CookOut Allergen Menu 2026
What is the CookOut Allergen Menu?
The Cookout allergen menu is a reference guide that identifies which Cookout menu items contain, or may come into contact with, the most common food allergens. For diners managing food allergies, intolerances, or dietary restrictions, this kind of information is essential.
Cookout does not maintain a publicly available allergen PDF on its website. However, many locations keep in-store allergen binders or ingredient sheets. You can also call your local Cookout ahead of your visit to ask about specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Cookout Allergens Menu With Prices
Cookout is famous for its incredible value. The signature Cookout Tray, one entrée, two sides, and a large drink, starts at around $6.29 to $7.49, making it one of the most affordable full meals in American fast food. You can upgrade your drink to a milkshake for approximately $1.60 extra.
Under the FDA’s Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research (FASTER) Act, food businesses in the U.S. must disclose the presence of nine major allergens. At Cookout, all nine can appear across various menu items.
Burgers
| Items | Allergen Information | Prices |
| Hamburger Patty (No Bun) | Gluten-free | $1.99-$3.99 |
| Cookout Style Burger | Wheat, Soy | $1.99-$4.99 |
| Steak Style Burger | Wheat, Soy | $1.99-$4.99 |
| Out West Style Burger | Wheat, Soy | $1.99-$4.99 |
| Char-Grilled Hamburgers | Wheat, Soy | $1.99-$3.99 |
| Cheeseburger (No Bun) | Dairy, Gluten-free | $1.99-$4.99 |
Sides
| Items | Allergen Information | Prices |
| French Fries | Gluten-free | $1.50-$2.39 |
| Cajun Fries | Gluten-free | $1.85-$2.39 |
| Cheese Fries | Dairy | $2.00-$2.89 |
| Chicken Nuggets | Wheat, Soy | $1.00-$1.99 |
| Corn Dog | Wheat, Eggs, Soy | $1.00-$1.99 |
| Hushpuppies | Dairy, Wheat, Soy, Eggs | $1.00-$1.99 |
| Quesadilla | Dairy, Wheat, Soy | $1.00-$1.99 |
| Chili Dog | Wheat, Soy | $1.50-$2.39 |
| Onion Rings | Wheat, Soy | $1.99-$2.69 |
| White Cheddar Cheese Bites | Dairy, Wheat, Soy | $2.00-$3.39 |
Cookout Gluten-Free Menu Choices
If you want to know about Gluten-free food at CookOut, remember two things: ingredient-free versus cross-contact-free. Many items at Cookout contain no gluten-based ingredients, but because the kitchen uses shared fryers, grills, and prep surfaces, cross-contact is always possible. For people with celiac disease, even traces of gluten can cause a serious reaction. For those with a gluten sensitivity, some of the items below may be tolerable, but always confirm with the staff before ordering.
Burgers
Cookout’s burger patties contain no gluten in their base form. The bun is the problem. Standard burger buns at Cookout contain wheat. The solution: order any burger bunless. You can still enjoy toppings and condiments, just ask for it served on a tray.
| Burger Item | Gluten-Free | Notes |
| Burger Patty (no bun) | Yes | Order without bun; verify toppings |
| Cheeseburger (no bun) | Yes | Cheese adds dairy; no gluten if bunless |
| Big Double (no bun) | Yes | Skip the bun |
| Burger with Bun | No | Bun contains wheat/gluten |
| Quesadilla | No | A flour tortilla contains gluten and dairy |
Sides
| Side Item | Gluten-Free | Notes |
| French Fries | Possible | No gluten in ingredients; shared fryer risk |
| Cajun Fries | Possible | Shared fryer; seasoning appears GF, confirm locally |
| Coleslaw | Yes | Generally gluten-free; not fried |
| Onion Rings | No | Battered with wheat flour |
| Hush Puppies | No | Cornmeal batter contains wheat; it also has dairy and egg |
| Cheese Bites | No | Breaded, contains gluten and dairy |
Chicken Items
Breaded or battered chicken is never gluten-free at Cookout. Your only safe path is the char-grilled chicken breast, ordered without a bun, with gluten-free condiments only.
