What's in the Bun? The Full Ingredient Breakdown
Shake Shack’s commitment to offering a gluten-free option is supported by a carefully curated recipe designed to deliver a satisfying bun without the need for wheat. The ingredients combine a variety of flours and binders to create a bread that is safe for many with gluten sensitivities.
The Comprehensive Ingredient List
The manufacturer for Shake Shack's gluten-free buns is known to be Bellyrite Foods, a specialist gluten-free bakery. The ingredients for these buns, sourced from previous public information, typically include:
- Water: The liquid base for the dough.
- Gluten-Free Flour Mixture: A proprietary blend that often contains organic brown rice flour, rice flour, millet flour, and buckwheat flour.
- Starches: Tapioca starch and potato starch are used for texture and structure.
- Legume (Bean) Flour: Contributes to the overall flour blend.
- Vegetable Fibers: Aid in creating a stable crumb structure.
- Whole Flax Seed Meal: Adds fiber and helps with binding.
- Natural Flavors: Enhance the taste profile.
- Thickener (Modified Cellulose): Acts as a binding agent to improve texture and shelf life.
- Grapeseed Oil: Provides moisture and helps create a soft texture.
- Evaporated Cane Juice: Adds a touch of sweetness.
- Yeast: The leavening agent for the bun.
- Himalayan Crystal Salt: For flavor.
- Rice Extract: Can act as a stabilizer or flavor enhancer.
- Calcium Sulfate and Enzymes: Used in baking to improve dough consistency and overall product quality.
Comparing Shake Shack's Buns with Their Potato Buns
To better understand the gluten-free offering, it's useful to compare it with the standard non-GMO potato bun that Shake Shack uses for its regular burgers. The differences highlight the careful formulation required to produce a safe and appealing gluten-free alternative.
| Feature | Shake Shack Gluten-Free Bun | Shake Shack Non-GMO Potato Bun |
|---|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Gluten-free flour blend (rice, millet, buckwheat), tapioca starch, legume flour. | Wheat flour, potato flour, sugar, yeast, and oil. |
| Texture | Often denser and can be more prone to crumbling. | Soft, light, and spongy. |
| Preparation | Heated on a separate, dedicated griddle to prevent cross-contamination. | Toasted on the standard grill with other ingredients. |
| Taste Profile | Neutral with a slight sweetness from evaporated cane juice. | Mildly sweet and savory, complementing the burger patty. |
| Allergen Info | Specifically formulated to avoid wheat, though cross-contact at the factory level can be a concern for some. | Contains wheat, milk, and soy. |
Importance of Cross-Contamination Protocols
While knowing the ingredients is important, understanding how the buns are handled is paramount for individuals with Celiac disease. Shake Shack has protocols in place to minimize the risk of cross-contamination:
- Separate Griddle: The gluten-free buns are heated on a designated griddle, not the same surface used for the standard buns.
- Changing Gloves: Employees are instructed to change gloves before handling a gluten-free order.
- Ingredient Segregation: The gluten-free buns are stored separately from wheat-based products.
Conclusion: A Reliable Fast-Food Gluten-Free Option
Shake Shack’s gluten-free buns offer a reliable option for many with gluten sensitivities, with publicly available ingredient information and established cross-contamination protocols. The formulation, including rice flour, starches, and other binders, results in a satisfying bun that holds up well. While the buns themselves are gluten-free, customers with severe allergies like Celiac disease should always remain vigilant about kitchen practices and request fresh ingredients to be handled with care. The brand's proactive approach, including using a separate griddle and providing detailed allergen information, makes it a more reassuring choice in the fast-food landscape for those needing to avoid gluten.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shake Shack's Gluten-Free Buns
Is the gluten-free bun at Shake Shack certified gluten-free?
No, while Shake Shack uses a supplier that specializes in gluten-free products, the buns are not officially certified by a third-party organization. Customers with celiac disease should weigh the potential for cross-contact in the manufacturing facility, though the restaurant takes precautions.
Does Shake Shack charge extra for a gluten-free bun?
Yes, there is a small additional charge to substitute the standard bun for a gluten-free bun. The exact price can vary by location.
Are Shake Shack's fries also safe for a gluten-free diet?
While the fries themselves are made from potatoes and do not contain gluten ingredients, the fryer oil is used for other items that contain gluten, such as the 'Shroom Burgers. Shake Shack acknowledges this risk of cross-contamination, so individuals with severe gluten allergies should avoid the fries.
Can I order a lettuce wrap instead of a gluten-free bun?
Yes, any burger can be ordered with a lettuce wrap as an alternative to a bun. This is a safer option for those who want to avoid the bun entirely.
Is the ShackSauce gluten-free?
Shake Shack's allergen information indicates that the ShackSauce is processed in a facility with potential cross-contact with wheat. Customers with severe sensitivities should consider requesting their burger without the sauce or bringing their own condiments.
How does the gluten-free bun's texture compare to the regular bun?
Many reviewers note that the gluten-free bun is generally denser and can be more crumbly than the classic Martin's potato bun. However, it is a significant step up from many other fast-food alternatives.
Who makes Shake Shack's gluten-free buns?
Shake Shack sources its gluten-free buns from Bellyrite Foods, a New York-based gluten-free bakery that provides products for food service.
What specific ingredients are used in the gluten-free flour blend?
The flour blend includes organic brown rice flour, rice flour, millet flour, buckwheat flour, and legume (bean) flour. Tapioca starch and potato starch are also used.
Does the gluten-free bun contain any common allergens like dairy or soy?
Based on past ingredient information, the bun is formulated to be dairy-free and soy-free. However, it is always recommended to check the most current allergen information provided by Shake Shack or confirm with staff, especially for those with severe allergies.
Is it safe for someone with Celiac disease to eat at Shake Shack?
Eating at Shake Shack with Celiac disease requires careful ordering and communication with staff due to the risk of cross-contamination in the kitchen, particularly with fries and sauces. While precautions like separate griddles are taken for the buns, the overall environment and shared equipment for some items mean it may not be 100% safe for all individuals with Celiac.
Are there any other hidden sources of gluten in a Shake Shack burger?
Other potential sources of gluten or cross-contact include the ShackSauce and fried items like the 'Shroom Burger. It is always best to be specific about your dietary needs when ordering.
