Shake Shack's Gluten-Free Bun Supplier: Bellyrite Foods
Shake Shack's gluten-free hamburger buns are supplied by Bellyrite Foods, Inc., a dedicated gluten-free foodservice bakery in New York. Bellyrite Foods is a successor to Jennifer's Way Inc., founded by Jennifer Esposito. While Bellyrite Foods is a separate entity, this relationship means the buns are made in a dedicated gluten-free environment.
A Closer Look at the Gluten-Free Bun Ingredients
It's important for diners to know what's in their food. The gluten-free buns from Bellyrite Foods are made using naturally gluten-free flours and other components. These specialized buns often come at an extra cost. You can find a detailed list of ingredients on {Link: GF Go To Guide https://gfgotoguide.com/2016/12/21/shake-shack-adds-gluten-free-buns-to-menu-nationwide/}.
Gluten-Free Safety and Cross-Contamination at Shake Shack
For those with Celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities, cross-contamination is a major concern. Shake Shack is not a dedicated gluten-free kitchen, so understanding their practices is essential.
Standard Precautions for Gluten-Free Orders
Shake Shack implements several steps to minimize gluten exposure for allergen-sensitive orders. These typically include:
- Handwashing and changing gloves before preparing the order.
- Using a separate tray for preparation.
- Often using different utensils.
- Verbally alerting kitchen staff to the allergy.
The Grilling Surface and Shared Fryer Risks
Despite precautions, risks remain. A former employee indicated that gluten-free buns are heated on the same grill used for items with regular buns, potentially exposing them to gluten particles. This is a concern for Celiac customers, leading many to choose a lettuce wrap instead. Additionally, Shake Shack's fries are not safe for those with Celiac disease as they are cooked in shared fryers used for gluten-containing items like 'Shroom Burgers and Chicken Shack.
Comparing Shake Shack's Gluten-Free Burger to Other Options
Here is a comparison of Shake Shack's gluten-free options with other major fast-food chains.
| Feature | Shake Shack | Five Guys | Wendy's | Chipotle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gluten-Free Buns | Yes, supplied by Bellyrite Foods | No, offers burgers as lettuce wraps | No, offers burgers as lettuce wraps | N/A (serves bowls instead of buns) |
| Fries Cross-Contamination | High risk, shared frying equipment | Low risk, dedicated fryers for fries | N/A | N/A |
| Grill Cross-Contamination | Possible risk due to shared surfaces | No reported grill-surface risk for wraps | Not applicable for bunless burgers | N/A |
| Best Safe Option | Lettuce wrap | Lettuce wrap | Lettuce wrap | Burrito Bowl |
| Additional Precautions | Staff alerted to allergy | Request allergy preparation | Customize to remove allergens | Customize to remove allergens |
Alternatives for Strict Gluten Avoidance
For those with severe gluten sensitivities, the safest approach at Shake Shack involves clear communication and awareness of preparation methods. Consider these safer options:
- Order a burger with a lettuce wrap instead of the gluten-free bun to avoid grill contamination risk.
- Avoid fries due to the shared fryer.
- Be cautious of frozen custard due to potential cross-contamination with malt powder.
- Always inquire about ingredients in seasonal shakes.
Conclusion
Shake Shack sources its gluten-free buns from Bellyrite Foods, Inc. While the buns themselves are gluten-free, the risk of cross-contamination during preparation, particularly from shared grills and fryers, is a significant concern for those with severe gluten allergies or Celiac disease. Shake Shack's official allergen information states they take reasonable steps but cannot guarantee products are "100% free from" allergens. For the safest experience, consider a lettuce-wrapped burger, skip the fries, and confirm ingredients in custard and shakes. Consult Shake Shack's official allergen guide for more details.
