Five Guys Allergen Menu: Your Guide to Safe Eating

Looking for clear guidance on the Five Guys Allergen Menu? This guide gives a short, practical answer: the chain posts ingredient and allergen info, but you must confirm items and prep with staff before ordering, especially for severe food allergies.

The article is a buyer’s-guide-style tool to help you pick what to order, what to skip, and how to ask for safer prep. It explains common ingredient patterns in U.S. locations and shows how to lower cross-contact risk.

Expect quick tips on buns, fries, peanut exposure, sauces, and milkshakes. The restaurant is highly customizable, yet customization does not remove all cross-contact risk in a busy kitchen.

Key point: the best choice depends on your allergy severity and comfort level. Use the posted guide as a starting point and verify ingredients and prep steps in-store before you eat.

How to Use the Five Guys Allergen Menu Before You Order

Use the store’s allergen listings to spot risky ingredients and confirm safe prep with staff. Read labels, then ask questions. This simple routine reduces surprises and helps you choose safer items.

What “contains” vs. “made without” means

“Contains” means the ingredient is present. Avoid that item if you react to it.

“Made without” means the recipe omits the ingredient, but it does not guarantee no cross-contact. Ask about prep steps and glove use.

How to use the allergen guide in three steps

Find the allergen on the posted menu or chart.
Check risky categories (buns, sauces, shakes) for that allergen.
Confirm in-store who will prepare the food and which prep steps they will take.

Why locations can differ

Restaurants in the U.S. vary by vendor, stocking, and manager protocols. A product like Fry Sauce may contain milk at one store and be labeled “may contain milk” at another. Don’t rely on past orders.

Quick script to ask about ingredients

“Hi—I have a severe allergy. May I see the ingredient list for that sauce? Can you note this on the ticket and tell me who will prepare my order?”

Once you can read the menu and confirm prep, you can move on to the top allergy risks at this chain and pick safer options.

Five Guys Allergen Menu: Key Allergy Risks to Know in the US

Here are the key ingredients and prep risks that matter most for common food allergies. Read this short list to spot what needs extra attention before you order.

Dairy

Buns contain milk, so any bun-based order is not suitable if you react to milk. A plain bun will still contain milk, so request alternatives when possible.

Milkshakes are inherently dairy-based and should be avoided by anyone who must not eat milk.

Peanuts

There are two peanut risks: open peanuts in the dining area and fries fried in peanut oil. The fries are the only fryer item and are cooked 100% in that oil.

That combo raises contact and airborne exposure risk for sensitive guests.

Gluten

Buns and malt vinegar are the highest-likelihood gluten sources on site. Many other items list no wheat by ingredient, but cross-contact can occur.

If you need a five guys gluten-free option, verify prep steps in-store.

Soy and Egg

Hot dogs contain soy, and mayonnaise contains egg plus soy oil. Check these proteins and condiments before ordering.

Risk mindset: Even items made without a specific allergen can contact shared surfaces, hands, or utensils.
Now that you know the risks, you can build safe choices by category—burgers, dogs, fries, toppings, and shakes.

What to Order (and What to Skip) by Menu Category

A quick category playbook helps you decide fast: what typically works, what needs changes, and what to skip based on your allergy. Use these notes at the counter to cut prep time and reduce cross-contact.

Burgers without the bun

Order a burger without the bun by asking for a lettuce wrap or requesting no bun. A lettuce-wrapped burger keeps the hot patty and toppings intact while avoiding buns that contain milk.

Choose a “Little” patty for a smaller, neater build that often reduces handling and makes a wrap easier to eat.

Hot dogs and sandwich-style orders

Hot dog buns contain milk, so order bun-free or ask for a lettuce wrap. Note: the hot dog itself contains soy, so avoid the dog if soy is a trigger.

Fries and fryer info

Both Five Guys Style and Cajun Style fries are cooked 100% in peanut oil. The fryer is dedicated to fries, which helps with gluten-free options but creates a clear peanut oil risk for nut-sensitive guests.

Toppings that fit most needs

Veggie-forward toppings are safer: grilled onions, mushrooms, peppers, tomatoes, pickles, and extra lettuce. These add flavor without breading or hidden dairy.

Condiments checklist

Safe picks: ketchup, mustard, pickles, grilled onions.
Use caution: mayo (contains egg and soy oil) and malt vinegar (contains gluten).

Milkshakes

Milkshakes pose two risks: ingredients like Oreo or malted flavors (not gluten-free) and cross-contact from shared blenders. Ask staff to wash the blender or use a fresh pitcher when ordering to reduce risk.

