Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes damage to the small intestine when gluten is ingested. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. When someone with celiac disease eats gluten, their immune system attacks the small intestine, damaging the villi which are tiny finger-like projections that line the small intestine and absorb nutrients from food. This damage leads to an inability to absorb nutrients properly which can cause symptoms like diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain, and fatigue.
The only treatment for celiac disease is following a strict lifelong gluten-free diet. This means avoiding any foods or ingredients that contain gluten. Even small amounts of gluten can cause issues for those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. For this reason, when dining out or eating packaged and processed foods, it is essential that celiacs carefully check ingredient labels and ask questions to ensure menu items are safe to consume.
Are Five Guys fries gluten-free?
When it comes to French fries, ingredients typically include potatoes, oil for frying, and salt. None of these basic ingredients contain gluten. However, the potential for cross-contamination exists in most restaurant kitchens where breaded items share fryers with French fries. Additionally, some restaurants dust fries with a light coating of flour before frying or season them with malt vinegar upon serving.
According to Five Guys’ website, their fries are “prepared in peanut oil and cooked separately from burgers and hot dogs. The fries themselves do not contain any allergenic ingredients.” Five Guys also notes that guests are welcome to check with their local Five Guys location to confirm their procedures for preparing fries.
Five Guys states that their fries are safe for celiacs. The potatoes are gluten-free, and Five Guys uses dedicated fryers to avoid cross-contamination with breaded menu items. However, those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities may still wish to check with their local Five Guys to confirm their fryer procedures. Individual location practices can vary when it comes to safely accommodating specialty dietary needs.
Key factors determining fry safety
For French fries to be considered gluten-free, they must meet the following criteria:
- Made from gluten-free potatoes and frying oil
- Fried in a dedicated fryer that only fries potato items
- Not seasoned with wheat flour before or after frying
- Not seasoned with malt vinegar
Based on the information provided on Five Guys’ website, their fries appear to meet these criteria. Again, it is always advisable for customers with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities to inquire locally and observe if proper protocols are in place to prevent cross-contamination.
Certifications
Some restaurants obtain gluten-free certifications from organizations like the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) or Coeliac Alliance. These certifications indicate that the restaurant has been audited for compliance with strict standards around gluten-free preparation and avoidance of cross-contamination. Menu items that meet certification standards are clearly labeled so customers know those options are safer choices.
Five Guys locations do not have GIG or Coeliac Alliance certifications. However, many celiacs do report feeling comfortable consuming their fries based on Five Guys’ stated procedures for using dedicated fryers.
How are Five Guys fries prepared?
Five Guys uses a simple process for preparing their fries:
- Potatoes are peeled, washed, and cut into fry shape using stainless steel cutters.
- Fries are briefly soaked in water to remove excess starch.
- Fries are fried in peanut oil in a dedicated fryer that only fries potato items.
- Fries are seasoned with a dash of salt after coming out of the fryer.
By not adding any batter or seasoning that contains gluten prior to frying and using a dedicated fryer, Five Guys protects their fries from cross-contamination with gluten-containing menu items like buns and hot dog rolls.
Are other menu items at Five Guys safe for celiacs?
In addition to fries, other gluten-free menu options at Five Guys include:
- Burgers or hot dogs wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun
- Beef or veggie sandwich patties alone, without bun
- Salads without croutons
- Toppings like mushrooms, grilled onions, grilled peppers, ketchup, mustard, and mayo
Those with celiac disease will need to avoid the regular burger and hot dog buns, as well as any breaded toppings like cheese sticks or chili cheese dogs. Gluten-free dining at Five Guys centers around a “bunless” burger or hot dog and topping it to your liking with lettuce wrap or sliced tomatoes and raw onions.
Five Guys prepares all French fries in dedicated fryers. However, menu items like chicken tenders and chili cheese dogs are prepared in shared fryers. Cross-contamination could occur if French fries are placed in one of these shared fryers instead of the dedicated ones. Again, guests should confirm protocols at their local Five Guys location.
What about cross-contamination risks?
Even when a menu item is gluten-free in its basic form, cross-contamination with gluten-containing foods can still occur in restaurant kitchens. Potential sources of cross-contamination include:
- Fryers that are used to cook multiple menu items (breaded and non-breaded)
- Grills where burger patties touch buns or other breaded items
- Re-using utensils, plates or surfaces without washing between gluten and gluten-free menu items
At Five Guys, guests can reduce cross-contamination risks by:
- Customizing a lettuce wrapped burger or hot dog instead of using the bun
- Ordering toppings prepared separately from breaded items, like grilled onions/peppers
- Requesting new, clean gloves before staff prepares the order
- Asking for burger/hot dog to be prepared separately from buns
- Checking that fries come from the dedicated fryer and are served on a clean surface with fresh utensils
Adhering closely to proper protocols and carefully customizing orders is key for sensitive individuals dining at restaurants like Five Guys where menu items contain gluten.
Should celiacs eat Five Guys fries?
The short answer
Based on available information, Five Guys fries appear to be safe for celiacs when prepared properly in the dedicated fryer. However, there is some risk of cross-contamination from staff improperly placing fries in a shared fryer or failing to follow other protocols to prevent contact with gluten-containing items.
The longer answer
Here are some pros and cons for celiacs considering Five Guys fries:
Potential pros
- Simple ingredients – just potatoes, oil and salt
- Dedicated fryers used to avoid cross-contamination
- Stated gluten-free status on website
- Favorable reports from some celiacs who eat the fries
Potential cons
- Some risk of human error/improperly cooked fries
- No gluten-free certification through an auditing program
- Potential for cross-contact from gluten-containing toppings nearby
Every celiac must weigh these factors based on their own sensitivity level, comfort with occasional cross-contamination risk, and ability to monitor preparation procedures in the restaurant.
General best practices
For celiacs choosing to eat Five Guys fries, these tips can help reduce risk:
- Confirm fries are cooked in dedicated fryer only
- Request change of gloves by staff
- Get fries before burger/hot dog if cooking on same surface
- Avoid adding malt vinegar seasoning
- Check for signs of cross-contamination like visible crumbs
- Ask staff to change gloves/utensils if uncertain
Being informed, asking questions, and carefully inspecting items before consumption is key to safely navigating menu choices with gluten. While not 100% risk-free, Five Guys fries may be an option celiacs can occasionally enjoy with proper precautions.
Conclusions
When prepared properly using dedicated fryers, Five Guys french fries appear to be gluten-free and safe for those with celiac disease to consume. However, there are always risks of cross-contamination in restaurant kitchens. Guests with celiac disease need to inquire about protocols at their specific Five Guys location, customize orders to avoid bun contact, and take precautions around potential cross-contamination from utensils, surfaces, and staff.
While Five Guys states their fries are safe for celiacs and many guests report no issues after eating them, there is no gluten-free certification through an independent auditing organization. Individuals with celiac disease must weigh the risks based on their own sensitivity level and comfort eating at restaurants with shared kitchen spaces and some risk of exposure.
In summary, Five Guys fries may be reasonably safe for most celiacs when following best practices around verifying preparation procedures and avoiding cross-contamination. However, there is no guarantee of zero risk in an environment with gluten present. By being informed, asking questions, and taking precautions, celiacs can make the best dining decisions for their own health needs and sensitivities.
| Pros | Potential risks |
|---|---|
| Simple ingredients | Shared equipment |
| Dedicated fryer | Risk of cross-contact |
| Stated GF status | No GF certification |
| Favorable celiac reports | Human errors |
