Five Guys Menu: What Contains Gluten and What Doesn't?
While many people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity assume that most fast-food chains are off-limits, Five Guys offers a surprisingly extensive list of options. The key is understanding which core items contain gluten and how to order your meal safely. The most significant sources of gluten at Five Guys are the standard burger and hot dog buns, which must be avoided.
The Gluten-Free Menu Staples
For those managing a gluten-free diet, the following items are naturally gluten-free:
- Burger Patties: The 100% 80/20 ground chuck beef patties are gluten-free and contain no additives, fillers, or breadcrumbs.
- Hot Dogs: The beef hot dogs are also gluten-free.
- Fries: Both the Five Guys Style and Cajun Style fries are made from fresh-cut potatoes and fried exclusively in 100% refined peanut oil, using dedicated fryers to prevent cross-contamination.
- Toppings: Almost all of the standard burger and hot dog toppings, including lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onions, mustard, and ketchup, are gluten-free.
- Milkshakes: The vanilla milkshake base is gluten-free. Many mix-in options, such as bananas, peanut butter, and salted caramel, are also safe.
Items with Hidden Gluten
Some items may contain gluten or are prepared in a way that risks cross-contamination. These include:
- Buns: All burger and hot dog buns are made with wheat flour.
- Malt Vinegar: This condiment contains gluten and should be avoided.
- Oreo Cookies: The Oreo mix-in for milkshakes contains gluten. The Oreo creme is reportedly gluten-free, but caution is advised.
- Sauces: Regional sauces like HP Sauce (UK) and Poutine Gravy (Canada) contain gluten.
Ordering Strategies for a Safe Gluten-Free Meal
To ensure a safe dining experience, you must be proactive when ordering. Even though Five Guys has specific allergen protocols, an active kitchen environment always carries a risk of cross-contact. Follow these steps for a safer meal:
- Communicate Clearly: Inform the cashier that you have a severe gluten allergy or celiac disease. This is a critical step, as it prompts the staff to take extra precautions, such as changing gloves and using clean prep surfaces. Some customers have reported staff yelling "allergy" down the line to alert the entire team.
- Order Bunless: Request your burger or hot dog without the bun. Five Guys offers the option of serving your burger as a lettuce wrap or in a "No Bun Bowl". You can also bring your own gluten-free bun, but staff are prohibited from handling it.
- Confirm Toppings: While most toppings are safe, it is always wise to double-check. For example, grilled items like onions and mushrooms are cooked on the same shared flat-top grill as the burger patties, so a request for fresh gloves and a clean spatula is essential for those with a high sensitivity.
- Watch the Fries: The fries are safe, but it's important to confirm that they are fried in a dedicated fryer, which is the standard practice at Five Guys. Some customers choose to get their own portion and not share from a communal cup to minimize any risk of cross-contamination.
- Choose Milkshake Mix-ins Carefully: Avoid the Oreo cookies and ask for a freshly cleaned and sanitized spindle and blender cup to prevent cross-contact from other shakes.
Gluten-Containing vs. Gluten-Free Options at Five Guys
| Item Category | Gluten-Containing Items | How to Order Gluten-Free |
|---|---|---|
| Buns | Standard Burger Buns | Order a lettuce wrap or 'No Bun Bowl' |
| Hot Dog Buns | Order a bunless hot dog | |
| Meat | None | All patties and hot dogs are naturally gluten-free |
| Fries | None (unless malt vinegar is added) | Order Five Guys Style or Cajun Style fries |
| Sauces | Malt Vinegar | Avoid malt vinegar and specific regional sauces like HP sauce or Poutine Gravy |
| Toppings | Grilled Onions/Mushrooms (Potential CC) | Ask for fresh gloves and a clean spatula for grilled toppings |
| Milkshakes | Oreo Cookies, Malt Flavored Syrups | Order a plain base with safe mix-ins like peanut butter or bananas |
The Importance of Communicating Your Allergy
While Five Guys has established protocols for allergens, the final responsibility lies with the customer to advocate for their needs. Restaurant environments, especially busy fast-food kitchens, can be unpredictable. Simply asking for a 'bunless burger' may not trigger the necessary cross-contamination precautions. By specifically stating that you have a gluten allergy, you empower the staff to follow their strict allergen procedures, which include changing gloves and sanitizing surfaces. The open-kitchen design at Five Guys allows customers to observe their food being prepared, which can offer an added layer of assurance.
Conclusion
While the answer to "do Five Guys have gluten?" is technically yes, due to their standard buns, the restaurant remains a viable option for gluten-free diners with careful ordering. The availability of bunless burgers and safe fries cooked in dedicated fryers makes it a solid choice in the fast-food landscape. The key to a successful experience is clear communication with the staff regarding your dietary needs, specifically mentioning your gluten allergy. By following these steps and being mindful of potential cross-contamination, those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity can enjoy a customizable and tasty meal at Five Guys.
A Final Word on Safety
It is important to remember that Five Guys is not a certified gluten-free facility. The risk of cross-contamination, however small, is always present. For those with highly sensitive celiac disease or a severe gluten allergy, this risk may be unacceptable. However, for many others, taking the proper precautions can lead to a delicious and safe meal. Always refer to the official Five Guys allergen information available on their website for the most current details.
Note: The Canadian and UK Five Guys menus have specific items like Poutine Gravy and HP sauce that contain gluten, which may not be available in other regions.
