An allergen menu tells you which of the 9 major food allergens are in every item a restaurant sells. This hub collects the allergen menu for 43 U.S. chains, from Chipotle and Chick-fil-A to Olive Garden and Red Lobster, with gluten free picks and shared fryer facts for each.
Use the directory to open any chain's allergen menu guide, the comparison table to see which chains use peanuts, tree nuts or sesame, and the gluten free list to find buns, crusts and full gluten free menus. Every guide links to the official allergen information.
Also see menu prices, kids menus and secret menus.
Basics
What is an allergen menu?
The 9 major food allergens
An allergen menu is a chart from a restaurant that shows which of the 9 major food allergens are in each menu item: milk, eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish and sesame. Most chains publish their allergen menu online or in their app.
The 9 major allergens on a restaurant allergen menu
| Allergen | Where restaurants use it | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Milk | Cheese, butter, buns, sauces, shakes | Whey in sauces and breading |
| Eggs | Mayo, dressings, batters, buns, desserts | Egg wash on bread and pastries |
| Wheat | Buns, tortillas, breading, pasta, gravy | Shared fryers with breaded items |
| Soy | Frying oil, buns, sauces, soy sauce | Soybean oil and lecithin |
| Peanuts | Peanut oil, Asian sauces, desserts | Peanut oil fryers and table peanuts |
| Tree nuts | Almond milk, pecans, pesto, cashews | Coconut, which the FDA lists as a tree nut |
| Fish | Fish sandwiches, Caesar dressing, fish sauce | Worcestershire sauce |
| Shellfish | Shrimp, crab, lobster, oyster sauce | Shared fryers at seafood chains |
| Sesame | Sesame seed buns, bagels, sesame oil | The newest major allergen, added in 2023 |
Sesame became the 9th major allergen in the U.S. on January 1, 2023, so an older allergen menu may only list 8. Since July 1, 2026, the California allergen menu law requires large chains in California to show all 9 for every menu item.
Directory
Restaurant allergen menu list: 43 chains
Gluten free options, fryers and nuts at a glance
MenuWithPrice covers the allergen menu for 43 U.S. restaurant chains. Each guide lists the Big 9 allergens, an item by item allergen chart, gluten free picks, shared fryer facts and how to order safely.
Burger and fast food chains
Jack in the BoxGluten free: Fries and hash browns onlyShared fryers · No peanuts or tree nuts as ingredients
Jamba JuiceDairy free: Goodness n Greens smoothiesShared blenders · Peanut and tree nut items
McDonald'sGluten free: Very limitedShared fryers · No peanuts or tree nuts as ingredients
Burger KingGluten free: No GF bunsShared fryers · No peanuts or tree nuts as ingredients
Wendy'sGluten free: Baked potato, chiliShared fryer · Tree nuts used
SonicGluten free: Fries and tots onlyShared fryers · Peanuts used
WhataburgerGluten free: Lettuce wrapShared fryers · No peanuts or tree nuts as ingredients
In-N-OutGluten free: Protein StyleSunflower oil, fries only · No peanuts or tree nuts as ingredients
Five GuysGluten free: Lettuce wrap, friesPeanut oil · Peanuts used
Shake ShackGluten free: GF bun, lettuce wrapSoy oil fryer · No peanuts or tree nuts as ingredients
Arby'sGluten free: Very limitedShared fryers · Ask about nuts
Dairy QueenGluten free: LimitedShared fryers · Peanuts and tree nuts usedChicken chains
Chick-fil-AGluten free: GF bun and grilledPeanut oil for chicken · Peanut oil, tree nuts in some items
KFCGluten free: Select sides onlyShared chicken fryers · No peanuts or tree nuts as ingredients
PopeyesGluten free: Naked tenders, riceShared fryers · No peanuts or tree nuts as ingredients
Raising Cane'sGluten free: Fries, naked fingersShared fryers · No peanuts or tree nuts as ingredients
WingstopGluten free: Classic wings, check fryerShared soy oil fryer · No peanuts or tree nuts as ingredients
Dave's Hot ChickenGluten free: None, breading has wheatShared fryers · No peanuts or tree nuts as ingredientsFast casual, Mexican and Asian
ChipotleGluten free: Most itemsChips only · No peanuts or tree nuts as ingredients
QdobaGluten free: Bowls and cornAsk about chips · No peanuts or tree nuts as ingredients