- Grilled Chicken Breast (no bun): Gluten-Free
- Spicy Chicken Sandwich: Not Gluten-Free (breaded + bun)
- Chicken Strips / Nuggets: Not Gluten-Free (breaded)
| Items | Allergen Information | Prices |
| Grilled Chicken Breast | Soy | $3.69-$4.99 |
| Grilled Chicken Sandwich (No Bun) | Gluten-free | $3.39 |
| Crispy Spicy Chicken Breast | Soy | $3.69-$4.99 |
| Chicken Strip Snack | Soy | $2.00-$4.99 |
| Chicken Strip Sandwich | Wheat, Soy | $3.39 |
| Chicken Strip Club | Dairy, Wheat, Soy | $3.99 |
| Regular Spicy Style | Wheat, Soy | $3.69-$4.99 |
| Chicken Tenders | Gluten-free | – |
| Homemade Style Chicken Strips | Dairy, Wheat, Soy | $2.00-$4.99 |
Hot Dogs & BBQs
Hot dogs and BBQ meats are naturally gluten-free in most preparations. The bun is always the problem. Order any hot dog or BBQ item without a bun. Always ask about BBQ sauce; some Cookout BBQ sauces may contain soy or gluten as a thickening agent.
- Hot Dog (no bun): Likely Gluten-Free
- BBQ Sandwich / Plate (no bun): Likely Gluten-Free
- Corn Dog: NOT Gluten-Free (cornmeal batter with wheat)
| Items | Allergen Information | Prices |
| Hot Dog | Wheat, Soy | $1.00-$1.99 |
| Bacon Cheddar Dog | Dairy, Wheat, Soy | $2.00-$2.99 |
| Cook Out Style Hot Dog | Wheat, Soy | $2.00-$2.99 |
| BBQ Sandwich | Wheat, Soy | $3.19-$4.99 |
| BBQ Plate | Dairy, Eggs, Wheat, Soy | $3.99-$5.99 |
| BLT Sandwich | Dairy, Wheat, Soy | $1.50-$1.99 |
Wraps
Avoid all wraps if you are gluten-free. Cookout’s wraps use standard flour tortillas made with wheat. There is no gluten-free tortilla substitute available.
- All Cookout wraps contain wheat flour tortillas and are not suitable for gluten-free diners.
| Items | Allergen Information | Prices |
| Bacon Ranch Wrap | Dairy, Wheat, Soy | $1.50-$1.99 |
| Crispy Chicken Wrap | Wheat, Soy | $1.50-$1.99 |
| Cajun Wrap | Wheat, Soy | $1.50-$1.99 |
| Ranch Wrap | Dairy, Wheat, Soy | $1.50-$1.99 |
| Cajun Ranch Wrap | Dairy, Wheat, Soy | $1.50-$1.99 |
| Honey Mustard Wrap | Dairy, Wheat, Soy | $1.50-$1.99 |
Milkshakes
Cookout’s milkshake menu is a high-risk zone for gluten. While some plain shake bases may not contain gluten ingredients, the vast majority of the 40+ flavors include mix-ins like cookies, brownies, candy pieces, and cake crumbles, all of which contain wheat. Shakes are also prepared on shared equipment that is not cleaned between every order.
- Cookout milkshakes are NOT reliably gluten-free due to mix-ins and shared blender cross-contact risk. Celiac diners should avoid milkshakes entirely.