Dietary breakdown table callout: insert a table with columns: Item, Price, Calories, Vegan/Keto/Gluten-Free Options, Allergens. Confirm local prices and calories in-store or online.

Safe Ordering Playbook: Steps to Reduce Cross-Contact

A short, firm notice at the counter can change how your meal is prepared and reduce risk. Say the allergen out loud and call it a medical issue. That sets the tone and prompts extra care.

What to say at the counter

Use a clear script: “I have a severe milk allergy. Can you note it as medical?” Or, “Severe gluten allergy—please confirm ingredients before you make this.”

Staff requests that matter

Ask for a glove change before handling your order.
Request fresh toppings from unopened containers.
Ask that one alerted staff member or manager prepare the order start-to-finish.

Packaging tactics and timing

Request separate bagging if others in your group order buns. Keep allergy-safe items apart during transport and at the table.

Watch and verify

Stand where you can see prep and be polite but firm if a bun or sauce contacts the wrong surface. Say, “Please stop—this touched a bun” and ask for a remake.

Request	Why it helps	What to say
Glove change	Reduces cross-contact	“Please change gloves before making mine.”
Single preparer	Fewer hand-offs, fewer errors	“Can one trained person handle this order?”
Separate bag	Keeps items apart in transit	“Pack this separately for allergy safety.”

Timing tip: visit during off-peak hours (mid-afternoon or late evening) for more attention and better accuracy. These steps lower risk but do not eliminate it—use caution based on your sensitivity.

Best Five Guys Choices for Common Dietary Needs

Choose safer orders quickly with clear builds for common dietary needs. Below are practical picks and simple prep notes so you can order with confidence.

Gluten-free builds

For five guys gluten-free diners, skip buns and malt vinegar. Opt for a lettuce wrap or a bowl-style burger.

Build: burger patty + lettuce + tomato + pickles + grilled onions. Add fries (confirm local cross-contact) and ask for fresh toppings and a glove change.

Dairy-free approach

Because buns contain milk, order a lettuce wrap or no bun. Avoid cheese and all milkshakes.

Choose toppings like grilled onions, peppers, and ketchup for flavor without dairy.

Peanut allergy considerations

Fries cook in peanut oil in a dedicated fryer, but in-store peanuts are also present. Discuss severity with staff and your doctor before deciding.

Vegan-friendly strategy

No veggie patty is offered, but you can make a veggie lettuce wrap with fries and safe condiments. Verify each sauce before use.

Soy and egg sensitivities

Avoid hot dogs and mayo when you react to soy or egg. Stick to simple toppings and ask for separate prep to reduce contact risk.

Item	Price	Calories	Gluten-Free	Common Allergens
Lettuce-wrapped burger	Varies	~300–600	Yes (request)	Dairy (if cheese), soy (if sauce)
Fries	Varies	~600	Yes	Peanuts (peanut oil)
Veggie lettuce wrap	Varies	~150–300	Yes	Depends on toppings/condiments
Bunless hot dog	Varies	~250–400	Yes (no bun)	Soy, possible egg (condiments)

Conclusion

Keep a simple plan when you order so you can enjoy a freshly grilled burger without unnecessary risk.

Remember three quick best bets: choose a bun-free or lettuce build, pick straightforward toppings and condiments, and ask staff to note your needs aloud.

Watch-outs: buns, peanut exposure near the fries area, malt vinegar, mayo, hot dogs (soy), and milkshake cross-contact.

Menus and ingredients can change across locations in the United States. Verify ingredients and prep steps with staff at your local restaurant if you have severe allergies.

With a clear script and calm questions, you can still enjoy a safe, tasty meal at five guys while reducing unnecessary risk.

FAQ

How should I read the ingredient labels that say “made without” versus “contains”?

“Made without” means a recipe or supplier states a specific allergen is not an intentional ingredient; “contains” means the allergen is part of the product. Always ask staff about cross-contact risk, since shared prep areas or fryers can introduce traces even when an item is listed as made without a specific allergen.

Why do allergen risks vary between locations in the United States?

Franchise locations use the same core recipes but may source different local suppliers and have different kitchen layouts and practices. That causes variation in ingredient formulations and cross-contact risk. Verify with the specific restaurant before ordering, especially for severe allergies.

Can I ask to see ingredient lists for sauces and dressings, including fry sauce?

Yes. You can request printed ingredient lists or allergen guides at the counter. Sauces and specialty condiments often change by supplier, so confirm ingredients and allergy warnings for items like fry sauce or signature dressings each visit.

Are buns and milkshakes safe for people with milk or dairy allergies?

