Is There Gluten in Whoppers? A Detailed Guide for Fast Food and Candy

December 16, 2025 •

3 min read

The word "whopper" refers to both a Burger King sandwich and a Hershey's malted milk candy, leading to common confusion for those avoiding gluten. While the products are completely different, both versions of whoppers contain gluten and are unsafe for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

Quick Summary

Both the Burger King Whopper sandwich and Hershey's Whoppers malted milk candy contain gluten ingredients and are not safe for a gluten-free diet. A high risk of cross-contamination further jeopardizes the safety of even customized bun-less Whoppers at Burger King.

Key Points

Burger Bun Contains Wheat: The standard Burger King Whopper bun is made with wheat flour and is not gluten-free.
Malted Candy Contains Barley: Hershey's Whoppers malted milk candy contains barley malt and is not safe for a gluten-free diet.
High Cross-Contamination Risk: Burger King's kitchen environment, including shared grills and fryers, makes even customized bun-less Whoppers unsafe for celiacs.
No Gluten-Free Buns Offered: Burger King does not offer a certified gluten-free bun as a substitute.
Check Labels and Menus: Always check the most current allergen information for both restaurant items and packaged candy to confirm ingredients.
Seek Alternatives: Individuals with gluten sensitivities should seek safer alternatives like homemade burgers or certified gluten-free products to avoid adverse reactions.

Is There Gluten in the Burger King Whopper?

No, the standard Burger King Whopper is not gluten-free. The primary source of gluten is the toasted sesame seed bun, which is made with enriched wheat flour and additional wheat gluten. Burger King officially states that this item contains gluten.

The Problem of Cross-Contamination

Even if you order the Whopper without the bun, Burger King cannot guarantee a gluten-free meal. This is due to the significant risk of cross-contamination within their fast-paced kitchen environment. According to their official allergen information, the beef patties are flame-grilled on the same broiler as other plant-based patties that may contain gluten. Furthermore, many other ingredients, including sauces and fries, carry a risk of cross-contact either from suppliers or shared cooking equipment.

Shared Cooking Surfaces: The same grill is used for both beef and plant-based patties.
Shared Fryers: The French fries are cooked in oil shared with other items containing gluten, such as onion rings.
Preparation Areas: Ingredients are prepped in an open, fast-paced environment where gluten-containing items could easily contaminate gluten-free components.

For those with celiac disease, this level of cross-contamination makes a Whopper—even a custom-ordered, bun-less version—an unsafe choice.

Is There Gluten in Whoppers Malted Milk Balls?

No, the Hershey's brand Whoppers candy is not gluten-free. The core component of this chocolate-covered candy is a malted milk center. The "malt" used in the candy is derived from barley malt, which is a gluten-containing grain. The official ingredient list confirms the use of barley malt and wheat flour. Therefore, Whoppers candy is unsafe for anyone following a gluten-free diet and should be completely avoided.

Gluten Breakdown: Burger King Whopper vs. Whoppers Candy


Feature	Burger King Whopper (Sandwich)	Whoppers (Malted Milk Candy)
Primary Gluten Source	Sesame seed bun (wheat flour, wheat gluten)	Malted milk center (barley malt)
Secondary Gluten Risk	Cross-contamination from shared cooking equipment (broiler, fryer) and preparation surfaces	Supplier-level processing, although less severe than a restaurant environment
Safe for Celiacs?	No, due to gluten in the bun and high risk of cross-contamination	No, due to barley malt ingredient
Customization Possible?	Yes, you can order without the bun, but it is not recommended for celiacs	No, the core ingredient is a malted milk ball containing gluten

How to Enjoy a "Whopper" Safely: Alternatives for Gluten-Free Diets

If you have a craving for a burger or a malted milk treat but need to avoid gluten, there are safer alternatives. Instead of risking a fast-food trip, consider these options:

Build Your Own Burger: Cook a homemade beef patty and serve it on a certified gluten-free bun or wrapped in a lettuce leaf. This eliminates the risk of cross-contamination and ensures full ingredient control.
Dine at Dedicated Gluten-Free Restaurants: Many restaurants specialize in gluten-free food preparation, offering a safe environment for celiacs. Use online resources to find dedicated gluten-free eateries in your area.
Find Gluten-Free Malt Alternatives: For the candy craving, seek out brands that offer gluten-free malted treats. Some companies produce malted items using gluten-free grains or offer other naturally gluten-free chocolate candies. Always check the ingredient list to ensure it is safe.

Conclusion

In short, if you are wondering if there is gluten in whoppers, the answer is yes for both the Burger King sandwich and the malted milk candy. For the sandwich, the gluten is in the bun, and even a bun-less order poses significant cross-contamination risks for individuals with celiac disease. The candy contains barley malt, a grain with gluten. It is essential for anyone on a gluten-free diet to be aware of these facts and to seek safer, verified gluten-free alternatives to avoid adverse health reactions. For more detailed information on Burger King's allergen policy, you can consult their official documentation Burger King Allergen Information.

Disclaimer

This information is for guidance only. Menu items and ingredients can change, and cross-contamination is a significant risk in any fast-food setting. Always consult the most current allergen information provided by the restaurant or food manufacturer and discuss concerns with staff before ordering. People with celiac disease should exercise extreme caution or avoid fast-food restaurants altogether.

Frequently Asked Questions

While the beef patty itself might not contain gluten ingredients, Burger King warns of significant cross-contamination risks because the patties are cooked on shared equipment with other items that do contain gluten.

No, ordering a Whopper without the bun is not a safe option for individuals with celiac disease due to the high risk of cross-contamination from shared cooking surfaces and general kitchen environment.

Whoppers malted milk balls are not gluten-free because they contain malted milk, which is made with barley malt, a grain that contains gluten.

Burger King French fries do not contain gluten ingredients but are cooked in shared fryers with items like onion rings. This shared equipment makes them unsafe for anyone with a severe gluten allergy or celiac disease.

Few menu items are considered low-risk for gluten contamination. Some safe-sounding options like shakes in a cup or certain drinks may be gluten-free, but caution is always advised, and confirmation with restaurant staff is recommended.

No, the Impossible Whopper is not gluten-free. While the current Impossible patty itself is gluten-free, it is served on a wheat bun and cooked on the same broiler as the traditional beef patties, introducing a high risk of cross-contamination.

The safest way is to avoid fast-food restaurants, as cross-contamination is a major concern. If you must eat there, order simple items like drinks and soft-serve ice cream in a cup, and always verify with staff about potential allergens.