| Items | Allergen Information | Prices |
| Banana Berry Milkshake | Dairy | $2.99-$3.99 |
| Chocolate Milkshake | Dairy | $2.99-$3.99 |
| Pineapple Milkshake | Dairy | $2.99-$3.99 |
| Blueberry Milkshake | Dairy | $2.99-$3.99 |
| Red Cherry Milkshake | Dairy | $2.99-$3.99 |
| Strawberry Milkshake | Dairy | $2.99-$3.99 |
| Banana Nut Milkshake | Dairy, Nuts | $2.99-$3.99 |
| Choc Chip Cherry Milkshake | Dairy | $2.99-$3.99 |
| Chocolate Cherry Milkshake | Dairy | $2.99-$3.99 |
| Peach Cobbler Milkshake | Dairy | $2.99-$3.99 |
| Banana Split Milkshake | Dairy, Nuts | $2.99-$3.99 |
| Peanut Butter Milkshake | Dairy, Nuts | $2.99-$3.99 |
| Peanut Butter Cup Milkshake | Dairy, Nuts | $2.99-$3.99 |
| Choc Chip Mint Milkshake | Dairy | $2.99-$3.99 |
| Peanut Butter Fudge Milkshake | Dairy, Nuts | $2.99-$3.99 |
| Walnut Milkshake | Dairy, Nuts | $2.99-$3.99 |
| Heath Toffee Milkshake | Dairy | $2.99-$3.99 |
| Butterfinger Milkshake | Dairy, Nuts | $2.99-$3.99 |
| M&M Milkshake | Dairy, Soy | $2.99-$3.99 |
| Reese’s Cup Milkshake | Dairy, Nuts | $2.99-$3.99 |
| Caramel Milkshake | Dairy | $2.99-$3.99 |
| Orange Push-Up Milkshake | Dairy | $2.99-$3.99 |
| Caramel Fudge Milkshake | Dairy | $2.99-$3.99 |
| Oreo Mint Milkshake | Dairy, Soy | $2.99-$3.99 |
| Choc Chip Strawberry Milkshake | Dairy | $2.99-$3.99 |
| Eggnog Milkshake | Dairy, Egg | $2.99-$3.99 |
| Watermelon Milkshake | Dairy | $2.99-$3.99 |
Drinks & Desserts
The safest gluten-free drink choices at Cookout are fountain drinks, bottled water, and brewed sweet tea.
- Fountain Drinks: Gluten-Free
- Brewed Sweet Tea / Unsweet Tea: Gluten-Free
- Bottled Water: Gluten-Free
- Cheesecake Bites: Not Gluten-Free
| Items | Allergen Information | Prices |
| Cheerwine | No Allergens | $1.39-$2.39 |
| Fresh Brewed Tea | No Allergens | $1.00-$2.39 |
| Coca-Cola Beverages | No Allergens | $1.39-$2.39 |
| Dasani Bottled Water | No Allergens | $1.69-$2.39 |
| Cheesecake | Dairy, Eggs | $1.99-$2.39 |
Proteins-Glutin Free and Dairy Free Status
| Protein | Gluten-Free | Dairy-Free | Notes |
| Beef Burger Patty | Yes | Yes | No bun; shared grill risk |
| Grilled Chicken | Yes | Yes | No bun; confirm marinade |
| Hot Dog | Yes | Yes | No bun; no cheese topping |
| BBQ Pork | Yes | Yes | Confirm the BBQ sauce gluten content |
| Breaded Chicken | No | Yes | Contains wheat breading |
| Corn Dog | No | Yes | Batter contains wheat |
Dairy-Free Options At Cookout
Dairy is one of the common allergens at Cookout. Beyond the obvious allergens like cheese and milkshakes, dairy hides in sauces, dressings, and seasoning blends. The good news is that Cookout’s core proteins, burger patties, grilled chicken, hot dogs, and BBQ meats, are dairy-free on their own.
Dairy-Free Status By Item
| Item | Dairy-Free | Notes |
| Burger Patty (no cheese) | Yes | Skip cheese, mayo, creamy sauces |
| Grilled Chicken (no cheese) | Yes | Skip honey mustard if cream-based |
| Hot Dog (plain) | Yes | No cheese, no creamy toppings |
| BBQ Sandwich (no bun) | Yes | Confirm the BBQ sauce contains no butter |
| French Fries / Cajun Fries | Yes | No dairy in ingredients; soy oil used |
| Coleslaw | Maybe | Some versions use mayo; confirm locally |
| Onion Rings | Likely | Check the batter for milk powder, which varies by location |
| Milkshakes (all flavors) | No | All shakes are milk/cream-based |
| Cheese Fries | No | Contains processed cheese sauce |
| Hush Puppies | No | Batter contains dairy and egg |
| Ranch Dressing | No | Dairy-based dressing |
| Ketchup / Mustard | Yes | Standard condiments are dairy-free |
Tip: Cookout does not offer dairy-free milkshake alternatives (no almond, oat, or soy milk shakes). If you are dairy-free, skip the milkshake and stick to fountain drinks or brewed tea.
