Allergen Guide
Check the ingredients for your exact item and customization before ordering. McDonald’s kitchens use shared preparation areas, equipment and utensils, so cross-contact can occur.
The nine major allergens at McDonald’s
McDonald’s provides ingredient information for the nine major US food allergens: milk, eggs, wheat, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish and sesame. The allergen statement for the specific product is the starting point.
Wheat: Check buns, biscuits, muffins, tortillas and breaded items. Removing the bun does not remove wheat from other ingredients or prevent cross-contact.
Milk: Check cheese, milk-based drinks, soft-serve desserts and other ingredients. A burger without cheese can still have milk in another component.
Eggs: Check breakfast eggs, sauces and baked ingredients. A customization must account for the whole item, including its bun, sauce and toppings.
Soy: Read the ingredient and allergen information for the exact product. Do not infer an allergy recommendation from an ingredient name or the type of cooking oil alone.
Fish: Filet-O-Fish contains fish. Ask the restaurant about preparation and cross-contact when fish allergy affects your order.
Shellfish: Check current product information and the restaurant’s handling arrangements. A menu item’s name does not establish whether it meets your needs.
Peanuts: Check dessert toppings, packaged ingredients and limited-time products individually. Do not assume the entire menu or kitchen is peanut-free.
Tree nuts: Check the current ingredients and any packaged toppings. Tree-nut and peanut allergies are different checks.
Sesame: Sesame is the ninth major US food allergen. Check seeded buns and all other listed ingredients, including changes made to your order.
Cross-contact risks to know about
McDonald’s says normal kitchen operations can involve shared preparation areas, equipment and utensils. Food may come into contact with other products that contain an allergen.
Ask the restaurant about the equipment and handling used for your order. Do not assume every restaurant uses the same fryer arrangement or that removing an ingredient prevents cross-contact.
Read the current ingredient information and discuss your needs with the restaurant before ordering. For personal medical advice, consult your clinician.
Checking common dietary restrictions
Avoiding milk: Check every part of the order, including the bun, sauce, toppings and drink. Removing cheese or choosing a plain-looking item is not enough to establish that it suits a milk allergy.
Avoiding eggs: Check sauces, breading and baked ingredients as well as visible egg. Ask about handling and cross-contact before ordering.
Avoiding gluten: McDonald’s USA does not certify menu items as gluten-free. Check individual ingredients and shared preparation practices; a bunless order is not a guarantee.
How to check allergens before you order
Open the item’s ingredient and allergen details in the McDonald’s app, select your customizations and ask the restaurant about preparation. Check again when the product, location or recipe changes.
The calorie calculator helps plan portions and calories. It does not assess whether a meal is suitable for a food allergy.