Your Guide to Eating Gluten-Free at Five Guys
For those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, eating fast food can be challenging. Five Guys provides options for gluten-free customers. Understanding safe ingredients and how to minimize cross-contamination is key.
Burgers and Hot Dogs
The bun is the main source of gluten at Five Guys. The solution is to order a burger or hot dog without the bun. The beef patties are gluten-free. Hot dogs are also safe without a bun. These can be served in a lettuce wrap or bowl.
Steps for Ordering Bunless Meals
- Clearly State Your Allergy: Inform the staff of a "gluten allergy" or "celiac disease".
- Request Glove Changes: Ask the staff to change gloves before preparing your order.
- Observe Preparation: Watch your food being prepared in the open kitchen.
Five Guys Fries
Five Guys' fries are a popular option for gluten-free customers. Both regular and Cajun fries are made from fresh potatoes and cooked in dedicated fryers with refined peanut oil. Because only fries are cooked in these fryers, cross-contamination risk is low. However, there is a risk for those with peanut allergies.
Safe Toppings and Condiments
Most toppings and sauces at Five Guys are gluten-free. Some safe choices are:
- Vegetables: Lettuce, tomatoes, raw onions, pickles, jalapeños, and green peppers.
- Sauces: Mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and hot sauce.
- Add-ons: Bacon and cheese.
Grilled onions and mushrooms are often prepared on the same griddle as buns and pose a cross-contamination risk.
Milkshakes and Beverages
Five Guys milkshakes have a gluten-free base. Most mix-ins are safe, but some are not. There is potential for cross-contamination from shared blenders.
Gluten-Free Milkshake Mix-ins: Vanilla, Chocolate, Peanut Butter, Strawberries, Salted Caramel, Bananas. Avoid these Mix-ins: Oreo® cookie pieces and Malted Milk flavor.
Most bottled and fountain drinks are safe. It is best to ask staff to clean shared soda nozzles.
Comparison of Five Guys vs. Other GF Fast Food
| Feature | Five Guys | Shake Shack | In-N-Out Burger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gluten-Free Buns? | No, but offers lettuce wraps/bowls | Yes, offers GF buns | No, offers protein-style (lettuce wraps) |
| Dedicated Fryer? | Yes, for fries only | No, potential cross-contamination | Yes, for fries only |
| Allergen Protocol | Explicitly state "gluten allergy"; staff change gloves and use care | Use "gluten allergy" designation for care | Use "gluten allergy" designation for care |
| Cross-Contamination | Risk on grills for grilled toppings and in milkshake blenders | High risk for fried items due to shared fryer | Low risk for fried items due to dedicated fryer |
| Burger Options | Bunless (lettuce wrap or bowl) | Bunless (lettuce wrap) or GF bun | Protein-style (lettuce wrap) |
| Overall Safety | Generally safe with precautions; depends on staff vigilance | Safe with GF bun option, but high fryer risk | Generally safe, similar to Five Guys protocol |
Conclusion: Eating Safely at Five Guys
Five Guys can be a good option for those with gluten sensitivities if you are proactive. Ordering bunless burgers and safe fries in dedicated fryers is helpful. It is not a certified gluten-free kitchen. Communicate your needs and check that allergen protocols are followed.
Reviewing a restaurant's allergen guide is recommended. Information is available on the Five Guys website. https://www.fiveguys.com/nutritional-allergy-information/
