Does the in and out burger have a gluten free bun? Navigating the Gluten-Free Menu

November 11, 2025 •

4 min read

Millions of Americans have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, leading many to carefully scrutinize fast-food menus. For fans of the iconic In-N-Out chain, a frequent question is, "Does the in and out burger have a gluten free bun?" The definitive answer is no, but a popular bunless option and other menu items allow for a safe, satisfying gluten-free meal.

Quick Summary

In-N-Out does not offer a gluten-free bun, but patrons can order any burger "Protein Style," which replaces the bun with a lettuce wrap. Other items like fries and shakes are also generally gluten-free, though careful ordering is required to prevent cross-contamination for those with sensitivities.

Key Points

No Gluten-Free Bun: In-N-Out does not offer a gluten-free bun, but has excellent bunless alternatives.
Protein Style Option: The most popular gluten-free alternative is the "Protein Style" burger, which uses a lettuce wrap instead of a bun.
Fries are Generally Safe: In-N-Out fries are cooked in a dedicated fryer, which significantly reduces the risk of cross-contamination.
Communicate Your Allergy: For those with celiac disease, clearly stating you have a "gluten allergy" is crucial to ensuring staff takes extra safety precautions.
Beware of Cross-Contamination: While many items are gluten-free, risks exist with toppings like diced onions and the burger spread due to shared surfaces and utensils.
Order Safe Toppings: Ordering whole grilled onions or condiment packets can further minimize exposure to gluten.
Other Safe Items: Milkshakes are also generally safe for gluten-free diets, but check for any flavorings or additions that might contain gluten.

In-N-Out’s Gluten-Free Bun Policy

In-N-Out is known for its famously simple menu, which unfortunately does not include a gluten-free bun. This policy is consistent across all of its locations, so customers with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease should not expect a dedicated bun alternative. However, the restaurant has a long-standing and well-known workaround that has made it a popular choice for gluten-free fast-food dining: the "Protein Style" burger.

The "Protein Style" Solution

For those needing to avoid gluten, ordering a burger "Protein Style" is the go-to solution. This option replaces the standard wheat bun with a fresh, crisp lettuce wrap. The burger fillings—the beef patty, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and In-N-Out's signature spread—are wrapped neatly inside large lettuce leaves, providing a low-carb and gluten-free alternative that retains much of the classic burger experience. It’s a secret menu item that is now widely known and understood by In-N-Out staff.

Navigating the Menu for a Gluten-Free Diet

Beyond the Protein Style burger, several other menu items are generally safe for gluten-free diners, though vigilance is always key.

Gluten-Free Menu Options

Burgers (Protein Style): Any of the standard burgers (Hamburger, Cheeseburger, Double-Double) can be ordered Protein Style.
Fries: In-N-Out's fries are made from fresh potatoes and cooked in a dedicated fryer with 100% sunflower oil, separating them from potential gluten contamination.
Shakes: The milkshakes in vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry flavors are made from gluten-free ingredients.
Flying Dutchman: This ultra-simple, off-menu item consists of two patties and two slices of cheese, and is naturally gluten-free as it comes without any bun or vegetables.
Sauce Packets: While the standard spread contains gluten-free ingredients, a risk of cross-contamination exists during application in some locations. Ordering sauce packets can help mitigate this risk.

Mitigating Cross-Contamination Risks

For individuals with celiac disease, eliminating gluten-containing ingredients is only part of the battle; preventing cross-contamination is critical. In-N-Out is a standard restaurant, not a dedicated gluten-free facility, so some risk is present. However, several steps can be taken to increase safety:

Communicate clearly: When ordering, it is crucial to explicitly state that you have a "gluten allergy" or "celiac disease." This signals to the staff that extra precautions are needed.
Request clean prep: Ask for a clean workstation, clean gloves, and separate utensils for your order. This can help minimize the transfer of gluten from the bun-prep area.
Be specific with toppings: Diced grilled onions are sometimes handled with the same spatula used for buns. To be safe, order whole grilled onions or raw onions, which reduces the chance of contact.
Confirm the order: Before receiving your food, it can be helpful to confirm your dietary needs with the person handling the order to ensure it was entered correctly.