Taco BellGluten free: Crunchy tacos, bowlsCanola or vegetable oil · No peanuts or tree nuts as ingredients
CAVAGluten free: Most bowlsAsk about pita chips · No peanuts or tree nuts as ingredients
Panda ExpressGluten free: Plain rice onlyShared fryers · Peanuts and tree nuts used
PaneraGluten free: Salads and soupsNo fryer · Tree nuts usedSandwich chains
SubwayGluten free: No GF bread nationallyNo fryer · No peanuts or tree nuts as ingredients
Jersey Mike'sGluten free: Gluten free rollNo deep fryer for subs · Ask about nuts
Jimmy John'sGluten free: Unwich lettuce wrapChips fried in peanut oil · Peanuts and tree nuts usedPizza chains
Pizza HutGluten free: Udi's gluten free crustShared fryers for wings · No peanuts or tree nuts as ingredients
Domino'sGluten free: Gluten free crustNo fryers, shared ovens · No peanuts or tree nuts as ingredientsCoffee and breakfast
StarbucksGluten free: Few certified itemsShared blenders and steam wands · Peanuts and tree nuts used
DunkinGluten free: No gluten free bakeryShared donut fryers · Peanuts and tree nuts used
IHOPGluten free: Gluten friendly menuShared griddles and fryers · Peanuts and tree nuts used
First WatchGluten free: Gluten free toastNo deep fryers for most items · Tree nuts used
Cracker BarrelGluten free: Limited listShared soybean oil fryers · Tree nuts usedCasual dining
Applebee'sGluten free: No gluten free menuShared fryers · Tree nuts used
Chili'sGluten free: Gluten sensitive listShared soybean oil fryers · Tree nuts used
Olive GardenGluten free: Gluten free rotiniShared canola blend fryers · Tree nuts used
Red RobinGluten free: Gluten free bunDedicated steak fry fryer · Tree nuts used
Buffalo Wild WingsGluten free: Traditional wings, shared fryerShared beef tallow fryers · Ask about nuts
The Cheesecake FactoryGluten free: Gluten free menuShared fryers · Peanuts and tree nuts used
P.F. Chang'sGluten free: Gluten free menu itemsShared wok and fryers · Peanuts and tree nuts usedSteakhouse and seafood
Texas RoadhouseGluten free: Steaks and sides listShared fryers · Peanuts and tree nuts used
Outback SteakhouseGluten free: Gluten free menuShared fryers · Tree nuts used
LongHorn SteakhouseGluten free: Gluten sensitive listShared soybean oil fryers · Tree nuts used
Red LobsterGluten free: Gluten free menuShared fryers · Tree nuts usedEvery allergen menu guide is checked against the chain's official allergen information and updated for October 2026. Recipes change, so always confirm with the latest official guide.
Compare
Which restaurant chains are safest for food allergies?
Allergen menu comparison by chain
No restaurant is allergen free, but chains with a detailed allergen menu, dedicated fryers and simple ingredients are easier: Chipotle uses no peanuts, tree nuts or sesame, In N Out uses no peanuts, tree nuts or sesame, and Red Robin keeps a dedicated fryer for Steak Fries at most locations.
Allergen menu comparison
| Chain | Peanuts | Tree nuts | Sesame | Gluten free | Fryer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| McDonald's | Not used | Not used | Ask | Very limited | Shared fryers |
| Burger King | Not used | Not used | Used | No GF buns | Shared fryers |
| Wendy's | Not used | Used | Ask | Baked potato, chili | Shared fryer |
| Sonic | Used | Ask | Ask | Fries and tots only | Shared fryers |
| Whataburger | Not used | Not used | Ask | Lettuce wrap | Shared fryers |
| In-N-Out | Not used | Not used | Not used | Protein Style | Sunflower oil, fries only |
| Five Guys | Used | Not used | Ask | Lettuce wrap, fries | Peanut oil |
| Shake Shack | Not used | Not used | Ask | GF bun, lettuce wrap | Soy oil fryer |
| Arby's | Ask | Ask | Used | Very limited | Shared fryers |
| Dairy Queen | Used | Used | Ask | Limited | Shared fryers |
| Chick-fil-A | Oil only | Used | Ask | GF bun and grilled | Peanut oil for chicken |
| KFC | Not used | Not used | Ask | Select sides only | Shared chicken fryers |
| Popeyes | Not used | Not used | Ask | Naked tenders, rice | Shared fryers |
| Raising Cane's | Not used | Not used | Ask | Fries, naked fingers | Shared fryers |
| Wingstop | Not used | Not used | Ask | Classic wings, check fryer | Shared soy oil fryer |
