Life

Shake Shack Has Gluten Free Buns Now

by Lily Feinn
Courtesy of Shake Shack

With the proliferation of gluten-free alternative to typically wheat-based products like breads, pastas, and desserts, just because you avoid wheat no longer means you have to give up all the foods you love. Now even Shake Shack has gluten-free buns — so those with dietary restrictions can finally enjoy the full Shack Burger experience! If you have celiac disease or avoid gluten for any other reason, you'll be happy to know you can find the additional bun option at all U.S. locations nationwide (barring stadiums and ballparks). It can also be requested over the brand new mobile ordering app that Shake Shack premiered earlier this week. Hooray for no longer having to hold a hot patty in a wilted, unwieldy lettuce wrap!

The fast-casual burger chain has been serving its patties on a Martin’s potato rolls since its first location opened in 2004. These golden rolls, which continue to rank highly as the "gold standard of burger buns," are famously squishy and delicious. However, for customers with food sensitivities, they are neither vegan (they contain nonfat milk), or friendly for those who go gluten-free. After being inspired by guest feedback asking for more gluten-free options, though, Shake Shack went on the hunt for a tasty new bun — and boy, is the burger-loving crowd glad they did.

Courtesy of Shake Shack

The new buns, which are also vegan, not only help those with gluten allergies, but are perfect for those avoiding dairy as well. Shack customers can try the new gluten-free buns for an additional cost of only $1 per bun, and it is well worth it. Charging a little extra for this specialty product is not unusual; both Red Robbin and the organic burger chain Bareburger charge an additional fee for their gluten-free buns as well.

Shake Shack prides itself on its use of all-natural 100 percent angus beef, free of hormones and antibiotics. It should be noted that all beef Shake Shack burgers can now be made gluten-free, however the vegetarian 'Shroom burger patty contains breadcrumbs and should be avoided by those with a wheat allergy. Those with severe celiac should also avoid the fries, as the oil may be cross-contaminated by the 'Shroom burger.

Gluten-free products, which once had an unfortunate reputation for tasting crumbly, stale, and dry, are on the upswing. According to a market research report published by Technavio, the gluten-free packaged food market is expected to grow by 6 percent between 2015 and 2019, and by 2020, it is expected to be valued at 7.59 billion dollars. The gluten-free market is producing high quality products and expanding their reach, which is excellent news for anyone sticking to a gluten-free diet or managing celiac disease. The serious autoimmune disorder, where consuming any quantity of wheat, barley or rye could lead to symptoms ranging from bloating, fatigue, constipation, depression, and anxiety, is thought to affect one in every 133 people in the United States. That means approximately 1 percent of the U.S. population has been going Shack-less for far too long.

This new bun will make a lot of people very happy. Burger buns for all!