In-N-Out vs. Competitors: A Gluten-Free Bun Comparison

While In-N-Out offers a functional solution, other fast-food restaurants approach gluten-free options differently. Here is a comparison of gluten-free bun availability and general policies at popular chains.


Restaurant	Gluten-Free Bun Option	Lettuce Wrap Option	Dedicated Fryer (Fries)	Notes
In-N-Out	No	Yes ("Protein Style")	Yes	Cross-contamination risk with toppings/spread.
Shake Shack	Yes	Yes	No (shared fryer with items containing gluten)	Offers GF bun, but potential cross-contamination with fries.
Five Guys	No	Yes (comes in a tray)	Yes	Can have burgers prepared with a dedicated workspace and gloves.
Chick-fil-A	Yes (in a sealed package)	No (or less common)	No (shared fryer)	Offer a GF bun but fries are not safe due to shared fryer.

The Importance of Communication

For any diner with dietary restrictions, clear and direct communication with restaurant staff is the most important step for a safe meal. At In-N-Out, stating "Protein Style for a gluten allergy" is an easy way to ensure your needs are understood. This simple phrase cues employees to take the proper precautions, such as changing gloves and using clean surfaces. It is also recommended to order during off-peak hours when the kitchen is less rushed, reducing the chance of error. The In-N-Out website provides an official allergen information sheet for reference, which outlines the wheat and gluten in their buns. For more detailed information on celiac disease and dining out, the Celiac Disease Foundation offers excellent resources.

Conclusion

While In-N-Out does not offer a gluten-free bun, it remains a viable fast-food option for many on a gluten-free diet, particularly with the Protein Style ordering hack. The safety of menu items like the fries and shakes, combined with staff awareness of special ordering protocols, provides a reasonable path for gluten-sensitive individuals. However, for those with severe allergies, constant vigilance regarding cross-contamination remains necessary. By staying informed and communicating clearly, you can successfully navigate the menu and enjoy an In-N-Out meal.

Ordering for Celiac Disease: Best Practices

Here is a step-by-step guide for placing your order as safely as possible:

State your allergy immediately: Clearly inform the cashier that you have a gluten allergy when you order.
Be specific: Specify "Protein Style for a gluten allergy" when ordering your burger.
Request separate preparation: Ask for a clean surface, clean gloves, and separate utensils.
Avoid tricky toppings: For maximum safety, request whole grilled or raw onions to avoid potential cross-contamination from the diced variety.
Go with sauce packets: Ask for condiment packets rather than having the spread applied from a shared tub.
Double-check: When you pick up your order, quickly confirm with the final preparer that it was handled with an allergy in mind.
Trust your gut: If the staff seems unaware of the protocols, it might be safer to reconsider your order during peak hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, In-N-Out does not offer a gluten-free bun. All of their burgers are served on standard wheat buns unless a special order is made.

The primary gluten-free alternative is the "Protein Style" burger, which replaces the standard bun with a crisp, fresh lettuce wrap.

Yes, In-N-Out's French fries are generally considered gluten-free. They are cooked in a dedicated fryer separate from any gluten-containing items, using 100% sunflower oil.

To order safely, clearly state that you have a "gluten allergy" and ask for your burger "Protein Style." For extra precaution, request a clean workstation, clean gloves, and separate utensils.

The ingredients in In-N-Out's spread are gluten-free, but cross-contamination can occur from shared utensils used on buns. Consider asking for sauce packets to avoid this risk.

This requires caution. Diced grilled onions have a higher risk of cross-contamination because they can be cooked or moved with the same spatula used for buns. Ordering whole grilled onions or raw onions is a safer choice.

Yes, all standard In-N-Out milkshakes are made from gluten-free ingredients. Just confirm there are no special mix-ins that might contain gluten.

The "Flying Dutchman" is a bunless, off-menu item consisting of two burger patties with cheese in between. It is naturally gluten-free but contains no vegetables.