Vegan Options At Cookout
Vegan diners will find Cookout to be an unsatisfying restaurant. The menu is heavily meat and dairy-focused, with no dedicated plant-based burger patties or vegan-certified items. The main vegan-friendly option is French fries or Cajun fries, but these are cooked in shared soybean oil alongside meat products, which is a cross-contamination concern for strict vegans.
Vegan & Gluten-Free Overlap
| Item | Vegan | Gluten-Free | Notes |
| French Fries | Maybe | Maybe | Cooked in shared fryers with meat |
| Cajun Fries | Maybe | Maybe | Same fryer concern; seasoning appears vegan |
| Coleslaw | Maybe | Yes | Confirm Mayo is not used in the recipe |
| Fountain Drinks | Yes | Yes | All fountain drinks are vegan |
| Brewed Tea | Yes | Yes | No additives, fully vegan |
| Burger Patty | No | Yes | Beef, not vegan |
| Hush Puppies | No | No | Contains egg, dairy, and wheat |
| Milkshakes | No | Varies | All shakes contain dairy |
| Onion Rings | Maybe | No | Batter may have dairy; it contains gluten |
Note: Cookout is not a vegan-friendly restaurant. Your best bet is fries and a fountain drink, with full awareness of the shared fryer concern. There are no plant-based burger substitutes on the menu.
Cookout Gluten-Free Vegan Overlap
Items that are both vegan and gluten-free at Cookout are very limited:
- Brewed Sweet or Unsweet Tea
- Fountain Drinks
- Bottled Water
- French Fries or Cajun Fries (with cross-contamination chances)
- Coleslaw, if a mayo-free version is available at your location
Cookout Milkshakes & Ingredients
Cookout’s milkshake menu is versatile, offering over 40 flavors, making it one of the largest milkshake menus in the fast food industry. However, for allergy-conscious diners, the milkshake bar poses a high risk. Every CookOut milkshake contains milk and cream as its base, making it off-limits for those with dairy allergies or intolerances.
Numerous flavors in CookOut Milkshakes contain additional allergens through mix-ins, such as candy, cookies, nuts, and cake pieces. CookOut does not currently offer any dairy-free or plant-based milkshake alternatives. Because shakes are made in shared blenders, cross-contact between flavors is also possible.
Milkshake Allergen Guide
| Milkshake Flavor | Contains Dairy | Contains Nuts | Contains Gluten | Contains Eggs |
| Plain Vanilla | Yes | No | No | No |
| Chocolate | Yes | No | Possible | No |
| Oreo | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Reese’s Cup | Yes | Yes (peanut) | Yes | No |
| Peanut Butter Fudge | Yes | Yes (peanut) | Possible | No |
| Banana Pudding | Yes | No | Yes (cookies) | No |
| Cheesecake | Yes | No | Yes (crust) | Possible |
| Butterfinger | Yes | Yes (peanut) | Yes | No |
| Strawberry | Yes | No | No | No |
| Eggnog (seasonal) | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Mint Chocolate Chip | Yes | No | Possible | No |
All milkshake flavors contain dairy. Due to shared blending equipment, even flavors without nuts or gluten ingredients carry cross-contact risk. Individuals with celiac disease, nut allergies, and dairy intolerances should avoid milkshakes completely.
Oils & Peanut Allergy Concerns
One of the most common questions from peanut-allergic Cookout customers is: “Does Cookout use peanut oil?” The answer is no, Cookout mainly uses soybean oil and canola oil for frying.
This is good news, since peanut oil is not involved in the cooking process, so users allergic to peanut oil can consume fried items at the restaurant. But here’s a catch: this does not make Cookout peanut-safe. Peanut ingredients are present in several milkshake flavors, and because shakes are made on shared equipment, cross-contact is a significant risk. Oil types can also vary by location; always confirm with your specific restaurant.
