Gluten-Free at Five Guys: The Best Burger Chain for Celiacs?
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Five Guys may be the most celiac-friendly burger chain in America. Their fries are cooked in a dedicated peanut oil fryer, and their burgers can be ordered lettuce-wrapped.
Five Guys may be the most celiac-friendly burger chain in America. Their fries are cooked in a dedicated peanut oil fryer, and their burgers can be ordered lettuce-wrapped.
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βKey Takeaways
In the world of fast-food burgers, celiacs are usually stuck eating a sad, dry patty with a knife and fork after throwing away the bun.
But Five Guys is different. Their simple, transparent menu and dedicated frying process make them arguably the most celiac-friendly burger chain in America.
Here is why Five Guys is a safe haven.
The Fries: Dedicated Fryer β
This is the single most important reason Five Guys stands out.
Five Guys only fries their French Fries. They do not fry breaded chicken, mozzarella sticks, or onion rings. The fryer contains only potatoes and pure peanut oil.
* The Result: Because there are no breaded, wheat-containing products going into the fryer, the oil is NOT contaminated with gluten. The fries are naturally safe for celiacs.
* The Cajun Fries: The Cajun seasoning is also gluten-free. You can safely enjoy the Cajun Fries.
*(Note: Five Guys does NOT label their fries as "Gluten-Free" because the fries are processed in a shared facility before arriving at the restaurant. However, the in-store fryer itself is free from wheat cross-contamination, making it a very low risk for most celiacs.)*
The Burger: Lettuce Wrap β
Five Guys uses standard wheat hamburger buns. You cannot eat the bun.
The Solution: Five Guys will gladly wrap your burger in fresh lettuce leaves instead of a bun. Just order your burger "Lettuce Wrap" or "Bowl Style."
* All burger toppings (lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, jalapeΓ±os, mushrooms, green peppers) are naturally GF.
* The Cheese: American cheese, which Five Guys uses, is naturally GF.
* The Bacon: Five Guys bacon is naturally GF.
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The Safe Toppings β
Almost every topping at Five Guys is safe:
* Ketchup β
* Mustard β
* Mayo β
* BBQ Sauce β
* Hot Sauce β
* A1 Steak Sauce β
* Relish β
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Top Gluten-Free Picks
Bob's Red Mill GF Flour
β β β β β 4.8Essential GF pantry staple
Canyon Bakehouse GF Bread
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Barilla GF Pasta
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The Danger Zone β
There are a few items to avoid:
* The Bun: Obviously, the standard sesame seed bun is pure wheat.
* The Hot Dogs: The hot dog itself is GF, but the bun is wheat. Order it without the bun.
* The Grilled Cheese: This is literally a bun filled with cheese. Do not eat it.
* The Milkshakes: β οΈ Five Guys milkshakes use mix-ins. If you add Oreo cookies or Malted Milk Powder, it is contaminated. Stick to plain vanilla or chocolate shake with safe mix-ins (like peanut butter or banana).
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The Cross-Contamination Caveat β οΈ
While Five Guys is incredibly safe compared to other chains, there is one caveat.
The workers handle wheat buns with their gloved hands and then may handle your lettuce-wrapped burger without changing gloves.
The Protocol: When you order, say: *"I have a severe wheat allergy. Could you please change your gloves before preparing my lettuce-wrapped burger?"*
Summary: Five Guys is a celiac's best friend in the fast-food burger world. The dedicated peanut oil fryer makes the fries genuinely safe, and the lettuce wrap is a delicious, filling alternative to the bun. Use the Check Gluten web app to verify any seasonal sauces!
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Find Gluten-Free Food Safety on Amazon
Compare prices & read celiac reviews
Top Gluten-Free Picks
Bob's Red Mill GF Flour
β β β β β 4.8Essential GF pantry staple
Canyon Bakehouse GF Bread
β β β β β 4.8Best-tasting GF bread
Barilla GF Pasta
β β β β β 4.8Closest to regular pasta taste
As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of listing.
Celiac Safety Glossary
- Celiac disease
- Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disorder in which ingesting gluten β a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye β triggers an immune response that damages the small intestine's villi, affecting approximately 1 in 100 people worldwide according to the Celiac Disease Foundation.
- Gluten
- Gluten is a family of storage proteins (prolamins and glutelins) found naturally in cereal grains like wheat (including varieties like spelt, kamut, and farro), barley, and rye, which acts as a binder to give food elasticity and shape.
- Cross-contamination
- Cross-contamination (or cross-contact) occurs when gluten-free food comes into contact with gluten-containing food or surfaces β such as shared cutting boards, toasters, fryers, or utensils β rendering otherwise safe food dangerous for people with celiac disease.
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About the Author
Sarah Mitchell
Lead Content Writer & Nutritionist, B.S. Nutrition Science
Sarah was diagnosed with celiac disease in 2018 and writes evidence-based guides combining clinical nutrition knowledge with 6+ years of personal gluten-free living experience. All health content is medically reviewed by our advisory team.
Meet our full team βMedical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your physician or a registered dietitian before making dietary changes related to celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Read full disclaimer.
πSources & Citations
- β’Celiac Disease Foundation β celiac.org β Comprehensive research and patient resources on celiac disease
- β’Beyond Celiac β beyondceliac.org β Research-driven celiac disease advocacy and resources
- β’GFCO (Gluten-Free Certification Organization) β gfco.org β Certification standards (<10 ppm)
- β’FDA Gluten-Free Labeling β fda.gov β Federal regulations for <20 ppm labeling
- β’Check Gluten Community β 41,000+ celiacs β First-party data from community feedback and AI label scans
Content reviewed and fact-checked by our clinical & nutrition team. Last updated July 2026.
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