Cookout Allergen Menu 2025: 🌾Gluten-Free, 🥛Dairy-Free & 🌱Vegan Options

Understanding the Cook Out Allergen Menu (2025)

The Cook Out allergen menu is a practical guide designed to help guests identify common allergens in menu items, locate dairy-free swaps, and find gluten-friendly options more confidently. It’s especially useful for customers managing food allergies, intolerances, or plant-based diets who still want to enjoy Cook Out’s signature Southern-style meals.

Unlike some major fast-food chains, Cook Out does not maintain a national allergen chart or downloadable PDF on its corporate website. However, many Cook Out locations keep in-store allergen binders or ingredient reference sheets that list potential allergens for each menu item. Availability may vary depending on the franchise or region, so it’s best to ask a manager or trained team member to review the allergen list before ordering.

Because ingredients, suppliers, and preparation methods differ by location, allergen risks can vary. Customers with severe allergies — especially to dairy, nuts, soy, or gluten — should always confirm details in person before placing an order.

💡 Pro Tip: Politely ask the cashier or manager to review the allergen sheet or ingredient binder. Managers usually have the most accurate and up-to-date product information.

See also: Disclaimer | Contact for Allergen Inquiries

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Accessing Allergen Information (PDF or In-Store)

If you’re looking for the Cook Out allergen menu PDF, note that there is no universal, publicly available version online. However, individual locations may provide printed allergen information sheets or ingredient binders on-site. These resources list the most common allergens found in core menu categories — burgers, BBQ plates, chicken sandwiches, sides, and shakes.

To ensure accuracy and safety:

• Ask to view the allergen binder before ordering.
• Request ingredient clarification from the manager, especially for sauces and fried foods.
• Verify preparation methods, since fryers and grills are shared between menu items.
• Avoid assuming cross-contact safety, as kitchens do not separate allergen equipment

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How to Read Allergen Symbols

When reviewing an allergen sheet at Cook Out, you’ll typically encounter symbols or checkmarks that indicate whether a menu item contains, may contain, or is free of a particular allergen. Understanding these notations is essential for making safe food choices.

Symbol	Meaning	Example
✓	Contains the allergen	Cheeseburger → contains dairy & gluten
⚠	May contain (cross-contact risk)	Fries → shared fryer (⚠ gluten, ⚠ soy)
×	Free of the allergen (ingredient level)	Grilled Chicken (no cheese) → × dairy

⚠ Important Note: Even items labeled “×” (free) can come into contact with allergens due to shared prep surfaces, utensils, or fryer oil. This applies to burgers, fries, and shakes, which are all prepared using shared cooking stations and equipment.

Example allergen summary:

Allergen	Contains (✓)	May Contain (⚠)	Free (×)
Dairy	Milkshakes, Cheese Fries, Cheddar-Style Burgers	Certain sauces, buns	Grilled Chicken (no cheese or mayo)
Gluten	Buns, Wraps, Fried Chicken, Onion Rings	Shared Fryers	Burger Patty (no bun)
Soy	Frying Oil, Sauces, Buns	Cross-contact in grill area	Plain BBQ Plate (no bun or slaw)

For complete details on all menu categories, visit the Cook Out Menu and check the Nutrition Facts page for updated 2025 calorie and ingredient data.

What is the Cookout Allergen Menu?

The Cookout Allergen Menu is a lifesaver for anyone dealing with food allergies. It breaks down which menu items contain common allergens like gluten, dairy, soy, eggs, nuts, and more so you can order with confidence.

By accommodating various dietary needs, Cookout shows its commitment to inclusivity and customer satisfaction.

Cook Out Allergen Chart (2025 Overview)

Menu Item Group	Dairy	Eggs	Soy	Wheat / Gluten	Peanuts	Tree Nuts	Fish	Shellfish	Sesame
Milkshakes	✓	×	✓	×	⚠	⚠	×	×	×
Cheese Fries	✓	×	✓	✓	×	×	×	×	×
Burgers (Cheddar-Style)	✓	✓	✓	✓	×	×	×	×	⚠
Cheesecake Add-ons	✓	✓	×	✓	×	×	×	×	×
Buns & Wraps	×	✓	✓	✓	×	×	×	×	✓
Coleslaw & Dressings	⚠ (mayo/buttermilk)	✓	⚠	✓	×	×	×	×	×
Sauces & Marinades	⚠ (creamy sauces)	×	✓	⚠	×	×	×	×	✓
Fried Items (Fries, Onion Rings)	⚠ (shared fryer)	×	✓	✓	×	×	×	×	×

Cookout Allergen Menu With Prices

Allergen Breakdown: Key Ingredients to Watch For (2025)

The Cook Out allergen menu (2025) highlights the nine major allergens identified under the FDA Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research (FASTER) Act:
Dairy, Eggs, Soy, Wheat (Gluten), Peanuts, Tree Nuts, Fish, Shellfish, and Sesame.

