Dairy-Free at Whataburger: Buns, Fries, Chicken and Sauces Checked

What is listed dairy-free

Of the 48 items with an allergen line, 10 are listed free of milk: Whataburger, Double Meat Whataburger, Triple Meat Whataburger, Whataburger Jr., Double Meat Whataburger Jr., Grilled Chicken Sandwich, Spicy Chicken Sandwich, Justaburger Kids Whatameal, French Fries (medium), Hash Brown Sticks. Another 27 contain milk, mostly from cheese, butter, biscuits, breading and shakes.

The full table is on the Whataburger allergen menu.

Are Whataburger buns dairy-free?

The large bun on the #1, #2 and #3 is part of a sandwich listed free of milk, so the bun itself does not list milk. The same goes for the small bun on the #7 Whataburger Jr. and the #8 Double Meat Jr.

Texas toast and biscuits are different: the Patty Melt (on Texas toast) lists milk, and the biscuits are buttermilk biscuits. Burger builds are on the burger menu.

Burgers: keep it plain

The plain numbered burgers are the dairy-free core of the menu: #1 Whataburger (590 cal), #2 Double Meat (835 cal), #3 Triple Meat (1,075 cal), #7 Jr. and #8 Double Meat Jr. They come with mustard, not mayonnaise.

Cheese adds milk, so the #4, #5 and every cheese add-on are out. Mayonnaise contains egg rather than milk, but creamy sauces such as Creamy Pepper and ranch are best avoided unless the item is listed free of milk.

Chicken, fries and sides

The Grilled Chicken Sandwich and the Spicy Chicken Sandwich are listed free of milk. The breaded Whatachick'n Strips list milk in our data. Medium fries and Hash Brown Sticks are listed free of milk; onion rings contain egg, gluten, milk, soy, wheat.

Chicken builds are on the chicken menu and sides on sides and fries.

Breakfast and desserts

Breakfast is the hardest meal: the pancakes and the Egg Sandwich list milk, the biscuits are buttermilk biscuits, and the taquito comes with cheese. Hash Brown Sticks are listed free of milk and are the dairy-free breakfast item.

Every shake and malt contains milk, and the Hot Apple Pie lists milk. For something sweet without dairy, Fruit Chews are the small option on the kids side of the menu, though our data has no allergen line for them. Desserts are on Whataburger desserts.

Sauces and dairy

Mustard and ketchup are the safest sauces: neither is made with milk. The plain #1 comes with mustard, which is part of why it is listed free of milk. Creamy sauces are where dairy hides: Creamy Pepper is on the Patty Melt, which lists milk, and ranch dressings are usually made with buttermilk.

If a sandwich you want comes with a creamy sauce, ask for mustard instead; it is also the lighter choice. Sauce calories are on Whataburger sauces and condiments.

Kids and dairy

The Justaburger Kids Whatameal is listed free of milk, which makes it the easiest dairy-free kids meal. The Grilled Cheese lists milk, and the two chicken kids meals use breaded chicken. Kids meals are on the Whataburger kids menu.

A dairy-free order

• Main: #1 or #2 Whataburger as built, or the Grilled Chicken Sandwich (440 cal).
• Side: medium fries (420 cal).
• Drink: any soda, tea or black coffee.
• Skip: cheese, biscuits, Texas toast, onion rings, breaded chicken and shakes.

Gluten-free and meat-free planning are on Whataburger gluten-free and vegetarian and vegan options.