Gluten-Free Options at Shake Shack

For people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, eating out can be challenging. It’s important to check ingredients and food preparation to avoid gluten exposure. Luckily, some restaurants, like Shake Shack, recognize these needs and offer gluten-free options. They make an effort to provide safe and enjoyable meals for customers who follow a gluten-free diet.

What is Gluten-Free? Understanding Safe Eating at Shake Shack

Before diving into the menu, let’s understand what gluten-free means and why it matters.

• Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye.
• People with celiac disease must avoid even trace amounts of gluten.
• Cross-contamination can occur in restaurants when gluten-containing and gluten-free foods are prepared using the same surfaces or equipment.

Shake Shack acknowledges these concerns and aims to provide safe dining options for gluten-free customers

Does Shake Shack Have Gluten-Free Options?

Yes! Shake Shack provides gluten-free choices for customers with dietary restrictions. If you’re avoiding gluten, you can still find delicious and safe menu items to enjoy. From gluten-free buns to lettuce-wrapped burgers, Shake Shack offers alternatives to accommodate your needs. Keep reading to learn which items are gluten-free-friendly and how to order safely!

Shake Shack Gluten Free Menu Items (2025 Updated List)

Shake Shack offers several gluten-free-friendly choices, but it’s essential to customize your order properly.

Gluten-Free Burgers

• Lettuce-Wrapped Burgers – Instead of a bun, you can request your burger in a fresh lettuce wrap.
• Gluten-Free Bun Option – Shake Shack offers a certified gluten-free bun at select locations.
• Popular choices:
  • Shack Burger (with GF bun or lettuce wrap)
  • Smoke Shack (with GF modifications)
  • Cheeseburger (customizable)

Gluten-Free Choices at Shake Shack

Shake Shack offers several gluten-free options for those who need to avoid gluten. They use certified gluten-free ingredients and take steps to minimize cross-contact risks. Here’s what you can enjoy:

• Gluten-Free Buns – Shake Shack provides gluten-free buns as an alternative to their regular ones.
• Burger Patties – All beef, chicken, and veggie patties are naturally gluten-free.
• Chicken Fillets – Their grilled chicken fillets are gluten-free, but always check about breaded options.
• Fries – Shake Shack’s famous crinkle-cut fries can be gluten-free, but it depends on the fryer used at each location.
• Shakes & Frozen Custard – Most of Shake Shack’s shakes and custards are gluten-free, but always ask about specific flavors.
• Bacon – Their pork bacon is completely gluten-free.
• Packaged Snacks – Some Shake Shack locations offer gluten-free snack options, such as packaged chips.

With these choices, you can enjoy a meal at Shake Shack while sticking to your gluten-free diet. However, since preparation methods can vary, it’s best to ask the staff about cross-contamination precautions before ordering

Gluten-Free Ordering Guide at Shake Shack

Shake Shack offers several gluten-free options with the right modifications. Here’s a streamlined guide to ordering safely.

1. Gluten-Free Burgers

Choose a gluten-free bun or a lettuce wrap for these burgers:

• Shack Burger
• Double Shack Burger
• Smoke Shack
• Cheeseburger
• Double Cheeseburger

Avoid (Contains Gluten):

• BBQ Cheddar Burger (crispy onions)
• ‘Shroom Burger (breadcrumb-coated mushroom patty)
• Shack Stack & Double Shack Stack (includes ‘Shroom Burger patty)

Tip: Order plain beef and cheese if avoiding sauces.

2. Gluten-Free Fries

Shake Shack’s crinkle-cut fries are naturally gluten-free but may have cross-contact risks.

Safe Options:

• Plain Fries
• Cheese Fries (if cheese sauce is gluten-free at your location)
• Bacon Cheese Fries
• BBQ Bacon Fries
• Double Down Fries

Tip: Confirm if fries are cooked in a dedicated fryer.

