For those navigating the world of gluten-free dining, finding a reliable and satisfying option can often be challenging. Five Guys Burgers, known for its fresh ingredients and customizable menu, has garnered attention for accommodating gluten-free diets.
While traditionally a burger joint centered around classic buns and fries, Five Guys offers several menu items and modifications that cater to gluten-sensitive customers. Understanding these options is essential for anyone wanting to enjoy a delicious meal without compromising their dietary needs.
Five Guys has made strides in ensuring that gluten-free diners have access to safe and flavorful choices. Their commitment to quality and transparency allows guests to make informed decisions when ordering.
However, navigating the menu requires some knowledge about ingredient substitutions, cross-contamination risks, and tailored meal options. This overview will explore the breadth of Five Guys’ gluten-free offerings, providing clarity and confidence for diners.
Whether you are newly gluten-free or have managed the diet for years, Five Guys’ flexible approach can accommodate your preferences. From burgers without buns to carefully selected toppings and sides, there is a variety of ways to enjoy a classic Five Guys experience without gluten concerns.
Understanding Five Guys’ Gluten-Free Philosophy
Five Guys approaches gluten-free dining with a focus on ingredient integrity and clear communication. They recognize the increasing demand for gluten-free options and have adapted their practices to meet customer needs.
However, it is important to understand the nuances of their approach to avoid unintended gluten exposure.
At the heart of their philosophy is transparency. Five Guys openly shares information about ingredients and preparation methods, helping customers make safe choices.
Staff training emphasizes awareness of gluten-sensitive customers, although the kitchen environment is not fully gluten-free.
Five Guys does not have a dedicated gluten-free kitchen, so cross-contamination is a potential risk. However, the restaurant takes precautions such as using separate utensils for gluten-free items and cooking fries in dedicated fryers.
Customers are encouraged to communicate their dietary restrictions clearly to staff members.
“Five Guys makes every effort to accommodate gluten-free customers, but we recommend caution due to shared cooking surfaces and preparation areas.”
Key Elements of the Gluten-Free Policy
- Ingredient transparency: All ingredients are listed with allergen information.
- Separate fryers: Fries are cooked in peanut oil in dedicated fryers free from gluten contamination.
- Customization: Customers can remove buns and choose toppings to avoid gluten.
- Cross-contact risk: Shared cooking areas mean complete gluten-free assurance is not guaranteed.
Gluten-Free Burger Options
Five Guys offers a variety of burger options that can be modified to suit a gluten-free diet. The most straightforward approach is to order a burger without the bun, focusing on the fresh beef patty and toppings.
This allows diners to enjoy the core flavors without gluten exposure from bread.
The burgers are made from fresh, never frozen beef, ensuring a high-quality base for your meal. You can customize your burger with a wide range of toppings, all of which are gluten-free.
This flexibility allows for creative combinations that fit your taste and dietary requirements.
Ordering a burger without the bun is simple but requires clear communication. Inform the staff that you need a burger “no bun,” and specify any toppings you want.
Many toppings such as lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, and cheese are gluten-free and safe choices.
Popular Gluten-Free Burger Variations
- Lettuce Wrap Burger: Substitute the bun with large iceberg lettuce leaves for a crisp, fresh alternative.
- Open-Face Burger: Served without any bread, focusing on the meat and toppings.
- Double or Triple Patty: Add extra patties to increase protein without added carbs or gluten.
- Loaded Toppings: Customize with gluten-free toppings like grilled mushrooms, jalapeños, and cheese.
| Burger Item | Gluten Content | Notes |
| Regular Burger with Bun | Contains Gluten | Buns are made with wheat flour |
| Burger without Bun | Gluten-Free | Safe if no gluten-containing toppings added |
| Lettuce Wrap Burger | Gluten-Free | Fresh lettuce replaces bun |
Gluten-Free Sides and Snacks
Five Guys is widely recognized for its iconic fries, and fortunately, these are gluten-free. The fries are cooked in pure peanut oil in fryers exclusively used for potatoes, minimizing gluten cross-contamination.
This makes them a safe and popular side choice for gluten-sensitive diners.
Aside from fries, Five Guys offers a few other sides and snack options that may be suitable depending on your dietary restrictions. It’s important to confirm with staff about any sauces or seasonings that may contain gluten.
While the focus is on fries, customers should avoid items like hot dogs or sandwiches unless modified to be gluten-free due to bread or bun ingredients. The brand’s commitment to natural ingredients means many toppings and condiments are inherently gluten-free.