Oil Types & Peanut Risk at Cookout
| Oil Type | Used at Cookout | Peanut Risk |
| Soybean Oil | Primary frying oil | No peanut risk from oil; soy allergen present |
| Canola Oil | Some locations | No peanut risk |
| Peanut Oil | Not standard | Confirm with your local location to be sure |
| Butter-flavored Oil | Some items | No peanut risk; dairy concern for some |
| Peanut Mix-ins (shakes) | Yes, select flavors | High Risk, Reese’s, Butterfinger, Peanut Butter |
Peanut Allergy Summary: Cookout does not use peanut oil in fryers. However, peanut ingredients in milkshake mix-ins and shared blending equipment mean cross-contact is possible. If you have a severe peanut allergy, be extra careful with milkshakes and always inform staff before ordering.
Ingredients & Menu Additions
Cookout’s customizable toppings and sauces are part of what makes it so popular. Standard free toppings on any Cookout burger include: mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, pickles, onion, grilled onion, lettuce, tomato, and Cajun seasoning. But each sauce or condiment can introduce new allergens into your meal.
Sauces & Condiments-Allergen Breakdown
| Sauce / Condiment | Contains Gluten | Contains Dairy | Contains Soy | Contains Eggs |
| Ketchup | No | No | No | No |
| Yellow Mustard | No | No | No | No |
| Mayonnaise | No | No | Possible | Yes |
| Cook Out BBQ Sauce | Possible | No | Possible | No |
| Honey Mustard | No | No | No | No |
| Ranch Dressing | No | Yes | Possible | Yes |
| Buffalo Sauce | No | Possible | No | No |
| Polynesian Sauce | Possible | No | Possible | No |
| A1 Steak Sauce | Possible | No | No | No |
| Texas Pete Hot Sauce | No | No | No | No |
Cookout vs. In-N-Out Allergen Menu (Quick Comparison)
Cookout and In-N-Out are both beloved regional fast-food chains known for fresh, simple menus. But how do they compare on allergen transparency and allergy-safe eating, here are the details.
Cookout vs. In-N-Out-Full Allergen Comparison
| Feature | Cookout | In-N-Out |
| Official Online Allergen PDF | Not available | Available online |
| Gluten-Free Bun Option | No, skip the bun | Protein-style (lettuce wrap) |
| Peanut Oil Used in Fryers | No (soybean/canola) | No (sunflower oil) |
| Dedicated Fryer for Fries Only | No, shared fryers | Yes, fries are the only fried item |
| Dairy-Free Burger Option | Yes (no cheese) | Yes (no cheese/spread) |
| Dairy-Free Milkshakes | No | No |
| Peanut / Nut-Free Kitchen | No (nut shake mix-ins) | Yes, no peanuts or tree nuts used |
| Vegan-Friendly Fries | Yes (shared fryer risk) | Yes (sunflower oil, dedicated fryer) |
| Cross-Contamination Risk | High, shared kitchen | Lower, simpler menu |
| Allergen Transparency | In-store binder only | Detailed online + in-store |
| Sesame / Fish / Shellfish Used | Sesame possible in buns | None used in the kitchen |
Bottom Line: In-N-Out offers a clear advantage in allergen transparency, kitchen simplicity, and nut-free safety. Cookout operates a more complex kitchen with a higher cross-contact risk. Having said that, both chains can be visited safely with the right knowledge and clear communication with staff.
Top Picks From the Cookout Allergen Menu
Nut-Free Options
For nut-allergic diners, the biggest risk at Cookout is the milkshake station. Nuts are not a primary ingredient in Cookout’s savory menu, making most food items nut-free by ingredient, if not entirely by kitchen environment.