No. Buns can contain milk, and milkshakes are dairy-based. If you have a milk allergy, opt for a lettuce-wrapped burger or a bun-free sandwich and avoid shakes unless you confirm a dairy-free alternative is available.

Is peanut exposure a major concern at this chain?

Yes. Many locations offer shelled peanuts for customers, and fries are cooked in 100% peanut oil. Even if some items don’t contain peanuts as ingredients, in-store peanuts and shared equipment raise cross-contact risk for people with peanut allergy.

Which menu items contain gluten and which are naturally gluten-free?

Buns, many sandwich breads, and items prepared with malt vinegar contain gluten. Burgers served without a bun (lettuce-wrapped) and some toppings are effectively gluten-free, but cross-contact is possible. Confirm preparation methods and ask about malt vinegar on fries.

Do hot dogs contain soy or egg ingredients?

Many hot dogs and some condiments include soy-derived ingredients, and mayonnaise contains egg and often soybean oil. If you have soy or egg sensitivities, request ingredient lists and avoid mayo-based toppings unless confirmed safe.

What are safe burger choices if I need to avoid gluten or dairy?

Order a lettuce-wrapped burger or a bowl with patties and allergy-friendly toppings. Choose single or “Little” patties to reduce handling time. Specify no bun, no buttered/toasted bread, and ask staff to change gloves and use a clean surface to limit cross-contact.

Are the fries safe for people with peanut or nut allergies?

No. Fries are cooked in 100% peanut oil and restaurants often have loose peanuts in the dining area. This elevates risk for anyone with peanut or tree nut allergies, so fries are not recommended for those individuals.

Which toppings and condiments are generally safer for common allergies?

Plain vegetables—lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions—are typically safer choices. Avoid mayo-based condiments, cheese, and malt-containing sauces if you have dairy or gluten concerns. Always confirm that staff can prepare these toppings with fresh utensils.

Are milkshakes and blended items a cross-contact risk for allergens like gluten and cookies?

Yes. Blenders often mix cookie or malted flavors like Oreo, which contain gluten and dairy. Even fruit or plain shakes may be made in shared equipment. Ask staff about dedicated blenders or decline shakes if cross-contact is a concern.

What should I say at the counter to reduce cross-contact when placing an allergy-sensitive order?

Clearly state the specific allergy (for example, “I have a severe peanut allergy”) and request that staff change gloves, use clean utensils, and prepare your order on a separate surface. Ask for the person who will make the sandwich to confirm they can follow these steps.

Which staff requests make the biggest difference for safe preparation?

Ask for glove changes, fresh toppings from sealed containers, separate fry baskets if available, and that the cook avoid using utensils that touched allergens. Requesting the order be prepared by a single designated staff member can also reduce cross-contact risk.

How should I ask for packaging to keep my order separate from allergen-containing items?

Request separate bagging and ask staff to place your order in a clean container or bag away from items with peanuts or other allergens. Specify that you do not want your meal stored near open peanut containers or other allergen sources.

When are the best times to visit to improve order accuracy for allergies?

Visit during off-peak hours—mid-afternoon or late morning—when staff have more time to follow special preparation requests. Less busy shifts reduce rushed handling and improve the chance of glove changes and careful prep.

How can I build a gluten-free meal at this restaurant?

Start with patties or a hot dog removed from the bun, request a lettuce wrap or bowl, avoid malt vinegar and bun-based sides, and ask staff to change gloves. Confirm ingredients for any sauces and be mindful of cross-contact risks in the kitchen.

What’s the best approach for dairy-free ordering?

Choose lettuce-wrapped burgers or bowls, skip cheese and milkshakes, and confirm buns contain milk before ordering. Ask for no butter or dairy-based spreads and request separate prep when possible to limit cross-contact.

How should someone with a peanut allergy handle the refined peanut oil used in frying?

Many health authorities advise that highly refined peanut oil may have reduced allergenicity, but reactions can still occur for some people. Because of in-store peanuts and shared equipment, those with peanut allergy should generally avoid fries and notify staff of the allergy before ordering.

Is it possible to eat vegan at this restaurant safely?

You can create vegan options like a veggie lettuce wrap with approved condiments and fries, but watch for peanut oil, mayo, cheese, and cross-contact. Confirm that toppings and sauces contain no animal-derived ingredients and request careful prep.

How do I manage soy and egg sensitivities here?

Avoid hot dogs and mayonnaise-based sauces unless you confirm they’re free of soy or egg. Ask for ingredient lists and request that staff use clean utensils for preparation. Opt for plain vegetable toppings and unseasoned patties when possible.