Does Shake Shack Have a Bunless Burger Option?

January 4, 2026 •

4 min read

According to Shake Shack's official FAQ, any burger can be ordered with a lettuce wrap upon request, confirming that a bunless option is readily available for customers. This provides a straightforward solution for those following a low-carb, ketogenic, or gluten-free diet, allowing them to enjoy Shake Shack's signature burgers without the potato roll.

Quick Summary

Shake Shack offers bunless burger options for dietary needs, including lettuce wraps, but customization should be requested when ordering. The customization applies to beef burgers and hot dogs, but not breaded items like the 'Shroom Burger or Chicken Shack.

Key Points

Lettuce Wrap Available: Shake Shack can prepare any burger as a lettuce wrap upon request, offering a great low-carb alternative to the standard potato bun.
Accommodates Low-Carb Diets: The ability to remove the bun makes Shake Shack a viable option for those following keto, gluten-free, or low-carb lifestyles.
Customize Your Toppings: Enhance your bunless burger by adding low-carb toppings like extra cheese, bacon, or ShackSauce for more flavor and fat.
Avoid Breaded Items: Do not order the 'Shroom Burger, Shack Stack, or any chicken sandwiches or bites if you are seeking a gluten-free or low-carb meal, as these items are breaded.
Beware of Cross-Contamination: For those with severe gluten allergies, be aware that fries and other items fried in the same oil as breaded products carry a risk of cross-contamination.
Multiple Bunless Formats: You can choose between a lettuce wrap for a handheld experience or simply request "no bun" and eat with a fork and knife.

Your Guide to Ordering a Bunless Burger at Shake Shack

Shake Shack has become a beloved destination for fans of premium fast food, known for its high-quality Angus beef and classic potato bun. However, for those on a low-carb, keto, or gluten-free diet, the traditional bun is off-limits. Thankfully, Shake Shack is known for its accommodating service and offers simple solutions to make almost any burger bunless.

How to Request a Bunless Burger

Ordering a burger without a bun is a standard and simple request at any Shake Shack location. You have two primary options:

Lettuce Wrap: This is the most common request, where the team wraps your burger in crisp, fresh lettuce leaves instead of a bun. It’s a great way to keep the traditional "handheld" experience.
No Bun: For those who prefer to eat with a fork and knife, you can simply ask for the burger with no bun. The patty and toppings will be served on a platter or in a bowl, ready to eat.

This customization applies to all standard Angus beef burgers, including the classic ShackBurger and SmokeShack. When ordering online or through the app, you can use the customization options to remove the bun. For in-person orders, simply state your preference clearly to the Shack team member.

Bunless and Keto-Friendly Burger Choices

Not all burgers at Shake Shack are created equal when it comes to being bunless and keto-friendly. Here's a breakdown of the best choices and what to avoid.

ShackBurger® (Single or Double): The most classic option. By removing the potato bun, the single ShackBurger becomes a low-carb delight, with the Angus beef patty, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, and ShackSauce.
SmokeShack™ (Single or Double): A keto powerhouse. The SmokeShack features the Angus beef patty with American cheese, applewood-smoked bacon, and chopped cherry peppers. All these ingredients are keto-friendly once the bun is removed.
Cheeseburger (Single or Double): A straightforward option for those who want the basics. Remove the bun, and you're left with pure Angus beef and American cheese.

Customizing Your Bunless Burger

Once you have your bunless burger base, you can further customize it with keto-friendly toppings to enhance the flavor and fat content.

Add Bacon: Applewood-smoked bacon adds flavor and fat with no carbs.
Extra Cheese: Boosts the fat and flavor profile. American cheese is a zero-carb option.
Extra ShackSauce: At 60 calories and 6g fat, ShackSauce is a delicious, zero-carb topping.
Fresh Toppings: Load up on fresh lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles for additional flavor and nutrients. These are all very low in carbs.
Be Careful with Sauces: While ShackSauce and mustard are low-carb, remember that ketchup and BBQ sauce contain sugar and can add unwanted carbs.

What to Avoid When Ordering Bunless

It is important to know which menu items are not suitable for a bunless or keto diet, as they contain hidden gluten or carbs even without the bun.

'Shroom Burger and Shack Stack: These items are not bunless-friendly because they feature a crisp-fried Portobello mushroom patty that is breaded and contains gluten.
Chicken Sandwiches and Bites: The chicken is hand-breaded and fried, making it unsuitable for a gluten-free or keto diet, even without the bun.
Fries: While the fries themselves don't inherently contain gluten, they are cooked in a shared fryer with other items like the 'Shroom Burger, posing a high risk of cross-contamination for those with celiac disease.

Bunless Ordering Options: A Comparison


Feature	Lettuce Wrap	No Bun (Plate/Bowl)
Convenience	Best for handheld eating on the go.	Requires a fork and knife, more suitable for dining in.
Carb Count	Minimally adds a few grams of carbs from lettuce, but still very low-carb.	Zero carbs from the wrap, pure bunless protein.
Experience	Maintains a similar texture and feel to a traditional burger.	Allows for a more gourmet, deconstructed burger experience.
Best For	Casual dining, eating outdoors, keeping things simple.	Low-carb purists, those with celiac disease seeking minimal cross-contamination risk.

The Final Word on Shake Shack's Bunless Burgers

Shake Shack is an excellent option for those seeking a bunless burger, thanks to their flexible ordering process and high-quality ingredients. By simply requesting a lettuce wrap or no bun at all, you can transform a standard burger into a low-carb, keto, or gluten-free meal. Just be sure to avoid the breaded items, like the 'Shroom Burger and Chicken Shack, to keep your meal in line with your dietary goals. With a little customization, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal without compromising your diet. For specific nutritional information and allergen details, it is always best to consult Shake Shack's official resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can get a bunless burger at Shake Shack. The company offers a lettuce wrap option for any of its burgers upon request. You can also simply ask for no bun and receive the burger patty and toppings on a plate or in a bowl.

A single ShackBurger patty contains 0 grams of carbs, while the entire bunless burger (patty, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, ShackSauce) has only a few grams of net carbs from the cheese, sauce, and vegetables.

Yes, most U.S. Shake Shack locations offer gluten-free buns as an alternative to the standard potato roll. This is an additional option for those with gluten sensitivities or preferences, in addition to the lettuce wrap.

No, the 'Shroom Burger is not suitable for a gluten-free diet even without the bun, as the Portobello mushroom patty is crisp-fried and contains gluten.

Yes, ShackSauce is a keto-friendly topping. It adds flavor with 6g fat and 0g net carbs, making it a safe choice for those on a ketogenic diet.

Shake Shack's fries are not recommended for those with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance. While the ingredients themselves don't inherently contain gluten, they are cooked in a shared fryer with breaded items, which creates a risk of cross-contamination.

When ordering on the Shake Shack app, navigate to your desired burger and use the 'Customize' options. There you should find selections to either remove the bun or replace it with a lettuce wrap.