Nut-Free Status for Key Items
| Item | Nut-Free | Notes |
| Burger Patty (plain) | Yes | No nut ingredients; shared kitchen risk |
| Grilled Chicken | Yes | No nut ingredients; confirm marinade |
| French Fries | Yes | Soybean oil, no peanut oil |
| Strawberry Milkshake | Likely | Confirm no cross-contact at your location |
| Vanilla Milkshake | Likely | Plain flavors are lower risk; shared equipment is still |
| Reese’s Milkshake | No | Contains peanut butter cups(high risk) |
| Butterfinger Milkshake | No | Contains peanut butter(high risk) |
| Peanut Butter Fudge Shake | No | Contains peanut butter(high risk) |
Vegetarian Options & Vegan Status
| Item | Vegetarian | Vegan | Notes |
| French Fries | Yes | Maybe | Shared fryer with meat |
| Coleslaw | Yes | Maybe | Confirm no mayo if vegan |
| Onion Rings | Likely | Maybe | Check for dairy in the batter |
| Hush Puppies | Yes | No | Contains dairy and egg |
| Cheese Fries | Yes | No | Vegetarian but contains dairy |
| Fountain Drinks / Tea | Yes | Yes | All beverages are vegetarian/vegan |
| Milkshakes | Yes | No | Dairy-based — not vegan |
Items to Avoid (By Allergy Type)
| Allergy | Items to Avoid at Cookout |
| Gluten | All buns, wraps, hush puppies, onion rings, corn dogs, breaded chicken, cookie/brownie milkshake mix-ins |
| Dairy | All milkshakes, cheese fries, cheesecake bites, ranch dressing, any cheese topping, and hush puppies |
| Peanuts | Reese’s shake, Peanut Butter Fudge shake, Butterfinger shake, any peanut butter mix-in, and nearby shake flavors (cross-contact) |
| Tree Nuts | Select nut-containing milkshake flavors, and confirm with your location |
| Eggs | Mayonnaise, hush puppies, eggnog milkshake (seasonal), and some ranch dressings |
| Soy | All fried items (soybean oil), many sauces, burger patties (confirm), and some seasonings |
| Vegan | All burgers, hot dogs, chicken, BBQ items, milkshakes, hush puppies (dairy + egg), most sauces |
Complete List of Allergens at Cookout
Below is the most comprehensive allergen matrix available for the Cookout menu. Use this as your master reference before visiting.
| Category | Gluten | Dairy | Eggs | Soy | Peanuts | Tree Nuts | Sesame | Fish | Shellfish |
| Burgers (with bun) | ✓ | ⚠ | ⚠ | ✓ | ⛌ | ⛌ | ⚠ | ⛌ | ⛌ |
| Burgers (no bun) | ⛌ | ⚠ | ⚠ | ✓ | ⛌ | ⛌ | ⛌ | ⛌ | ⛌ |
| Grilled Chicken | ⛌* | ⛌ | ⛌ | ⚠ | ⛌ | ⛌ | ⛌ | ⛌ | ⛌ |
| Breaded Chicken | ✓ | ⚠ | ⚠ | ✓ | ⛌ | ⛌ | ⛌ | ⛌ | ⛌ |
| Hot Dogs / BBQ | ✓(bun) | ⛌ | ⛌ | ⚠ | ⛌ | ⛌ | ⛌ | ⛌ | ⛌ |
| Fries / Cajun Fries | ⛌* | ⛌ | ⛌ | ✓ | ⛌ | ⛌ | ⛌ | ⛌ | ⛌ |
| Hush Puppies | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ⛌ | ⛌ | ⛌ | ⛌ | ⛌ |
| Onion Rings | ✓ | ⚠ | ⚠ | ✓ | ⛌ | ⛌ | ⛌ | ⛌ | ⛌ |
| Milkshakes | ⚠ | ✓ | ⚠ | ⚠ | ⚠ | ⚠ | ⛌ | ⛌ | ⛌ |
| Sauces / Condiments | ⚠ | ⚠ | ⚠ | ⚠ | ⛌ | ⛌ | ⛌ | ⛌ | ⛌ |
✓= Commonly Present | ⚠ = Possible / Varies | ⛌ = Generally Absent/Free | * = Cross-contact risk from shared equipment
Popular Safe Combos from the Cookout Allergen Menu
| Allergy Type | Recommended Combo | What to Skip |
| Gluten-Free | Burger patty (no bun) + Cajun fries + sweet tea | Buns, wraps, onion rings, hush puppies, corn dogs, breaded chicken |
| Dairy-Free | Grilled chicken (no cheese) + fries + mustard + fountain drink | Milkshakes, cheese fries, cheesecake bites, ranch, any cheese topping |
| Peanut-Free | BBQ plate (no bun) + coleslaw + strawberry shake (confirm) | Reese’s shake, Butterfinger shake, Peanut Butter Fudge shake |
| Egg-Free | Burger (no bun, no mayo) + fries + ketchup + fountain drink | Mayonnaise, hush puppies, eggnog shake, and some ranch dressings |
| Soy-Free | Grilled chicken (confirm marinade) + coleslaw + water | All fried items (soybean oil), many sauces |
| Vegetarian | Cheese fries + coleslaw + onion rings + vanilla milkshake | All meat items |
