No, Five Guys Does Not Offer Gluten-Free Buns
For customers with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, the first and most important fact to understand is that Five Guys does not offer a gluten-free bun option. The standard hamburger and hot dog buns are made from a proprietary recipe that contains gluten. However, this doesn't mean a gluten-free meal at Five Guys is impossible. The chain provides viable alternatives that, with careful ordering, can satisfy a burger craving.
Bunless Options for a Gluten-Free Experience
Since a bun is out of the question, Five Guys offers two main alternatives for your burger or hot dog. These options focus on the fact that the meat patties and hot dogs themselves are gluten-free by ingredient.
- Lettuce Wrap: A lettuce wrap is the most common bun substitute. The staff will prepare your burger wrapped in fresh, crisp iceberg lettuce instead of a bun. This option is a great way to enjoy the classic Five Guys taste while adhering to your dietary restrictions. It's best to specifically state you have a "gluten allergy" when ordering to alert the staff to take extra precautions.
- Burger Bowl: For those who prefer to eat with a fork, a burger bowl is an excellent choice. Your burger patty and any requested toppings will be placed in a bowl, allowing you to enjoy all the flavors without the risk associated with a bun.
Other Gluten-Free Menu Items at Five Guys
Beyond the bunless burger, there are several other items at Five Guys that are gluten-free by ingredient and prepared in a way that minimizes cross-contamination risk.
- Fries: The famous Five Guys fries are a safe bet for many. They are made from fresh-cut potatoes and fried in 100% refined peanut oil. Importantly, the fries are cooked in dedicated fryers that are not used for any gluten-containing items, significantly reducing the risk of cross-contact.
- Meat and Toppings: The meat patties (100% ground chuck), bacon, and all standard vegetable toppings (lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, jalapeños, green peppers) are gluten-free. Most sauces are also gluten-free, including mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and A1 Steak Sauce, but it's important to be cautious of shared dispensers.
- Milkshakes: The vanilla milkshake base is gluten-free. However, specific mix-ins contain gluten and must be avoided. These include Oreo Cookies and Malted Milk flavoring. Cross-contamination is also a risk with shared blenders, so it is crucial to communicate your allergy and ask for a fresh, clean blender.
The Critical Issue of Cross-Contamination
Even with safe ingredients and bunless options, the risk of cross-contamination in a fast-food environment is real, especially for those with celiac disease. Five Guys uses an open kitchen design where flour and gluten products are present. Here are key areas of concern:
- Shared Grill Surfaces: While meat is cooked separately from buns, the griddle is a shared surface. Grilled onions and mushrooms are cooked on the same flat-top grill that may have bun residue. Highly sensitive individuals should order their onions and mushrooms raw to avoid this.
- Utensils and Preparation: Utensils used for toppings may come into contact with buns. When ordering, it is important to communicate with the cashier and kitchen staff, requesting that they use fresh gloves and clean preparation areas. Some locations use foil to line the cooking surface for allergen orders, providing an additional barrier.
- Sauce Dispensers: Dispensers for sauces like ketchup and mustard are handled by many customers and staff throughout the day, increasing the risk of gluten transfer from contaminated hands. Requesting a sauce packet or asking for the pump nozzle to be wiped down can mitigate this risk.
Gluten-Free Fast Food Comparison: Five Guys vs. Competitors
To put Five Guys' gluten-free options into perspective, it's helpful to compare its offerings and protocols with other fast-food chains. While Five Guys is a strong contender, other chains may offer different advantages.
| Feature | Five Guys | Shake Shack | In-N-Out Burger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gluten-Free Buns | No | Yes (at most U.S. locations) | No |
| Bunless Options | Lettuce Wrap or Bowl | Lettuce Wrap or GF Bun | “Protein-style” (Lettuce Wrap) |
| Dedicated Fryer for Fries | Yes, cooks only fries | No, cross-contamination possible | Yes, cooks only fries |
| Grill Cross-Contamination | Risk present for grilled toppings | Burgers grilled separately for GF orders | Clean station and utensils for GF orders |
| Ordering Protocol | State “gluten allergy” for extra care | State “gluten allergy” for protocol | State “gluten allergy” for protocol |
How to Order Gluten-Free at Five Guys
To ensure the safest possible experience, follow these steps when ordering your meal:
- Communicate Your Needs: Clearly inform the cashier that you have a "gluten allergy." Using the word "allergy" can trigger specific protocols within the kitchen.
- Choose a Bunless Option: Specify whether you want a "Lettuce Wrap" or a "Burger Bowl" for your burger or hot dog.
- Specify Toppings: Choose from the list of safe, gluten-free toppings. If you want grilled toppings, request that the staff use a fresh, clean cooking surface or foil to avoid cross-contamination from the shared grill. As a safer alternative, opt for raw toppings only.
- Confirm Fries: Double-check with the staff that the dedicated fryer for fries is being used exclusively for potatoes. Five Guys is generally reliable on this, but a quick confirmation provides peace of mind.
- Be Wary of Milkshakes: If you order a milkshake, be careful with mix-ins. Avoid Oreo Cookies and Malted Milk. For the most sensitive individuals, it's safest to skip the milkshake entirely due to the shared blender risk.
Conclusion: A Viable Choice with Caveats
Ultimately, Five Guys can be a viable option for those on a gluten-free diet, but it requires diligent ordering and a clear understanding of the risks. While the lack of a gluten-free bun and the potential for cross-contamination are significant factors, the availability of lettuce wraps, bowls, and dedicated fryers for their popular fries makes it a potential choice. For individuals with celiac disease, strict communication with staff is essential to minimize risks and enjoy a meal with confidence. For those with a less severe intolerance, the bunless options and safe fries provide a straightforward and satisfying dining experience.
For more detailed guidance on dining out with celiac disease and managing cross-contact in various settings, consult expert resources like the Beyond Celiac website.
