Here's the scoop on Gluten-Free Menus at In-n-Out Burger, Five Guys and Shake Shack. When it comes to fast food, these are the restaurants where I feel the safest - a question I get asked a lot.
Watch the video to see how I order; In-n-Out Burger, Five Guys and Shake Shack all have a protocol when you order with a "gluten allergy." So make sure you do say "gluten-allergy" when ordering!
I've had more than one person tell me they got sick after enjoying a burger. When I ask if they ordered with an allergy note, the answer is no. The allergy note is the key to making sure the staff takes every possible precaution. I commend In-n-Out Burger, Five Guys and Shake Shack for having gluten-free menus and plans in place for those of us following GF diets, and I work within their system to stay safe deliciously.
Gluten-Free at In-N-Out:
In-n-Out Burger: With the exception of hamburger buns, every item at In-n-Out Burger is gluten-free! That means you can get a Neapolitan shake, cheese fries and an Animal-style burger safely, as long you say “Protein-style for a Gluten Allergy” when you place your order. Fries are fresh-cut potatoes in a segregated fryer (actually, french fries are the only fried item at In-n-Out). In-n-Out’s allergy protocol calls for a clean station, changed gloves, separate utensils and more.
Their shakes are also safe - but like all orders at these restaurants, ask for a "gluten allergy" note on your order, so the staff will change gloves before prepping your drinks.
Gluten-Free at Five Guys:
Five Guys: gluten-free deliciousness is available nationwide at Five Guys! The burgers and hot dogs are cooked on a separate space, and fries are cooked up in fresh peanut oil in a segregated fryer. Just be sure to place your order “Bunless for a Gluten Allergy” or “Lettuce-wrapped for a Gluten Allergy.” Then listen for the cashier to call your allergy back to the cook team. One cook (usually a manager) will change gloves, clean their workspace, and handle your order from start to finish. Check out a list of ingredients used at Five Guys and allergen information here.
Gluten-Free at Shake Shack:
Shake Shack: Hamburgers? Yes! Dogs? Yes! Frozen Custard? YES! Shake Shack even has a Allergen Information Page on their website so you can see which products contain other allergens. Order your burger or dog and notate “Gluten Allergy” so the team knows it’s time to take special care of your order. Shake Shack offers a GF burger bun, or you can go bunless too. Plus, they have WINE. Frozen Custard is good to go in a cup (not a cone, obviously) and you'll need to be mindful of gluten when choosing mix-ins.
*A note about gluten in Shake Shack's fries: although the fries themselves are gluten-free and prepared in a separate fryer, Shake Shack’s ‘Shrooms and ‘Shroom burgers aren’t gluten-free, and the oil is filtered through the same equipment. That means there is a chance for the fryer oil to be contaminated. Shake Shack does not recommend their fries for anyone with a gluten intolerance.
You can check out our list of Gluten-Free Menus for other Fast Food options here!
In-n-Out photos credit: Katie Roletto
Shake Shack image credit: Shake Shack
Frequently Asked Questions about Gluten-Free In-N-Out, Five Guys and Shake Shack:
Gluten-free diners need to need to say "Gluten Allergy" at In-N-Out, Five Guys or Shake Shack because the ordering systems don't have a button for autoimmune diseases or food intolerances. If you want to dine safely at these restaurants, use the language their teams have been trained to use.
Yes, In-N-Out's spread recipe is gluten-free. However, the spread they use on burgers can be cross-contaminated. People who are gluten-free should add "gluten-allergy" to their order, so that the staff knows to use fresh spread.
With the exception of hamburger buns, every item at In-n-Out Burger is gluten-free! To order safely gluten-free, add "Gluten Allergy" to your order, so the staff knows to follow their gluten allergy protocol.
Yes! In-N-Out French fries are simply made of potato, and are fried in a dedicated fryer. If you are ordering Animal-style fries, be sure to add "Gluten Allergy" to your order so the staff follows their gluten allergy protocol and makes sure the special sauce is not cross contaminated.
No, In-N-Out does not offer gluten-free buns. With the exception of hamburger buns, every item at In-n-Out Burger is gluten-free! To order safely gluten-free, add "Gluten Allergy" to your order, so the staff knows to follow their gluten allergy protocol.
Yes, the animal style fries at In-N-Out are free of any gluten-containing ingredients. In-N-Out French fries are simply made of potato, and are fried in a dedicated fryer. The sauce, cheese and onions are also free of gluten. If you are ordering Animal-style fries, be sure to add "Gluten Allergy" to your order so the staff follows their gluten allergy protocol and makes sure the special sauce is not cross contaminated.
In-N-Out fries are cooked in cooked in 100% sunflower oil. The fries contain only potatoes, sunflower oil and salt. In-N-Out's potatoes shipped directly from farms, cut in stores, and then cooked in dedicated fryers.
Yes, it can be. Five Guys burgers and hot dogs are cooked on a separate space, and fries are cooked up in fresh peanut oil in a segregated fryer. Just be sure to place your order “Bunless for a Gluten Allergy” or “Lettuce-wrapped for a Gluten Allergy.” You should also avoid the malt vinegar and any gluten containing mix-ins for shakes.
No. Five guys will serve gluten-free diners a lettuce wrapped burger or hot dog, or a "bunless" option in a bowl. People with Celiac Disease or a serious gluten intolerance should say “Bunless for a Gluten Allergy” or “Lettuce-wrapped for a Gluten Allergy.”
The milkshake base at Five Guys does not have gluten, but some of the mix-ins do: the malted milk, cherry flavoring, and Oreo cookie mix-in options contain gluten, and should be avoided for GF diners.
No, the fries at Shake Shack are not 100% gluten-free due to cross contamination from the fryer oil filtering equipment.
Any at Shake Shack burger (except the ‘Shroom Burger) can be ordered gluten-free with a lettuce wrap, and most of U.S. Shake Shacks offer gluten-free buns. Flat-top dogs can also be ordered with a lettuce wrap. Frozen custard can be served safely gluten-free in a cup, as long as gluten-containing toppings are avoided. Gluten-free diners should notate “Gluten Allergy” when ordering.
Only the ‘Shroom Burger contains gluten at Shake Shack. The rest of their burgers an be ordered gluten-free with a lettuce wrap, and most of U.S. Shake Shacks offer gluten-free buns. Gluten-free diners should notate “Gluten Allergy” when ordering.
Debi says
Life saver!!! Thank you!! I actually had French fries at In N Out!!
K.C. Cornwell says
I'm so happy to hear that!!
Emily Unverferth says
This helps so much!!! So happy about shake shack!!!! I will be visiting your website much more often! 🥳
K.C. Cornwell says
I'm so glad to hear that Emily!