Cook Out kitchens prepare all items in shared environments, meaning cross-contact is possible even for foods that don’t directly contain allergens. The allergen information below is compiled from in-store ingredient sheets and public data, helping diners identify high-risk categories and safer ordering choices.

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Legend:
✓ = Contains allergen ⚠ = May contain or shared preparation × = No allergen in ingredients

⚠ Note: Cook Out’s kitchens are not certified allergen-free. Items marked “free” refer to ingredient composition only—cross-contact is possible due to shared cooking and prep equipment.

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Dairy (Milk, Cheese & Shakes)

Dairy appears in many Cook Out favorites, including milkshakes, cheese fries, cheddar-style burgers, and cheesecake add-ons.
As of October 2025, Cook Out does not offer non-dairy or vegan shake alternatives—all shakes contain real milk and ice cream.

Tips for Dairy-Sensitive Guests:

• Order burgers “no cheese” or “no cheddar style.”
• Avoid milkshakes, cheese fries, and cheesecake toppings.
• Safer options include Grilled Chicken Sandwich (no cheese/mayo) and BBQ Sandwich (no slaw).

Potentially Dairy-Free Menu Items:

• Grilled Chicken (plain)
• BBQ Plate without slaw
• Fries* or Hash Rounds* (prepared in shared fryers)
• Drinks and teas

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Eggs

Egg allergens are most commonly found in buns, wraps, slaw dressing, and mayo-based sauces.
Cook Out’s core proteins—beef, chicken, and BBQ—are typically egg-free, but egg contamination can occur through condiments or breaded items.

To Avoid Eggs:

• Request burgers without mayo or creamy sauces.
• Substitute the bun for a lettuce wrap.
• Skip coleslaw unless verified egg-free at your location.

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Soy

Soy is a common allergen in Cook Out’s kitchen—found in marinades, sauces, buns, and frying oils.
Most locations use a soy/canola oil blend, not peanut oil, for frying.

Soy-Containing Foods Include:

• Fried sides (fries, onion rings, hushpuppies)
• Marinaded chicken items and BBQ sauce
• Some buns, dressings, and creamy sauces

Soy-Sensitive Recommendations:

• Opt for plain grilled meats without sauce.
• Avoid fried items cooked in soy-based oil.
• Double-check for soy lecithin or soybean oil in condiments.

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Nuts & Peanut Allergies

Cook Out’s fryers and grills do not use peanut oil, but peanut butter milkshake flavors pose a high cross-contact risk due to shared shake mixers and spindles.
Tree nut ingredients (such as almond or pecan crumbles) occasionally appear in seasonal milkshake or dessert offerings.

Peanut/Nut Safety Tips:

• Avoid all milkshake flavors if you have a severe nut allergy.
• Fries, BBQ, burgers, and grilled chicken are typically nut-free.
• Verify dessert toppings before ordering.

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Gluten & Wheat

Gluten and wheat occur in buns, wraps, tortillas, and all fried foods (due to shared fryers).
Cook Out does not maintain separate gluten-free fryers, so cross-contact is unavoidable.

Tips for Gluten-Conscious Diners:

• Request lettuce wraps or bun-less burgers.
• Choose grilled entrees like the BBQ Plate or Grilled Chicken.
• Avoid breaded chicken, onion rings, and fries (shared fryer).

Naturally Gluten-Free Choices (Verify In-Store):

• Plain BBQ Plate
• Coleslaw (confirm wheat-free recipe)
• Cheerwine Float
• Drinks and milk-based shakes (if not sensitive to gluten cross-contact)

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Verified Facts — Cookout Allergen Updates (October 2025)

Statement	Verified Status	Details / Source
Cook Out tracks 9 FDA allergens	✅	Consistent with 2025 allergen disclosure requirements
Cook Out uses peanut oil	❌	Uses soy/canola oil blend for frying
Dairy-free shake options available	❌	All shakes contain milk and ice cream
Gluten-free fryer or prep zone	❌	Shared fryers across menu
Allergen chart published online	⚠ Partial	Only in-store via allergen binder or manager request

Cookout Allergen-Friendly Menu Options (2025)

Cook Out offers a limited set of allergen-friendly choices—mainly bun-less grilled proteins, select sides, and beverages—but most safe orders require customization and local verification due to shared fryers and prep areas.