| Dave's Hot Chicken | Not used | Not used | Not used | None, breading has wheat | Shared fryers |
| Chipotle | Not used | Not used | Not used | Most items | Chips only |
| Qdoba | Not used | Not used | Ask | Bowls and corn | Ask about chips |
| Taco Bell | Not used | Not used | Ask | Crunchy tacos, bowls | Canola or vegetable oil |
| CAVA | Not used | Not used | Used | Most bowls | Ask about pita chips |
| Panda Express | Used | Used | Ask | Plain rice only | Shared fryers |
| Panera | Not used | Used | Used | Salads and soups | No fryer |
| Subway | Not used | Not used | Ask | No GF bread nationally | No fryer |
| Jersey Mike's | Ask | Ask | Used | Gluten free roll | No deep fryer for subs |
| Jimmy John's | Used | Used | Ask | Unwich lettuce wrap | Chips fried in peanut oil |
| Pizza Hut | Not used | Not used | Ask | Udi's gluten free crust | Shared fryers for wings |
| Domino's | Not used | Not used | Ask | Gluten free crust | No fryers, shared ovens |
| Starbucks | Used | Used | Used | Few certified items | Shared blenders and steam wands |
| Dunkin | Used | Used | Used | No gluten free bakery | Shared donut fryers |
| IHOP | Used | Used | Ask | Gluten friendly menu | Shared griddles and fryers |
| First Watch | Ask | Used | Used | Gluten free toast | No deep fryers for most items |
| Cracker Barrel | Ask | Used | Ask | Limited list | Shared soybean oil fryers |
| Applebee's | Ask | Used | Used | No gluten free menu | Shared fryers |
| Chili's | Ask | Used | Used | Gluten sensitive list | Shared soybean oil fryers |
| Olive Garden | Not used | Used | Ask | Gluten free rotini | Shared canola blend fryers |
| Red Robin | Ask | Used | Used | Gluten free bun | Dedicated steak fry fryer |
| Buffalo Wild Wings | Ask | Ask | Used | Traditional wings, shared fryer | Shared beef tallow fryers |
| The Cheesecake Factory | Used | Used | Used | Gluten free menu | Shared fryers |
| P.F. Chang's | Used | Used | Used | Gluten free menu items | Shared wok and fryers |
| Texas Roadhouse | Used | Used | Ask | Steaks and sides list | Shared fryers |
| Outback Steakhouse | Not used | Used | Ask | Gluten free menu | Shared fryers |
| LongHorn Steakhouse | Not used | Used | Ask | Gluten sensitive list | Shared soybean oil fryers |
| Red Lobster | Not used | Used | Ask | Gluten free menu | Shared fryers |
"Used" means the allergen is an ingredient somewhere on the menu, not in every item. "Ask" means the chain does not list it clearly, so check with staff. Follow the links for the full allergen menu of each chain.
Gluten free
Which restaurant chains have the best gluten free options?
Gluten free buns, crusts and menus
Chipotle, Chick-fil-A, Red Robin, Outback Steakhouse and P.F. Chang's have the best gluten free options among big chains: Chipotle uses wheat only in flour tortillas, Chick-fil-A and Red Robin sell gluten free buns, and Outback and P.F. Chang's have full gluten free menus.
Gluten free options by chain
| Chain | Gluten free option | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Chipotle | Most items | Chips only |
| Chick-fil-A | GF bun and grilled | Peanut oil for chicken |
| Red Robin | Gluten free bun | Dedicated steak fry fryer |
| Outback Steakhouse | Gluten free menu | Shared fryers |
| P.F. Chang's | Gluten free menu items | Shared wok and fryers |
| The Cheesecake Factory | Gluten free menu | Shared fryers |
| In-N-Out | Protein Style | Sunflower oil, fries only |
| Five Guys | Lettuce wrap, fries | Peanut oil |
| Domino's | Gluten free crust | No fryers, shared ovens |
| Pizza Hut | Udi's gluten free crust | Shared fryers for wings |
| Olive Garden | Gluten free rotini | Shared canola blend fryers |
| Red Lobster | Gluten free menu | Shared fryers |
Gluten free is not the same as celiac safe. Domino's, for example, says its gluten free crust is not recommended for celiac disease because pizzas share ovens and toppings.
Peanuts
Which restaurants use peanut oil or peanuts?
Peanut oil fryers and peanut menu items
Chick-fil-A fries in refined peanut oil, Five Guys cooks fries in peanut oil, Jimmy John's chips are cooked in peanut oil, and many Texas Roadhouse locations serve roasted peanuts in the dining room.
