As someone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, eating at restaurants like Five Guys can seem daunting. With so many ingredients and preparation methods to consider, it’s understandable to have questions about what menu items are truly gluten-free. The good news is that Five Guys does offer some gluten-free options!
Gluten-Free Bun
The most flexible gluten-free choice at Five Guys is getting a burger or hot dog served in a gluten-free bun. Five Guys uses individually packaged Udi’s gluten-free hamburger buns that are certified gluten-free to <10 parts per million. This allows you to build a burger or hot dog with all the classic Five Guys toppings while avoiding gluten exposure from the bun.
Burger Lettuce Wraps
Another gluten-free option is to order a lettuce wrap instead of a traditional bun. Five Guys will prepare any burger as a lettuce wrap with no additional charge. Simply ask for your burger to be wrapped in lettuce leaves instead of a bun to make it gluten-free. The lettuce they use is fresh and unwilting, making for a solid lettuce wrap experience.
French Fries
Five Guys uses dedicated fryers to prepare their famous fresh-cut french fries. These fryers only fry potatoes and are not used for any breaded menu items. As a result, their standard french fries are gluten-free and safe for those avoiding gluten. Be sure to order the regular fries without any added toppings like malt vinegar.
Hot Dogs
Five Guys hot dogs are gluten-free when ordered without the bun. You have the option to either get the hot dog wrapped in lettuce or served in a gluten-free bun. The hot dogs themselves are beef franks that do not contain any gluten additives or ingredients. Pair your gluten-free hot dog with topping options like grilled onions, mushrooms, bacon, chili, and any other gluten-free toppings you desire.
Toppings & Extras
When ordering a gluten-free burger or hot dog, you have all the classic Five Guys toppings available to customize your meal. Here are some of the popular gluten-free toppings you can feel good about at Five Guys:
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayo
- Relish
- Grilled Onions
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Pickles
- Jalapenos
- Green Peppers
- Mushrooms
- Bacon
Just about any topping or sauce at Five Guys is gluten-free, with the exception of the malt vinegar offered for the french fries. As long as you avoid the few items containing gluten, you have all the fixings you need to create an amazing burger or hot dog.
Salads
While Five Guys is known for their burgers and fries, they also offer a simple green salad that makes a nice gluten-free side. The base is mixed greens with sliced tomatoes on top. For dressing, you can choose oil & vinegar which are gluten-free. Avoid the balsamic vinegar option as some balsamic contains added gluten. A classic oil & vinegar salad dressing is a tasty gluten-free accompaniment to your Five Guys meal.
Beverages
When it comes to drinks, all of the sodas, ice tea, and bottled water at Five Guys are gluten-free. Feel free to order any of these drinks to pair with your gluten-free meal:
- Coca-Cola
- Diet Coke
- Sprite
- Dr Pepper
- Root Beer
- Minute Maid Light Lemonade
- Fanta Orange
- Barq’s Root Beer
- Fuze Raspberry Tea
- Bottled Water
What to Avoid
While Five Guys does provide various gluten-free options, there are some menu items and toppings that contain gluten and should be avoided:
- Burgers or hot dogs served on regular buns
- Malt vinegar topping for fries
- Bacon shake or bacon hot dog
- Breaded topping options like mushrooms or jalapenos
- Any breaded sides like the mozzarella sticks
As long as you stick with the gluten-free buns, lettuce wraps, and avoid items prepared with wheat-based ingredients, you have plenty of delicious options to enjoy at Five Guys.
Allergy Information
Five Guys provides allergy information guides upon request that indicate which menu items are gluten-free or made without gluten-containing ingredients. They also have separate grills for preparing gluten-free or allergy-friendly items to prevent cross-contamination. Be sure to mention your gluten sensitivity when ordering so they take extra care in preparing your meal without contamination.
Tips for Ordering
Here are some useful tips for ordering gluten-free at Five Guys:
- Request an allergy info guide from the cashier to review GF options
- Tell the cashier you need your meal prepared gluten-free
- Order fries from a fresh batch to avoid cross-contamination
- For burgers/hot dogs: request lettuce wrap or GF bun
- Check all toppings and condiments for gluten-containing ingredients
- Ask about preparation if you are unsure about an item
Conclusion
With menu customization and separate preparation practices for allergies, Five Guys offers tasty and safe options for those seeking a gluten-free fast food meal. Burgers and hot dogs in lettuce wraps or gluten-free buns along with traditional gluten-free toppings provide a fulfilling experience. Add in fresh cut fries from a dedicated fryer plus gluten-free beverage choices, and you have lots of items to enjoy while avoiding gluten at Five Guys.
