In-N-Out Gluten-Free Options 2026: What to Order
In-N-Out Gluten-Free Options and Ordering Guide (2026)
The clearest way to order an In-N-Out burger without the wheat bun is Protein Style, which replaces the bun with lettuce. Plain french fries also have no gluten-containing ingredient identified in In-N-Out’s published ingredient list. However, In-N-Out does not guarantee that food will avoid allergen exposure or cross-contact.
Information reviewed: August 1, 2026
Primary source: Current In-N-Out nutrition, ingredient and allergen information
Important: “No gluten-containing ingredient listed” is not the same as certified gluten-free. In-N-Out says it cannot guarantee food will not be exposed to an allergen. People with celiac disease, wheat allergy or high sensitivity should discuss cross-contact with restaurant staff and make an individual decision with qualified medical guidance.
Quick Guide to Gluten-Free-Style Choices
| Order | Gluten-containing ingredient listed? | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Hamburger Protein Style | No wheat bun | Spread contains egg; shared preparation creates cross-contact risk |
| Cheeseburger Protein Style | No wheat bun | Cheese contains milk and may contain soy |
| Double-Double Protein Style | No wheat bun | Contains milk and possible soy from cheese; spread contains egg |
| Plain french fries | No gluten-containing ingredient identified | Not certified gluten-free; ask about current handling |
| Burger in a standard bun | Yes | Bun contains wheat/gluten and malted barley ingredients |
| Grilled Cheese Protein Style | Ask the restaurant | Protein Style is described for a burger; confirm whether this customization can be accommodated |
| Shakes | No wheat ingredient identified in published recipes | Contain milk; chocolate contains soy; manufacturing cross-contact statements apply |
| Animal Style burger, Protein Style | No bun when ordered Protein Style | Spread contains egg; customization increases handling |
This table describes published ingredients, not a guarantee of suitability for celiac disease or allergy.
Does In-N-Out Have a Gluten-Free Bun?
No gluten-free bread bun appears on In-N-Out’s published menu. Protein Style replaces the bun with hand-leafed lettuce rather than a gluten-free baked bun.
The regular bun is not gluten-free. Its ingredients include wheat flour, vital wheat gluten, malted barley flour, malted barley extract and cultured wheat ingredients.
What Is Protein Style?
Protein Style is an official In-N-Out customization in which lettuce replaces the bun. It can be applied to a Hamburger, Cheeseburger or Double-Double.
Official nutrition figures are:
| Protein Style order | Calories | Carbohydrates | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hamburger Protein Style | 210 | 9 g | 12 g |
| Cheeseburger Protein Style | 280 | 11 g | 16 g |
| Double-Double Protein Style | 460 | 12 g | 30 g |
These standard figures include spread. Removing or adding ingredients changes the totals.
How to order it
Say:
“I’d like a Double-Double Protein Style. I need to avoid gluten. What can you do at this location to reduce cross-contact?”
If you have celiac disease or a wheat allergy, state that clearly. Do not assume the words “Protein Style” automatically trigger allergy procedures.
Are In-N-Out Fries Gluten-Free?
The official ingredient list describes french fries as potatoes cooked in sunflower oil with seasoning made from salt, black pepper and canola oil. It does not identify a gluten-containing ingredient.
Still, the most accurate wording is “made without a listed gluten ingredient,” not “guaranteed gluten-free.” Restaurant handling can change, and In-N-Out’s allergen warning says exposure cannot be guaranteed against.
Ask the location:
- Whether the fryer currently cooks only fries
- Whether utensils and preparation areas are shared
- What procedures can be used for an allergy order
Do not assume Animal Style fries have the same allergen profile as plain fries. Animal Style adds cheese and spread, introducing milk, possible soy and egg.
Gluten-Free-Style Burger Ideas
Hamburger Protein Style
This contains a beef patty, lettuce wrap, tomato, onion and spread in its standard form. It has no wheat bun, but the spread contains egg.
Cheeseburger Protein Style
This replaces the bun with lettuce while retaining American cheese and spread. The cheese contains milk and may contain soy; the spread contains egg.
Double-Double Protein Style
This includes two beef patties and two slices of cheese in a lettuce wrap. It is the highest-protein standard Protein Style choice listed in the official nutrition guide.
Protein Style With Mustard and Ketchup
Someone avoiding egg may ask for mustard and ketchup instead of spread. This changes ingredients, but it does not guarantee protection from cross-contact.
Flying Dutchman
The commonly ordered Flying Dutchman consists of beef patties and cheese without a bun. It avoids the standard wheat bun, but it contains milk and may contain soy from the cheese. Ask about current preparation and handling.
Are In-N-Out Shakes Gluten-Free?
The published vanilla, strawberry and chocolate shake ingredient lists do not identify wheat/gluten as an ingredient. All contain milk, while the chocolate shake also identifies soy. The official allergen chart includes manufacturing cross-contact notes for shakes.
For someone with celiac disease or a wheat allergy, an ingredient list alone may not be sufficient. Review the current chart and ask the restaurant about preparation.
Gluten-Free Does Not Mean Allergen-Free
A Protein Style order can still contain other allergens:
- Cheese: milk and possible soy
- Spread: egg
- Shakes: milk; chocolate also contains soy
- Regional buns: wheat/gluten, with sesame identified in Colorado, Tennessee and Texas
Removing the bun only addresses the most obvious wheat-containing component.
Suggested Ordering Checklist
- Check In-N-Out’s current official ingredient and allergen information.
- Order the burger Protein Style.
- Explain whether you have celiac disease, wheat allergy or another medical need.
- Ask about the location’s cross-contact procedures.
- Specify whether spread, cheese or other allergens must be removed.
- Confirm the order is lettuce-wrapped before eating.
- Recheck information on future visits because ingredients and suppliers can change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does In-N-Out offer a gluten-free bun?
No gluten-free bread bun is listed. Protein Style uses lettuce in place of the standard wheat bun.
Is Protein Style gluten-free?
It removes the wheat bun and its published ingredients do not list gluten. However, In-N-Out does not guarantee the absence of allergen exposure or cross-contact.
Are In-N-Out fries safe for celiac disease?
The published fry ingredients do not list gluten, but this independent page cannot determine whether they are safe for an individual with celiac disease. Ask about current restaurant handling and consult medical guidance appropriate to you.
Does In-N-Out spread contain gluten?
The published spread ingredients do not identify wheat or gluten, but the spread contains egg and restaurant cross-contact remains possible.
Is the Flying Dutchman gluten-free?
It is served without a bun and its core beef-and-cheese ingredients do not list gluten. It contains milk and possible soy, and it is not guaranteed against cross-contact.
Can I order Animal Style and Protein Style together?
Customers commonly request a burger both Protein Style and Animal Style. Confirm the customization with staff. Animal Style includes extra spread, grilled onions, pickles and a mustard-cooked patty; spread contains egg.
Official Sources
- In-N-Out nutrition and ingredient information
- Official In-N-Out allergen chart
- Official In-N-Out nutrition PDF
- Official Not-So-Secret Menu
In-N-OutPrices.com is an independent informational website and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or operated by In-N-Out Burgers. Ingredient and preparation information can change; always consult the official current source.