3. Gluten-Free Hot Dogs

Shake Shack’s Vienna all-beef hot dogs are gluten-free. Since gluten-free buns are unavailable, request:

• Lettuce wrap
• No bun

Safe Options:

• New York-Style Hot Dog
• Cheese Hot Dog
• Bacon Cheddar Dog

Tip: Stick to gluten-free condiments like ketchup, mustard, and pickles.

4. Gluten-Free Shakes & Desserts

Most shakes and frozen custard are gluten-free, except those with cookie or cake mix-ins.

Safe Choices:

• Vanilla Shake
• Chocolate Shake
• Strawberry Shake
• Pepsi Float
• Root Beer Float
• Creamsicle Float
• Vanilla & Chocolate Custard Cups

Avoid (Contains Gluten):

• Cookies & Cream Shake
• Bourbon Salted Honey Shake (possible gluten exposure)
• Black & White Shake (cross-contact risk)
• Red Velvet Concrete
• Strawberry Cheesecake Concrete

Does Shake Shack Have Gluten-Free Options?

Shake Shack is not a fully gluten-free restaurant, but they do offer several options for those avoiding gluten. With the right modifications, you can still enjoy a safe and delicious meal.

What to Keep in Mind:

• Buns & Sauces: Standard buns contain gluten. Ask for a gluten-free bun or a lettuce wrap instead.
• Fries: These are gluten-free if cooked in a dedicated fryer—check with staff at your location.
• Shakes & Custards: Most flavors are gluten-free, but avoid those with cookies or cake mix-ins.
• Protein Choices: Beef patties, grilled chicken fillets, and bacon are naturally gluten-free.

To minimize the risk of cross-contamination, let the staff know about your gluten sensitivity or celiac disease when ordering.

Shake Shack’s Gluten-Free Bun Ingredients

Shake Shack’s gluten-free bun (Udi’s brand) is made with:

• Brown rice flour, potato starch, and soybean oil for texture
• Cane sugar and yeast for flavor and rise
• Baking powder, psyllium husk, and xanthan gum for structure
• Salt and ascorbic acid as preservatives

To keep it fully gluten-free, request it without sesame seeds.

Gluten-Free Options at Shake Shack

Shake Shack offers several gluten-free choices:

• Burgers & Chicken: Swap the regular bun for a gluten-free bun or lettuce wrap.
• Fries: Regular and cheese fries are gluten-free when made in a dedicated fryer.
• Shakes & Custard: Most flavors are gluten-free, but avoid cookie-based mix-ins.
• Sides: Add bacon, cheese fries, or packaged gluten-free chips.
• Kids’ Meals: Gluten-free burger, fries, and shakes are available.

Shake Shack’s Gluten-Free Fries

Shake Shack’s crinkle-cut fries are safe for gluten-free diners when:

• Cooked in a dedicated fryer using purified canola oil.
• Free from any gluten-containing ingredients.
• Topped with gluten-free cheese sauce for cheesy fries.

Shake Shack’s Gluten-Free Buns

Shake Shack provides gluten-free buns to make their burgers and chicken sandwiches safe for gluten-sensitive customers. Key details:

• Supplied by Udi’s Gluten Free, ensuring no wheat or gluten.
• Available for both burgers and chicken sandwiches.
• Stored separately from regular buns to prevent contamination.
• Can be served toasted or untoasted based on preference.
• Baked fresh in-store daily.
• Staff follow strict handling procedures to reduce cross-contact risks.

With these carefully managed gluten-free buns, you can safely enjoy Shake Shack’s signature menu items.

Gluten-Free Burgers at Shake Shack

Shake Shack allows you to enjoy their classic burgers gluten-free with simple modifications:

• Swap the regular bun for a gluten-free bun.
• Choose from beef, grilled chicken, or veggie patties (gluten-free).
• Add gluten-free cheese, bacon, and sauces for extra flavor.

Gluten-Free Burger Options:

• Bacon Cheeseburger: Beef, cheese, and bacon on a gluten-free bun.
• Classic Shack Burger: Topped with lettuce, tomato, and gluten-free Shack Sauce.
• Smoke Shack: Smoky bacon, melted cheese, and gluten-free Shack Sauce.
• Chicken Shack: Grilled or crispy chicken served on a gluten-free bun.