| Vegan | Fries + brewed tea | All meat, dairy items, hush puppies, most |
Nutritional Information of Cookout Allergen Menu Items
| Menu Item | Calories | Protein (g) | Fat (g) | Key Allergens |
| Big Double Burger (with bun) | ~550 | ~30 | ~28 | Gluten, Soy, Dairy (optional) |
| Grilled Chicken (no bun) | ~200 | ~35 | ~4 | Soy (oil) |
| BBQ Plate | ~976 | ~45 | ~30 | Gluten (bun), Soy, Possible Dairy |
| French Fries (regular) | ~340 | ~4 | ~14 | Soy (oil), no gluten in ingredients |
| Spicy Chicken Sandwich | ~446 | ~28 | ~18 | Gluten, Soy, Eggs |
| Hush Puppies | ~250 | ~5 | ~10 | Gluten, Dairy, Eggs, Soy |
| Vanilla Milkshake | ~510 | ~9 | ~16 | Dairy, possible Soy |
| Reese’s Milkshake | ~750 | ~14 | ~28 | Dairy, Peanuts, Gluten, Soy |
| Cheesecake Bites | ~380 | ~6 | ~20 | Gluten, Dairy, Eggs |
| Coleslaw | ~180 | ~1 | ~10 | Eggs (mayo), possible Soy |
- Calorie and nutritional values are estimates and may vary by location and preparation.
Tips for Eating Allergy-Safe at Cookout
Avoid Cross-Contamination
Cross-contamination is the single biggest allergen risk at Cookout. Unlike In-N-Out, which operates a very simple menu with dedicated fryers, Cookout runs a complex kitchen with shared fryers, grills, and prep surfaces. Even if an item’s ingredients are safe for you, it may have come into contact with your allergen during preparation.
- Ask your server if your item will be prepared on a shared grill or in a shared fryer, and request a fresh, clean surface if possible.
- Request that your meal be placed on a clean tray with fresh foil or paper rather than recycled packaging.
- Avoid peak rush hours when the kitchen staff is too busy to take special care with allergy orders.
- If you have celiac disease or a severe anaphylactic allergy, be upfront. Tell the staff clearly: “I have a serious allergy to a specific ingredient(tell your allergen). Can you take precautions?”
- Always ask about the oil used in fryers specifically, as this can vary by location.
Customize Your Meal
Cookout’s menu is more customizable than it appears. You can remove buns, skip cheese, substitute sauces, and build a tray that works for your dietary needs.
- Carry a food allergy card, a small printed or digital card listing your allergens, and show it to staff before ordering.
- Always choose grilled over fried. Char-grilled items have fewer allergen risks than battered or breaded alternatives.
- Keep your order simple. The more components in a dish, the more chances for allergen exposure
- Request sauces and toppings on the side so you can control exactly what goes on your food.
- Call ahead if you need to ask detailed ingredient questions; this gives you time to research before arriving.
- When in doubt, skip the milkshake. For allergy-conscious diners, the milkshake machine is the highest-risk item in the entire Cookout kitchen.
Final Words
Cookout is an affordable fast-food chain where allergy-conscious diners can eat safely with the right knowledge. Cookout does not use peanut oil in its fryers; however, peanut ingredients are used in some of its milkshakes. Gluten is present in buns and breaded items, but not in plain proteins or fries. All milkshakes contain dairy with no plant-based alternatives, and cross-contamination is a risk throughout the kitchen due to shared equipment.
At CookOut, Gluten-free diners should order bunless with grilled proteins. Dairy-free diners should skip shakes and cheese. Vegan diners are limited to fries and drinks. Always verify ingredients with your local Cookout, as oil types and preparation methods vary by location. For severe allergies, speak directly with the manager before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions