As a mom in a (mostly) gluten-free household, eating out can be a pain. I’m constantly guessing what’s safe to eat or what might just be a gluten trap in disguise. But if you’re craving a juicy burger, crispy fries, and a creamy milkshake, Shake Shack’s got you covered. They’ve got plenty of gluten-free options, so you can dive into your favorite comfort food without stressing over gluten. Plus, their website has an Allergen Information Guide to help you identify which items contain gluten, so you can make simple tweaks and dodge gluten altogether (ahhh, cue the sigh of relief!).
However, like many other fast food chains, there’s a risk of gluten cross-contamination from shared work spaces, utensils, and cooking preparation methods. If you have celiac disease or another health condition that requires strict gluten avoidance, it’s best to play it safe when dining out at Shack Shack.
So, I dove into Shake Shack’s menu so you don’t have to. Here’s the lowdown on all the gluten-free eats you can enjoy at this classic American fast-casual joint. Get ready to dig in and enjoy!
List of Gluten Free Menu Items At Shake Shack
Before you hit up Shake Shack, take a look at their Allergen Information Guide. When you’ve got dietary restrictions, it’s super important to be prepared before ordering—especially if you have kids in tow like I do! This guide breaks down which menu items contain specific allergens, gluten, or are vegetarian. I also appreciate that it highlights if a dish is processed in a facility with potential cross-contact with gluten.
Just a heads up: every Shake Shack location has slightly different menu offerings and some might not carry gluten-free items. It’s always a good idea to call ahead and confirm they have gluten-free options before you go.
Here’s a list of gluten-free menu items at Shake Shack:
Mains
- Gluten-Free Bun
- Burger Patty
- Eggs
- Egg Whites
- Hashbrowns
- Hot Dog
Toppings and Sides
- American Cheese
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Bacon
- Cherry Peppers
- Avocado
- Pickles
- Swiss Cheese
- Shredded White Cheddar
- Green Chili Mix
- Provel Cheese
- Jalapeno Cheddar Brat
- Jack Cheese
- Provolone Cheese
- Onion
- Lettuce Wrap
- Shredded Lettuce
- Arugula
- White Cheddar Cheese
- Sport Pepper
- Celery Salt
- Gruyere Cheese
Dressings and Sauces
- Dijon mustard
- Honey Mustard
- Mustard
- Black Truffle Sauce
Desserts
- Whipped Cream
- Caramel Popcorn
- Salted Caramel Sauce
- Strawberry Sauce
- Maraschino Cherry
- Strawberry Glaze
- Orange Sanding Sugar
Here’s a list of menu items processed in a factory where gluten cross-contact may occur:
Mains
- Sausage
- Sausage Patty
- Hashbrowns with Sauce
Fries
The fries are gluten-free but the oil used in the fryers is filtered through the same equipment as menu items that contain gluten.
- Fries
- Cheese Fries
- Bacon Cheese Fries
- Double Down Fries
- Parmesan Black Truffle Fries
Toppings and Sides
- Bacon Caramelized Onions
- Jalapeño Cheese Sausage Link
- Sausage Link
Dressings and Sauces
- ShackSauce
- STL Sauce
- Smoked Garlic Mayo
- Garlic Mayo
- Herb Mayonnaise
- BBQ Sauce
- Ranch
- Breakfast Sauce
- Relish
- Shack Cheese Sauce
Desserts
- Vanilla Shake
- Chocolate Shake
- Chocolate & Vanilla Shake
- Black and White Shake
- Strawberry Shake
- Bourbon Salted Honey Shake
- Orange County Dreamsicle Shake
- Non-Dairy Chocolate Shake
- Root Beer Float
- Creamsicle Float
- Chocolate Custard
- Vanilla Custard
- Non-Dairy Chocolate Custard
- Fudge Sauce
- Rainbow Sprinkles
- Summer Peach Shake
- Peach Sauce
Gluten-Free Ordering At Shake Shack
When ordering at Shake Shack, avoid ordering regular menu items like burgers or sandwiches since they typically contain gluten. Instead, you’ll want to tweak your order to keep it gluten-free. For example, a ShackBurger is considered gluten, but the patty and most toppings are gluten-free. Be sure to let the Shake Shack staff know your order is gluten-free right from the start so they don’t mix it up with a regular order.
The good news is that you can swap any burger bun for a lettuce wrap or request a gluten-free bun at most Shake Shack locations. You can also order flat-top dogs wrapped in lettuce.
Special Requests
To reduce the risk of cross contamination, ask the Shake Shack kitchen staff to clean all appliances and utensils and change gloves before preparing your order. While there’s no guarantee of complete contamination prevention or that they’ll be able to accommodate your request, it’s definitely worth asking.
What To Avoid At Shake Shake
If you want to steer clear of gluten at Shake Shack, skip anything made with bread-like ingredients, such as sandwich breads, buns, and breaded proteins. Be extra cautious with fried items, as they’re all cooked in the same fryer, and watch out for sauces and dressings which can have hidden gluten ingredients like wheat.
If you have celiac disease or another health condition that requires a strict gluten-free diet, make sure to avoid these specific items at Shake Shack:
- Shroom Burger
- Veggie Patty
- Chicken Shack or Bites
- Fries
- Cones
- Beer
FAQ’s
Does Shake Shack have a gluten-free bun?
Yes, you can order a gluten-free bun at most Shake Shack locations.
Are the fries gluten-free?
While the fries themselves are gluten-free, they are fried in the same oil as items that contain gluten. It’s best to skip the fries if you have celiac disease or a health condition that requires strict gluten avoidance.
Other Gluten Free Menu Guides
We are on a mission to analyze all the popular restaurants near you for what is and isn’t gluten-free. If you have a restaurant you want us to visit, please let us know! You can contact us or send us a DM on Instagram. Here are other guides we have written so far:
Wendy’s Gluten Free Menu Items
McDonald’s Gluten Free Menu Items
Starbucks Gluten Free Menu Items
Chipotle Gluten Free Menu Items
Jersey Mike’s Gluten Free Menu Items
Taco Bell’s Gluten Free Menu Items
Chick-fil-A Gluten Free Menu Items
Olive Garden Gluten Free Menu Items
Buffalo Wild Wings Gluten Free Menu Items
Domino’s Gluten Free Menu Items
Applebee’s Gluten Free Menu Items
Dunkin’ Donuts Gluten Free Menu Items
Photos: Julianne Tripp Hillian
