Navigating a Gluten-Free Diet at Five Guys
For those with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, or those simply avoiding gluten, dining at a fast-food restaurant can be a challenge. Five Guys, known for its simple menu of burgers, hot dogs, and fries, has a straightforward approach to its ingredients, which works in favor of gluten-free diners. The restaurant openly lists its allergen information and has specific protocols in place to help prevent cross-contamination, though caution is always advised.
Bunless Burgers and Hot Dogs
The most popular gluten-free order at Five Guys is a burger or hot dog served without the bun. Since the signature buns are the primary source of gluten in the restaurant, removing them opens up the rest of the meat and topping options. You have two primary ways to order your bunless burger or hot dog:
- Lettuce Wrap: The patty is wrapped in fresh, crisp lettuce, providing a bun-like structure to hold your toppings.
- In a Bowl: The ingredients are served in a bowl, offering an easy, fork-and-knife approach to your meal.
The beef patties themselves contain no additives, fillers, or gluten-containing ingredients. This means you can load up on a wide array of toppings without worry. The meat is cooked on a dedicated grill, separate from the bun-toasting area, which significantly minimizes the chance of cross-contamination during cooking.
The All-Important Fries
Five Guys fries are a highlight for many gluten-free diners, as they are considered safe to eat. Both the regular and Cajun-style fries are made from fresh-cut potatoes and are cooked in 100% refined peanut oil. Crucially, the fries are cooked in dedicated fryers that are used for absolutely nothing else. This is a major plus, as many fast-food restaurants fry gluten-containing items in the same oil. However, customers with severe peanut allergies should be aware that peanuts are present throughout the restaurant.
Toppings, Condiments, and Milkshakes
Most of the available toppings and condiments at Five Guys are naturally gluten-free. This provides a huge amount of customization for your meal. Standard gluten-free toppings include:
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Pickles
- Onions (raw and grilled)
- Mushrooms (grilled)
- Jalapeño peppers
- Green peppers
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayonnaise
- BBQ Sauce
- Hot Sauce
- Relish
There are only a few exceptions to be aware of. In the US, the malt vinegar condiment contains gluten and should be avoided. Additionally, when ordering a milkshake, you must be careful about the mix-ins. Options like the malted milk and Oreo cookies contain gluten and must be skipped. Always inform the staff of your allergy to ensure they use a clean blender.
Managing Cross-Contamination Risk
Despite the clear ingredient information, Five Guys does operate a shared kitchen space, so there is an inherent risk of cross-contamination. To mitigate this risk, especially for those with celiac disease, it is essential to take a few extra steps when ordering:
- Communicate Clearly: Inform the cashier that you have a gluten allergy. This signals to the kitchen staff to take extra precautions.
- Request Glove Changes: Ask the staff to change their gloves before preparing your order. This is a standard protocol for allergens at Five Guys when requested.
- Specify Prep Area: Request that your burger or hot dog is prepared on a clean surface to avoid contact with gluten-containing items like buns.
- Confirm Dedicated Fryer: While fryers are dedicated, it never hurts to double-check with the staff that only potatoes are being cooked in the fryer for your peace of mind.
Comparison Table: GF Ordering Strategies
| Feature | Ordering Method 1: The Lettuce Wrap | Ordering Method 2: The Bowl | Ordering Method 3: The BYO Bun |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burger/Hot Dog | Served wrapped in fresh lettuce. | Served in a bowl with a fork. | Served in a bowl, customer adds their own bun. |
| Convenience | Most convenient, ready to eat. | Easy, but requires a fork and knife. | Requires you to remember your own bun. |
| Cross-Contamination | Low risk with proper communication. | Very low risk with proper communication. | Very low risk, but kitchen staff cannot handle the bun. |
| Experience | Similar to a traditional bun, but lighter. | A sit-down, utensil-based meal. | Full burger experience with your preferred GF bun. |
Conclusion
So, does 5 Guys have gf options? The answer is a clear yes, though it requires careful ordering and an understanding of the restaurant's processes. The availability of bunless options, dedicated fryers for fries, and a wide variety of safe toppings makes Five Guys a viable fast-food choice for many on a gluten-free diet. However, for those with severe celiac disease or highly sensitive allergies, the final decision must be based on your comfort level with the acknowledged risk of cross-contamination in a shared kitchen. Always communicate your needs clearly to the staff to ensure they follow their allergen protocols and help make your meal as safe as possible. For the most up-to-date information, always check the official allergen and nutrition guides on their website.
