ins, like Oreo cookies and malted milk, contain gluten and must be avoided. It is advisable to request a thoroughly cleaned blender for milkshakes to prevent cross-contamination from prior orders. The open kitchen policy at Five Guys helps customers maintain confidence by allowing them to see the preparation process.
Navigating Cross-Contamination at Five Guys
For those with severe sensitivities like celiac disease, understanding the risk of cross-contamination is vital. While Five Guys takes steps to mitigate this by changing gloves and using dedicated fryers for their fries, the shared cooking surfaces and prep stations mean there is always a residual risk. The company’s official allergen guide explicitly states they cannot guarantee a completely allergen-free environment. For this reason, highly sensitive individuals should consider whether Five Guys is the right dining choice for them. If proceeding, clearly stating your allergy and observing the preparation process can provide an extra layer of reassurance.
Conclusion
To answer the question, do Five Guys have gluten-free buns? No, they do not. However, the restaurant offers several alternatives for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. By opting for a lettuce wrap or a bowl, and choosing from their wide selection of safe toppings and fries, customers can still enjoy a filling meal. Communicating your allergy to staff is key to ensuring their allergen protocols are initiated. While the risk of cross-contamination always exists in a shared kitchen, Five Guys' policies, particularly the dedicated fryers for fries, make it a more viable option than some other fast-food establishments. By being informed and proactive, gluten-free diners can navigate the Five Guys menu with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Five Guys offer any gluten-free bread options?
No, Five Guys does not offer gluten-free buns for their burgers or hot dogs. Their standard bread products contain gluten.
How can I order a gluten-free burger at Five Guys?
You can order a burger "bunless" and have it served in a lettuce wrap or in a bowl with your chosen toppings. Remember to inform the cashier of your gluten allergy to trigger their allergen protocols.
Are Five Guys fries safe for someone with celiac disease?
Yes, Five Guys fries are generally considered safe for celiacs because they are cooked in dedicated fryers using 100% peanut oil, with no other items fried in the same oil.
Which milkshake mix-ins are not gluten-free at Five Guys?
Milkshake mix-ins containing gluten include Oreo cookies and malted milk. It is also recommended to ask for a cleaned spindle or blender to minimize cross-contamination risks.
Is it possible to avoid cross-contamination entirely at Five Guys?
No, Five Guys cannot guarantee a complete absence of cross-contamination because gluten is present in the kitchen. They do follow protocols like changing gloves and using dedicated fryers, but shared surfaces present a risk.
Can I bring my own gluten-free bun to Five Guys?
Yes, you can bring your own gluten-free bun. However, Five Guys staff will not prepare the food with it due to food safety protocols. You would need to assemble your burger yourself after receiving the bunless patty.
What condiments are gluten-free at Five Guys?
Most standard condiments are gluten-free, including ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise. However, malt vinegar contains gluten and should be avoided.
Are the burger patties at Five Guys gluten-free?
Yes, the burger patties at Five Guys consist of 100% ground chuck with no additives or fillers, making them naturally gluten-free.
Does Five Guys use a shared grill for buns and patties?
The buns are toasted on a different grill than the one used for cooking the meat patties, which helps to reduce some cross-contamination risk.
Are the grilled vegetables at Five Guys safe for celiacs?
Grilled onions and mushrooms are cooked on a shared flat-top grill. If you have a severe gluten allergy, you should request that they be prepared on a clean surface with fresh tools to minimize risk.
