Understanding the Five Guys Allergen Protocol
Five Guys has a relatively simple menu, which works in favor of gluten-free diners. Their core offerings are burgers, hot dogs, fries, and milkshakes. While they do not have a dedicated gluten-free kitchen and cannot guarantee zero cross-contamination, they have protocols in place to significantly reduce the risk. The most crucial step is to clearly communicate your dietary needs, often by stating you have a 'gluten allergy,' even for celiac disease, to trigger their special handling procedures.
The Golden Rules for a Gluten-Free Five Guys Order
- Communicate your needs clearly: Always state that you have a gluten allergy. This flags your order for special handling by trained staff.
- Request fresh gloves: Ask the staff member preparing your meal to change their gloves. This is a simple but effective step to prevent cross-contact from bun-handling.
- Watch them work: Five Guys kitchens are open-plan, allowing you to observe your food being prepared and ensure your request is being followed.
- Be aware of shared surfaces: The grill is used for both patties and buns, and while the patties are placed on foil, asking for your burger to be prepared on a clean surface is an extra precaution.
Naturally Gluten-Free Five Guys Menu Items
Surprisingly, most of Five Guys' ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making safe meal assembly straightforward with the right precautions. The main items to avoid are the buns and certain milkshake mix-ins.
The Foundation: Patties, Fries, and Dogs
- Beef Patties: The 100% ground chuck beef patties contain no additives, fillers, or gluten. The key is to order them without a bun.
- Fries: The famous Five Guys and Cajun-style fries are safe. They are made from fresh-cut potatoes and cooked in a dedicated fryer with 100% refined peanut oil, ensuring no cross-contact from other fried items.
- Hot Dogs: The all-beef hot dogs are also gluten-free by ingredient. Like the burgers, they must be ordered without the bun.
Toppings and Condiments
Most of the available toppings and sauces at Five Guys are gluten-free, allowing for a highly customizable meal.
Safe Gluten-Free Toppings:
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Pickles
- Onions (raw)
- Jalapeño peppers
- Green peppers
- Mayonnaise
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Relish
- A1 Steak Sauce
- Bar-B-Que Sauce
- Hot Sauce
- Bacon
- Cheese
Toppings with a Cross-Contamination Risk:
- Grilled Onions and Grilled Mushrooms: These are cooked on the same grill as the buns, which poses a significant cross-contamination risk for those with celiac disease. Highly sensitive individuals should avoid these or request extreme caution with a clean surface and tools.
Milkshakes and Drinks
The vanilla milkshake base at Five Guys is gluten-free. However, caution is required with certain mix-ins and the shared blender equipment. To ensure a safe milkshake, ask the staff to use a freshly cleaned blender.
Gluten-Free Milkshake Mix-ins:
- Peanut butter
- Bananas
- Coffee
- Chocolate
- Strawberries
- Salted caramel
- Cherry flavoring (check for local variations)
Gluten-Containing Milkshake Mix-ins:
- Oreo cookies
- Malted milk
All bottled beverages are inherently gluten-free and safe. While fountain drinks themselves are safe, the nozzles are shared and could have a low risk of cross-contact from other beverages.
How to Order a Safe Gluten-Free Meal at Five Guys
- Start with the main item: Ask for a burger or hot dog without a bun. Specify you need a "lettuce wrap" or "burger bowl".
- State your allergy: Clearly inform the cashier that you have a "gluten allergy." Wait for them to repeat the order back to the kitchen staff to confirm special handling.
- Choose your toppings: Select from the wide variety of safe, naturally gluten-free toppings. Remember to avoid grilled mushrooms and onions if you are very sensitive due to the shared cooking surface.
- Order fries: A serving of Five Guys Style or Cajun fries is a safe and delicious option.
- Be cautious with milkshakes: Order a plain vanilla shake or choose safe, gluten-free mix-ins. Remind staff to use a freshly washed blender cup and utensils.
- Verify your order: Watch as they prepare your food. Ensure they change gloves and assemble your bun-free meal on a clean foil sheet.
A Comparison of Five Guys Ordering Options
| Menu Item | Standard Preparation | Gluten-Free Option | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hamburger/Cheeseburger | Served on a wheat bun | Lettuce wrap or a bowl | Request special handling and fresh gloves. |
| Hot Dog | Served on a wheat bun | Without the bun (bowl) | Not all locations offer a lettuce wrap for hot dogs. |
| Fries (Five Guys & Cajun) | Cooked in dedicated fryer | No modification needed | Cooked in 100% peanut oil, safe for gluten-free diets. |
| Grilled Veggies | Cooked on shared grill | Raw toppings only | Risk of cross-contact from shared grill surface. |
| Milkshake (Mix-ins) | Prepared in a shared blender | Stick to plain or safe mix-ins | Request a clean blender cup to avoid cross-contact. |
The Risks of Cross-Contamination
While Five Guys has robust protocols, the risk of cross-contamination is never zero in a shared kitchen. For individuals with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance, it's vital to assess your personal comfort level with this risk. Observing the preparation process and communicating your needs clearly are the best defenses. You may also consider researching best practices for dining out with celiac disease for additional strategies. The use of the same grill for patties and buns is the most significant risk factor for burger orders. However, the dedicated fryers are a major advantage for those seeking a safe side dish.
Conclusion
For those wondering what is gluten-free at Five Guys?, the answer is a surprisingly flexible menu, provided you know how to order correctly. By avoiding the obvious sources of gluten like the buns and specific milkshake mix-ins, and by taking precautions against cross-contamination, a satisfying and safe meal is entirely possible. The ability to order burgers and hot dogs as lettuce wraps or bowls, combined with their safe fries and customizable toppings, makes Five Guys a viable fast-food option for many on a gluten-free diet. Just remember that clear communication with the staff is your most important tool for a successful experience.
