Allergens in burgers: ingredients, variations and how to order safely
By the Menulta editorial team · Facts checked 15 October 2026 · Updated 15 October 2026
The short answer
Burgers often contain gluten (bun and sometimes patty binders), sesame (seeded buns), milk (cheese, brioche buns, some sauces), egg (mayonnaise, brioche, some patties), mustard (sauces, relish), soy (some buns and plant-based patties) and sulphites (pickles, some processed meats). Plain beef patties contain no allergens, but many restaurant and bought-in patties include binders.
What burgers is
A burger is a ground meat or plant-based patty in a bun, usually with cheese, salad, pickles and sauces, served with fries. Restaurants range from fast-food chains to gourmet burger bars with brioche buns and house sauces.
Traditional burgers ingredients and their allergens
| Ingredient | Allergen | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Bun | Gluten, often sesame, milk, egg, soy | Brioche buns contain egg and milk |
| Beef patty | None if 100% beef | Some patties add breadcrumbs, egg or rusk |
| Plant-based patty | Soy, gluten, possibly mustard and celery | Check the label |
| Cheese | Milk | |
| Mayonnaise, burger sauce | Egg, mustard | |
| Pickles, relish | Sulphites, mustard | Depends on product |
| Bacon | Possibly sulphites | Check label |
Variations that change the allergens
Chicken burgers are often breaded (gluten, egg, milk). Fish burgers add fish. Lettuce-wrapped or gluten-free bun options remove the bun's allergens but not fryer or grill cross-contact.
Restaurant and bought-in versions
Burger restaurants usually build burgers to order, so many allergens can be removed. Ask for the bun, patty, sauces and fries' allergens, and whether the grill and fryer are shared.
Plant-based burgers are a popular alternative, but they often contain soy, wheat gluten, and sometimes mustard, celery or pea protein. Each brand differs, so restaurants should record the patty's allergens from its label and update the record if the brand changes. Fries, onion rings and other sides add fryer cross-contact for every burger on the menu.
Burgers allergen by allergen
| Allergy | What to know |
|---|---|
| Gluten / coeliac | Possible with a gluten-free bun or lettuce wrap, a 100% beef patty and a dedicated fryer for fries. |
| Sesame | Ask for an unseeded bun and check bakery cross-contact. |
| Milk | Leave off cheese; check bun and sauces. |
| Egg | Avoid mayonnaise and brioche; check patty. |
| Mustard | Check sauces and relish. |
Ordering it with an allergy
Ask what is in the bun, the patty and each sauce, and whether the fries share a fryer. Ask for sauces on the side so you can check them.
Sources
This guide is general information, not medical or legal advice. Guests with an allergy should follow their doctor's advice. Operators should confirm their own setup with their food safety adviser or local authority.