Does In-N-Out Serve Gluten-Free Options?

November 9, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the official In-N-Out allergen information, the hamburger buns are the only food item on their menu that contains gluten. This guide explains everything you need to know about navigating In-N-Out's menu and ordering safely if you require a gluten-free meal.

Quick Summary

In-N-Out does not offer gluten-free buns, but most of its menu can be prepared gluten-free by ordering a 'Protein Style' burger wrapped in lettuce. Fries and shakes are also gluten-free options with precautions for cross-contamination.

Key Points

No Gluten-Free Buns: In-N-Out does not carry gluten-free buns, so burgers must be ordered 'Protein Style,' wrapped in lettuce.
Safe Fries: The fresh, hand-cut french fries are cooked in dedicated fryers, making them safe for most gluten-free diners.
Clear Communication is Key: Always inform staff of your 'gluten allergy' to ensure cross-contamination protocols, like changing gloves and using clean utensils, are followed.
Watch for Contamination: Be cautious with grilled onions and the burger spread, as they can be sources of cross-contact. Request raw onions or ask for spread in a separate packet.
Plenty of Options: Aside from the bun, almost every other ingredient is naturally gluten-free, including the patties, cheese, vegetables, and milkshakes.

Navigating the In-N-Out Menu Gluten-Free

For many, In-N-Out's simple menu is part of its charm. For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, that same simplicity makes ordering a gluten-free meal relatively straightforward, provided you know the right steps to take. The primary point of concern is the hamburger bun, which contains gluten, and cross-contact risk is present in the kitchen. The key is understanding how to modify your order and communicating your needs clearly to the staff.

Your Safe Gluten-Free Order at In-N-Out

There are several options for a satisfying gluten-free meal at In-N-Out. While you won't find a dedicated gluten-free bun, their 'Protein Style' option is a popular and delicious alternative.

Protein Style Burger: The standard way to order a gluten-free burger is 'Protein Style,' which replaces the bun with a hand-leafed lettuce wrap. This is available for any burger on the menu, including the Hamburger, Cheeseburger, Double-Double, and even Secret Menu items like the 3x3 or 4x4.
Flying Dutchman: This is another 'Not-So-Secret' menu item that is naturally gluten-free. It consists of two beef patties and two slices of cheese without a bun. You can also order this 'Animal Style' with spread and grilled onions, though care must be taken with cross-contamination.
French Fries: In-N-Out's fries are made from fresh, hand-cut potatoes and are cooked in dedicated fryers with 100% sunflower oil. This makes them a safe gluten-free option with very low risk of cross-contamination.
Shakes: The shakes (chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry) are all gluten-free and made from real ice cream. To minimize cross-contact risk, specify that it is for a gluten allergy when ordering.
Drinks: All fountain beverages and milk are gluten-free. The hot chocolate is the only beverage that is not specifically tested for gluten.

The Critical Role of Avoiding Cross-Contamination

For those with celiac disease, simply ordering without a bun is not enough. You must actively communicate your allergy to the staff to ensure proper precautions are taken to prevent cross-contact.

Use the right language: Clearly state that you have a 'severe gluten allergy' when placing your order. This flags it for kitchen staff and triggers their allergy protocol.
Specific preparation requests: Ask for the cook to change gloves and use fresh, clean utensils when preparing your order.
Watch for problem areas: Be aware that grilled onions are sometimes cooked on the same grill as the buns and handled with the same spatula, risking cross-contact. You can request fresh, raw onions instead or ask for your grilled onions to be prepared on a separate, clean surface. Some diners also ask for the spread in a separate packet, as the communal sauce pot may be subject to cross-contact from knives used on buns.
Segregate your order: If other people in your party are ordering items with buns, request that your gluten-free meal be placed in a separate bag or tray to prevent accidental contact at the pickup counter.

Navigating the 'Animal Style' Order

While delicious, ordering a 'Protein Style Animal Style' burger requires extra vigilance. The 'spread' is gluten-free, but potential contamination can occur. Here are some steps to minimize risk:

Request fresh gloves and utensils.
Ask for the spread in a separate packet to ensure it hasn't been contaminated by a knife used on a bun.
Consider plain patties if you have a severe sensitivity to ensure no accidental cross-contact with shared surfaces or utensils.

Comparison of In-N-Out Ordering vs. Other Fast Food


Feature	In-N-Out	Shake Shack	Five Guys
Gluten-Free Bun	No, lettuce wrap only.	Yes, dedicated GF bun available.	No, lettuce wrap or bunless.
GF Fries	Yes, made in a dedicated fryer.	No, fried in shared oil with gluten-containing items.	Yes, fried in dedicated fryer.
Cross-Contamination Protocol	Specific protocol exists when 'gluten allergy' is noted.	Specific protocol exists when 'gluten allergy' is noted.	Specific protocol exists when 'gluten allergy' is noted.
Sauce Contamination Risk	Yes, from shared communal spread pot.	Lower risk, individual squirt bottles used.	Lower risk, individual bottles used.

Conclusion

Ultimately, eating gluten-free at In-N-Out is not only possible but can be done safely with the right knowledge and communication. While the company does not offer gluten-free buns, their 'Protein Style' option and dedicated fryers for their popular french fries make it a viable fast-food option for many. The most critical step is for the customer to clearly communicate their needs, especially in the context of celiac disease, to ensure the staff follows the appropriate cross-contamination protocols. By doing so, you can enjoy a classic fast-food experience without worry.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, In-N-Out does not offer gluten-free buns. The only gluten-free alternative for a burger is ordering it 'Protein Style', wrapped in lettuce.

Yes, In-N-Out's fries are gluten-free. They are made from fresh potatoes and are the only items cooked in their dedicated fryers.

To avoid cross-contamination, order your burger 'Protein Style' and state you have a 'severe gluten allergy.' Ask staff to change gloves, use clean utensils, and request your meal be bagged separately.

Yes, In-N-Out's milkshakes (vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry) are all gluten-free and made with real ice cream.

The spread itself is gluten-free, but cross-contact is possible as staff often use the same utensils on buns. For celiacs, it is safest to request the spread in a separate packet.

A 'Flying Dutchman' is a naturally gluten-free 'Secret Menu' item consisting of two beef patties with two slices of cheese melted between them, served without a bun.

Not always. Grilled onions can be subject to cross-contamination on the shared grill space. For a safer option, request plain, fresh onions or ask staff to grill them on a clean surface.