Gluten-Free Options at Cook Out (2025)

Finding gluten-free food at Cook Out requires a few customizations since the restaurant does not operate a certified gluten-free kitchen. However, several naturally gluten-free items can be enjoyed when ordered carefully.

✅ Naturally Gluten-Free Choices

• BBQ Plate (no bun): The barbecue sauce contain no gluten ingredients.
• Grilled Chicken (Original or Cajun): Both styles are safe when served without a bun or wrap.
• Bunless Burgers: Request any burger without the bun or cheddar-style toppings.
• Coleslaw: Naturally gluten-free, though confirm that the dressing contains no malt vinegar.
• Cheerwine Float: Made from Cheerwine soda and ice — a refreshing gluten-free option.
• Soft Drinks, Lemonade & Tea: All fountain beverages are gluten-free.

⚠️ Important:
Cook Out’s fries and onion rings are cooked in shared fryers with breaded chicken and other gluten-containing items. These should be avoided by guests with Celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

💡 Ordering Tip:
Request that your food be prepared on clean foil or a sanitized tray to reduce cross-contact risk.

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Dairy-Free Menu Options at Cook Out (2025)

The Cook Out dairy-free menu relies on ingredient swaps and simple omissions. With minor adjustments, many of the chain’s core items can be made dairy-free.

✅ Dairy-Free Choices

• Grilled Chicken or Burgers: Order without cheese, mayo, or cheddar-style toppings.
• Hot Dog: Naturally dairy-free. Stick with ketchup, mustard, chili, or relish.
• BBQ Sandwich (no slaw, no buttered bun): Ensure the bun isn’t toasted with butter.
• French Fries: Cooked in soy/canola oil, not butter — confirm at your location.
• Coleslaw: Made with egg-based mayonnaise but no dairy.
• Onion Rings: Batter ingredients vary; ask locally if milk is used.
• Drinks, Tea & Cheerwine: 100% dairy-free.

🚫 Avoid:
Milkshakes, cheese fries, cheddar-style burgers, and all desserts with cheese or ice cream.

💡 Ordering Tip:
Ask the staff to skip buttered buns and double-check sauce bases for hidden dairy.

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Vegan-Friendly Options at Cook Out (2025)

As of 2025, Cook Out does not offer vegan burgers, plant-based patties, or vegan entrées. However, a few sides and beverages are vegan by ingredients.

✅ Vegan Options

• French Fries: Vegan ingredients, but cooked in shared fryers with animal products.
• Side Salad: Request no cheese and no dressing (bring your own vegan dressing if preferred).
• Drinks & Beverages: All sodas, lemonades, and teas are vegan-friendly.
• Cheerwine Soda (not Float): Stick to the soda alone — avoid adding ice cream.

🚫 Avoid:
Onion rings, hushpuppies, slaw, milkshakes, and any fried item with shared oil if strict vegan.

💡 Vegan Tip:
If you’re vegan for ethical reasons, confirm fryer usage before ordering fries.

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Cookout’s Menu Categories with Common Allergen Concerns:

• Burgers & Sandwiches: May contain gluten, dairy, and soy in buns, patties, and condiments.
• Milkshakes: Contain milk and may have traces of nuts and gluten from flavorings and mix-ins.
• Sides (Fries, Onion Rings, Hush Puppies): Often fried in shared oil, which may pose a risk for cross-contact with gluten, soy, or shellfish.
• Barbecue Plates: Sauces may contain soy or gluten.
• Condiments: May include allergens like soy or eggs in mayonnaise-based dressings.

Top Allergen-Free Meals to Enjoy at Cookout

Cookout’s menu includes several standout dishes that are naturally allergen-friendly or easily customizable. Here are some customer favorites:

Allergen-Friendly Meal Ideas:

Menu Item	Allergen-Free Modifications
Grilled Chicken Sandwich	Remove the bun for a gluten-free option.
Hamburger	Order without the bun and cheese for gluten-free and dairy-free dining.
Cookout-Style Hot Dog	Skip the bun and creamy toppings for a simple, allergen-friendly meal.
Fries and Hushpuppies	Naturally free of gluten, dairy, and nuts—confirm preparation methods.
Side Salad	Choose oil and vinegar dressing for a dairy-free, gluten-free choice.