Shake Shack’s Gluten-Free Bun vs. Regular Bun

For a gluten-free meal, Shake Shack provides a certified Udi’s Gluten-Free Bun. Here’s how it differs from the regular bun:

For gluten safety, always request the Udi’s gluten-free bun instead of the regular one.

Gluten-Free Bun Nutrition

Watching calories? Here’s how the gluten-free bun compares to the regular one:

• Gluten-Free Hamburger Bun: 180 calories
• Gluten-Free Chicken Bun: 170 calories
• Regular Hamburger Bun: 240 calories
• Regular Chicken Bun: 230 calories

A gluten-free bun saves 60-70 calories per serving, offering a lighter alternative.

Gluten-Free Bun Carbs

If you’re tracking carbs, here’s the breakdown:

• Gluten-Free Hamburger Bun: 30g net carbs
• Gluten-Free Chicken Bun: 27g net carbs
• Regular Hamburger Bun: 46g net carbs
• Regular Chicken Bun: 42g net carbs

Going gluten-free can cut 16-19g of carbs per serving. Pair with lettuce, tomato, and mustard for a lower-carb option.

Shake Shack’s Gluten-Free Bun Provider

Shake Shack partners with Udi’s Gluten Free, a well-known brand specializing in certified gluten-free products:

• 100% gluten-free facility ensures safety.
• Tested for gluten-free standards before distribution.
• Certified by GFCO (Gluten Free Certification Organization).

Gluten-Free Spicy Chicken Sandwich

Craving Shake Shack’s spicy Hot Chick’n? Here’s how to make it gluten-free:

• Swap the bun for Udi’s gluten-free bun.
• Choose grilled chicken (breaded version may contain gluten).
• Customize toppings with pickles, hot sauce, and ranch.
• Skip sesame seeds for a fully gluten-free option.

Gluten-Free Fast Food at Shake Shack

Shake Shack makes gluten-free fast food possible with a few key steps:
Ask for a gluten-free bun for burgers and chicken sandwiches.
Verify the fryer to ensure fries are cooked separately.
Request new gloves to prevent cross-contamination.
Choose gluten-free toppings like bacon, cheese, and fresh veggies.
Confirm ingredient safety with the staff before ordering.

Gluten-Free Shake Shack in the UK

UK locations also offer gluten-free choices:

• Gluten-free buns for burgers and sandwiches.
• Dedicated fryer for crinkle-cut fries.
• Safe custard-based shakes and concretes (avoid mix-ins with cookies).
• Separate prep upon request for reduced cross-contact risks.

FAQs About Shake Shack’s Gluten-Free Menu

1. Does Shake Shack offer gluten-free buns?

Yes! Shake Shack provides Udi’s Gluten-Free Buns, which are certified gluten-free and stored separately to avoid cross-contamination.

2. Are Shake Shack’s fries gluten-free?

Yes, the crinkle-cut fries are naturally gluten-free and cooked in a dedicated fryer, making them safe for those avoiding gluten.

3. Is Shake Shack’s burger meat gluten-free?

Absolutely! The beef patties, chicken fillets, and bacon are all gluten-free. Just make sure to request a gluten-free bun or go bunless.

4. Are Shake Shack’s shakes gluten-free?

Yes, most shakes, custards, and concretes are gluten-free. However, avoid mix-ins that contain gluten, such as cookies or graham crackers.

CONCLUSION

Shake Shack offers a variety of gluten-free options, making it possible to enjoy burgers, fries, and shakes with a few modifications. By choosing Udi’s Gluten-Free Bun, verifying that fries are cooked in a dedicated fryer, and avoiding gluten-containing mix-ins, you can safely enjoy a meal.

While Shake Shack is not a 100% gluten-free facility, they take steps to accommodate gluten-sensitive and celiac customers. Always inform the staff about your dietary needs and double-check preparation methods to minimize cross-contamination risks.

With the right customizations, Shake Shack can be a great fast-food option for gluten-free diners!