Safe and Avoid Sides
- Safe: Five Guys Fries, Cajun Fries (if you confirm no gluten-containing seasoning)
- Use caution: Milkshakes and drinks are generally gluten-free but verify flavor additives
- Avoid: Hot dogs with buns, sandwiches, and any breaded items
“Fries are one of the few fast-food sides that are naturally gluten-free and safe at Five Guys, thanks to separate frying procedures.”
Allergens and Cross-Contamination Risks
Gluten-free dining always carries the risk of cross-contamination, especially in kitchens that prepare both gluten-containing and gluten-free foods. Five Guys acknowledges these risks and trains staff accordingly, but diners must remain vigilant.
The shared environment means that crumbs, airborne flour, or shared utensils might introduce gluten to otherwise safe foods. Customers with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance should weigh these risks carefully before ordering.
Five Guys encourages open dialogue between customers and staff to minimize risks. Employees are trained to answer questions regarding ingredients and preparation methods, but ultimate responsibility lies with the diner.
Preventing Cross-Contamination
- Clear communication: Always inform staff of your gluten-free needs.
- Separate utensils: Request fresh gloves and clean prep surfaces.
- Confirm fryers: Fries are cooked in dedicated fryers, but check for any changes.
- Avoid shared items: Refrain from ordering items that share breading or batter.
| Potential Contamination Source | Mitigation Strategy |
| Shared Prep Surfaces | Request surface cleaning before preparation |
| Shared Cooking Utensils | Ask for dedicated or cleaned utensils for gluten-free orders |
| Shared Fryers | Fries cooked in separate peanut oil fryers; confirm with staff |
Customizing Your Order Safely
Customization is a core feature of Five Guys, making it easier to tailor meals to gluten-free requirements. With dozens of toppings and sauces available, the ability to build your own burger or sandwich offers flexibility.
While most toppings are gluten-free, some sauces and seasonings contain gluten or wheat derivatives. Always inquire about specific ingredients when ordering.
Opting for simple, fresh toppings reduces the risk of gluten exposure.
Ordering without the bun and substituting with lettuce wraps or open-face styles allows for safe enjoyment. The staff’s familiarity with allergen concerns means they can assist with substitutions and modifications to suit your needs.
Tips for Gluten-Free Customization
- Choose fresh toppings: Lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, grilled mushrooms, jalapeños, and cheese.
- Avoid: BBQ sauce, fry seasoning (unless confirmed gluten-free), and any breaded toppings.
- Communicate clearly: Specify your gluten-free needs when ordering.
- Confirm sauces: Ask staff to verify which sauces are safe.
“Customization at Five Guys empowers gluten-free diners to enjoy a personalized meal without compromise.”
Five Guys Milkshakes and Gluten-Free Considerations
Milkshakes are a popular treat at Five Guys, but those on a gluten-free diet should proceed with caution. The base ingredients themselves are typically gluten-free, but certain flavor add-ins might contain gluten or be processed in facilities that handle gluten.
Five Guys offers classic flavors such as vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry, which generally do not contain gluten. However, specialty mix-ins like cookie dough or brownie pieces are not gluten-free and should be avoided.
When ordering, ask the staff to clarify which shake options are safe and if cross-contamination is a concern. If you want a pure, safe option, sticking to basic flavors without mix-ins is a wise choice.
Milkshake Options and Gluten Status
| Shake Flavor | Gluten-Free Status | Notes |
| Vanilla | Gluten-Free | Safe base flavor, no additives |
| Chocolate | Gluten-Free | Contains cocoa, no gluten ingredients |
| Strawberry | Gluten-Free | Uses real strawberries, safe |
| Cookie Dough Mix-In | Contains Gluten | Not safe for gluten-free diets |
| Brownie Mix-In | Contains Gluten | Not safe for gluten-free diets |
Conclusion: Enjoying Five Guys Gluten-Free
Five Guys provides a commendable range of options for those following a gluten-free lifestyle, emphasizing fresh, high-quality ingredients and customization. While the lack of a dedicated gluten-free kitchen means there is some risk of cross-contamination, the restaurant’s transparency and staff training help mitigate these concerns.
By opting for burgers without buns, selecting safe toppings, and choosing fries cooked in separate fryers, gluten-sensitive diners can enjoy a satisfying meal at Five Guys. Clear communication with staff and awareness of allergen information remain critical to ensuring a safe experience.
For those craving classic fast-food flavors without gluten, Five Guys stands out as a flexible and delicious choice.
Ultimately, enjoying Five Guys gluten-free requires a blend of knowledge, communication, and informed choices. With these tools, you can indulge in flavorful burgers, crisp fries, and even select milkshakes with confidence.
Five Guys demonstrates that accommodating gluten-free diets is possible without sacrificing taste or quality.