Five Guys' Gluten-Free Burger Alternatives
While a dedicated gluten-free bun isn't on the menu, Five Guys offers several viable alternatives for enjoying their burgers. The key is to order your burger without the standard bun. The simplest and most popular choice is the lettuce wrap. The staff will wrap your burger and all your chosen toppings in crisp lettuce leaves, providing a refreshing and low-carb option. Alternatively, for those who prefer an even less-messy experience, you can ask for a 'No Bun Bowl,' where the burger patty and toppings are served in a bowl with a fork. This allows for a completely utensil-based meal, completely avoiding any contact with the gluten-containing buns. Another option is to bring your own gluten-free bun. However, it's crucial to note that due to food safety protocols, Five Guys' staff cannot prepare your food with a bun you provide. You will need to assemble the burger yourself after receiving your order.
Can I Eat the Fries at Five Guys?
For many with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, French fries are often a no-go at fast-food restaurants due to shared fryers. This is not the case at Five Guys. The company is known for its commitment to using 100% refined peanut oil in dedicated fryers used only for French fries. This means both the classic Five Guys style and Cajun style fries are considered gluten-free and safe from wheat cross-contamination via the fryer. The potatoes are fresh-cut and soaked in water before cooking, and the Cajun seasoning is also gluten-free. This makes Five Guys one of the few fast-food burger joints where the fries are a reliably safe side for gluten-free diets.
How to Minimize Cross-Contamination Risk
Despite their allergen-friendly practices, Five Guys locations are not 100% gluten-free environments, and there is always some risk of cross-contamination. To minimize this risk, it's essential to communicate your needs clearly when ordering. Many experienced gluten-free diners recommend stating "gluten allergy" when placing your order. This triggers a specific protocol, often involving a manager overseeing the order, and cooks changing their gloves to avoid transferring crumbs from the regular buns. The burger patties are already cooked on a separate grill from the bun toasting station, which is a significant safety measure. However, extra communication ensures staff take the utmost care throughout the preparation process, including using fresh, untouched toppings and bagging the order separately from items with buns.
Five Guys Gluten-Free Menu Items Overview
Below is a breakdown of the gluten-free items available at Five Guys with special ordering notes for safety.
- Burger Patties: 100% beef, no additives, naturally gluten-free.
- Hot Dogs: Also gluten-free, ordered without the bun.
- Fries: Regular and Cajun fries cooked in dedicated fryers.
- Toppings: A.1. Steak Sauce, BBQ Sauce, Cheese, Green Peppers, Grilled Mushrooms, Hot Sauce, Jalapeño Peppers, Ketchup, Mayonnaise, Mustard, Onions, Pickles, Relish, Tomatoes, and Lettuce are all gluten-free.
- Milkshakes: The plain vanilla milkshake base is gluten-free, as are most mix-ins. Avoid Oreo cookie and malted milk mix-ins, which contain gluten. Always request a clean, sanitized blender for your milkshake.
- Sauces to Avoid: Malt vinegar contains gluten and should not be used on fries.
Comparison of Five Guys and Other Fast Food Chains
| Feature | Five Guys | Shake Shack | In-N-Out Burger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gluten-Free Bun? | No | Yes, available at most US locations | No |
| Gluten-Free Burger Options | Lettuce Wrap or Bowl | Lettuce Wrap or GF bun | Protein-style (lettuce wrap) |
| Fries Prepared Separately? | Yes, dedicated fryer | No, cross-contamination risk | Yes, dedicated fryer |
| Celiac Protocols | Special protocols for "allergy" orders; glove changes, separate prep | Special protocols for "allergy" orders; glove changes | Special protocols for "allergy" orders |
| Cross-Contamination Risk | Not guaranteed, but protocols minimize risk | Moderate to high due to shared fryers | Not guaranteed, but protocols minimize risk |
Conclusion
While Five Guys does not offer a gluten-free bun, it remains one of the more accommodating fast-food options for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. By ordering a burger in a lettuce wrap or bowl and carefully choosing toppings, you can enjoy a satisfying meal. The fact that their fries are cooked in dedicated fryers and are naturally gluten-free is a major advantage. To ensure the safest dining experience possible, always clearly state your "gluten allergy" when ordering and confirm the staff is taking proper cross-contamination precautions, including changing gloves. As with any restaurant that is not 100% gluten-free, there is an inherent risk, but Five Guys' protocols help make it a relatively safe choice. For more detailed information on their allergens, you can consult their official website. Five Guys FAQs
