I. Introduction
Five Guys is a popular fast food chain known for their juicy burgers and fresh-cut fries. For those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities, it can be challenging to find safe dining options while eating out. In this article, we’ll explore whether Five Guys has gluten-free buns and other menu items that can be enjoyed by those with gluten restrictions.
II. Navigating the Five Guys Menu: A Gluten-Free Guide
Five Guys takes food allergies and sensitivities seriously and provides a thorough guide to help customers make informed decisions. The company’s website offers a list of allergens present in their ingredients, including wheat, soy, and eggs, among others. Customers can also request an in-store allergen guide for further information.
Menu items that contain gluten include the buns, hot dogs, malt vinegar, and the fried onion topping. Customers should also be aware that the fries are cooked in peanut oil, which may not be suitable for those with nut allergies.
III. Going Bun-Free: Five Guys Options for Gluten-Free Burgers
Five Guys does offer a gluten-free bun option, which can be substituted for the regular bun. The gluten-free bun is made with rice flour and is individually wrapped to minimize cross-contamination. Additionally, Five Guys employees are trained to use separate utensils and equipment when preparing gluten-free orders.
Customers can also opt for a “bowl” instead of a bun, which consists of the burger patty and toppings in a container without the bun. Another option is to wrap the burger in lettuce leaves, which can be a healthier and low-carb option.
IV. Five Guys Goes Gluten-Free: A Look at Their Latest Menu Additions
Recently, Five Guys has expanded their gluten-free offerings with the introduction of new menu items. These include a gluten-free milkshake made with vanilla ice cream and a gluten-free grilled cheese sandwich made with the rice flour bun and melted American cheese. These items have been developed with input from customers and feedback has been positive.
V. Behind the Scenes at Five Guys: An Insider’s Look at Their Gluten-Free Practices
To get a better understanding of how Five Guys ensures gluten-free safety, we spoke with a representative from the company. They emphasized that employees are thoroughly trained in food safety, including allergen protocols. For gluten-free orders, separate gloves, buns, and utensils are used, and the gluten-free bun is opened and toasted on a separate griddle in a separate area of the kitchen to avoid cross-contamination.
VI. Five Guys vs. Other Fast Food Chains: Who Has the Best Gluten-Free Options?
In comparison to other fast food chains, Five Guys is above average in their approach to gluten-free dining. They offer more options than chains like McDonald’s and Burger King, which only have salads and a few sides that are gluten-free. Five Guys’ separate preparation area and gloves for gluten-free orders is a step up from chains like Wendy’s and Chick-fil-A that do not have such measures in place.
Criteria for determining the “best” gluten-free options at a fast food restaurant can be subjective. Some factors to consider include the variety and quality of the gluten-free options, the level of training and education of employees, and measures taken to minimize cross-contamination.
VII. The Five Guys Gluten-Free Challenge: Can You Eat Here and Still Stick to Your Diet?
Ordering gluten-free at Five Guys is relatively simple and straightforward, but customers should still be cautious and ask questions to ensure their meal is safe. Some tips for ordering gluten-free at Five Guys include:
- Informing the cashier that you have a gluten allergy or sensitivity
- Requesting the gluten-free bun or a lettuce wrap
- Asking for a fresh batch of fries cooked in a dedicated fryer
- Double-checking that toppings and sauces are gluten-free
Additionally, customers can download the Five Guys smartphone app to view nutrition and allergen information for menu items.
VIII. Conclusion
Five Guys is a fast food chain that takes food allergies and sensitivities seriously, including those with gluten restrictions. Their gluten-free bun option and separate preparation area for gluten-free orders make it a viable option for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. With a little caution and communication, customers can still enjoy a delicious Five Guys meal while staying true to their gluten-free diet.