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Quick Facts About Cookout’s Allergen Practices:

• Cross-Contact Awareness: Cookout uses shared equipment, so it’s important to ask about preparation methods.
• Transparency: Allergen information is available on request, making it easier for customers to make informed choices.
• Customization: Most menu items can be modified to exclude allergens.

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Cookout Allergen Menu at a Glance

Below is a detailed table that outlines potential allergens in some of Cookout’s most popular menu items:

Menu Item	Gluten	Dairy	Eggs	Soy	Peanuts/Tree Nuts	Shellfish
Hamburger (with bun)	✔	✔		✔
Cheeseburger	✔	✔		✔
Grilled Chicken Sandwich	✔	✔		✔
Veggie Burger	✔		✔	✔
Onion Rings	✔			✔
French Fries				✔*
Barbecue Plate				✔
Coleslaw		✔	✔
Hush Puppies	✔	✔	✔	✔
Milkshakes (various flavors)		✔			✔**

Notes:

• ✔: Allergen present.
• *French fries are typically fried in shared oil, which may pose a risk of cross-contact with gluten, soy, or shellfish.
• **Milkshakes may contain traces of peanuts/tree nuts depending on the flavor. Some flavors, like peanut butter, explicitly contain peanuts.

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Cookout Value Menu: Affordable Choices for Every Diet

Cookout’s menu is known for its affordability, making it a go-to destination for budget-conscious diners. Even with dietary restrictions, you can find allergen-friendly options that won’t break the bank.

Best Picks for Value and Safety:

• Cookout Tray: Choose items like grilled chicken, fries, and coleslaw for an affordable meal that fits your dietary needs.
• A La Carte Options: Order single items like a hot dog or a small side for a light snack.

Item	Price Range	Allergen-Friendly Tip
Grilled Chicken	$3–$4	Remove the bun to make it gluten-free.
Coleslaw	$1.50–$2	Confirm it’s prepared dairy-free.
Iced Tea	$1.25–$1.75	Naturally allergen-friendly.

Tips for Dining Safely at Cookout

For customers with allergies, taking the following precautions can help ensure a safe dining experience:

1. Review the Allergen Menu Before Ordering

• Access the allergen menu online or request a copy at the restaurant.
• Identify which menu items are safe based on your specific allergens.

2. Speak with Staff

• Inform the staff about your allergies when placing your order.
• Ask about food preparation practices to minimize the risk of cross-contact (e.g., shared fryers or utensils).

3. Be Cautious of Cross-Contact

• Cookout’s fryers and grills may be used for multiple items, increasing the risk of cross-contact with allergens like gluten, soy, or shellfish.
• If you’re highly sensitive, consider avoiding fried or grilled items.

4. Customize Your Order

• Opt for bunless burgers or lettuce wraps if you’re avoiding gluten.
• Skip cheese and sauces if you’re avoiding dairy or soy.

5. Avoid High-Risk Items

• Milkshakes and fried items are more likely to have cross-contact risks, especially for those with nut or gluten allergies.
• Stick to simple, unprocessed options like plain burgers, grilled chicken, or barbecue without sauce.

What are the 14 food allergens? | Food Safety Training | iHASCO

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Milkshake Allergen Concerns

Cookout is famous for its 40+ milkshake flavors, but these pose significant allergen risks due to ingredients like milk, nuts, and gluten.

Common Allergen Risks in Milkshakes:

• Dairy: All milkshakes contain milk and cream.
• Nuts: Flavors like peanut butter and banana nut are not safe for nut-allergic customers.
• Gluten: Some mix-ins (e.g., cookies, brownies) may contain gluten.
• Cross-Contact: Milkshake machines may not be cleaned between flavors, leading to cross-contact risks.

Safe Milkshake Tips:

• If you have a nut or gluten allergy, consider avoiding milkshakes altogether.
• Ask the staff about flavors with the lowest risk of cross-contact.

⚠️ Allergen Safety Disclaimer

Cook Out kitchens use shared fryers, grills, and prep areas, so cross-contact is possible even when allergens aren’t listed. Always confirm with staff before ordering.

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Cooking Basics Checklist for Allergen Awareness

This checklist ensures that all allergen-related considerations are taken into account when preparing food for customers with dietary restrictions

Cookout-Allergen-Menu-Basics-Checklist

Conclusion 

Now it is time to finish our mini blog, here we explain the cookout allergen menu in detail. This menu provides clear-cut information about what people are eating. There are almost 14 allergen items that I mentioned in the article. The cookout allergen menu is planned to ensure that everyone enjoys their meals without worrying about allergic reactions by delivering exact knowledge about the substances used in their cooking.

Cookout Allergen Menu FAQs