Chains that use peanuts or peanut oil
| Chain | Where peanuts show up |
|---|---|
| Sonic | Limited edition churros; may contain warning on Signature Sauce |
| Five Guys | Peanut oil for fries, bulk peanuts in store |
| Dairy Queen | Peanut butter topping, Reese's and peanut mix-ins |
| Chick-fil-A | Chicken is fried in refined peanut oil; no menu item contains peanuts |
| Panda Express | Kung Pao Chicken |
| Jimmy John's | Jimmy Chips are cooked in peanut oil |
| Starbucks | Select snacks and limited time items |
| Dunkin | Peanut topping on some seasonal donuts; shared equipment |
| IHOP | Peanut butter in select pancakes and limited time items |
| The Cheesecake Factory | Thai and Asian dishes, some desserts |
| P.F. Chang's | Kung Pao, peanut sauces, some desserts |
| Texas Roadhouse | Roasted in-shell peanuts in the lobby and on tables at many locations |
Highly refined peanut oil is exempt from allergen labeling under FDA rules because refining removes most peanut protein, but many people with a peanut allergy still avoid it. Ask your doctor what is safe for you.
Law
Do restaurants have to publish an allergen menu?
The California allergen menu law and federal rules
In most of the U.S., no: federal law requires allergen labels on packaged food, not restaurant menus. California changed that on July 1, 2026, when SB 68 began requiring chains with 20 or more locations to disclose the 9 major allergens for every standard menu item.
Allergen menu rules
| Rule | Who it covers | What it requires |
|---|---|---|
| FALCPA (2004) | Packaged foods | Label the 8 major allergens |
| FASTER Act (2021) | Packaged foods | Add sesame as the 9th allergen from January 1, 2023 |
| California SB 68 (2025) | Chains with 20 or more locations in California | Allergen menu in writing or digitally from July 1, 2026 |
| Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Michigan | Restaurants in those states | Allergy notices and staff training |
Read the full California allergen menu law guide to see what chains must show, the digital menu and QR code option, and which food businesses are exempt.
Tips
Restaurant allergen menu ordering tips
How to eat out with a food allergy
To use any allergen menu well, check it before every visit, tell the staff it is an allergy, avoid shared fryer items with a severe allergy, and keep your order simple.
- 1
Check before you go
Allergen menus change with recipes.
- 2
Say allergy
Not a preference, an allergy.
- 3
Ask about fryers
Shared oil spreads allergens.
- 4
Skip sauces
Sauces hide milk, egg, soy and wheat.
- 5
Fresh gloves
Ask for a glove change and clean tools.
- 6
Use the app
Many apps filter by allergen.
- 7
Go off peak
Staff have more time to help.
- 8
Carry medicine
Bring epinephrine if prescribed.
Explore more menu categories
Browse full menus with prices, secret menus, kids meals and happy hour deals from the biggest restaurant chains, updated regularly so you always see the latest information before you order.
FAQ
Restaurant allergen menu FAQs
Q1What is an allergen menu?
An allergen menu shows which of the 9 major food allergens, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish and sesame, are in each menu item at a restaurant.
Q2Which fast food restaurant is best for food allergies?
Chipotle and In N Out are often the easiest for nut and sesame allergies because neither uses peanuts, tree nuts or sesame as ingredients, and both publish allergen information.
Q3Which restaurants use peanut oil?
Chick-fil-A fries in refined peanut oil, Five Guys cooks fries in peanut oil, and Jimmy John's chips are cooked in peanut oil.
Q4Which chains have a gluten free menu?
Outback Steakhouse, P.F. Chang's, The Cheesecake Factory and Red Lobster have gluten free menus, and Chick-fil-A and Red Robin sell gluten free buns.
Q5Do restaurants have to show allergens on the menu?
In California, yes for chains with 20 or more locations since July 1, 2026. Federal law covers packaged food only. See the California allergen menu law.
Q6Is an allergen menu the same at every location?
Mostly. The allergen menu is set by the chain, but suppliers, regional items and limited time offers can differ, so check the guide for your local restaurant.
Q7What does cross contact mean on an allergen menu?
Cross contact means an allergen can get into a food that does not contain it, through shared fryers, grills, gloves or utensils.
Q8Where do I find the official allergen menu?
Most chains post the allergen menu on their website under nutrition or allergens, and in their app. Each of our guides links to the official source.
