Gluten Free Buns: Delicious Picks That Actually Hold Together

Gluten free buns have come a long way from dry, crumbly disappointments. Whether you’re celiac, gluten-sensitive, or just exploring lighter alternatives, finding a bun that tastes good and stays together matters. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best gluten free buns for every situation. From grocery store brands to fast food options, and even homemade buns that rise soft and golden in your oven, we’ve got your back. Our family kitchen tested them all. If it didn’t survive a messy meal with our six-year-old, it didn’t make the list. Let’s find your next go-to gluten free bun.

Check out our guide to gluten free fast food for tasty, safe, and quick ideas.

Our Family’s Gluten Free Bun Story

How we discovered gluten free buns as a family

Years ago, we walked into a little market in Austin and picked up our first pack of gluten free buns. Back then, they weren’t easy to love. But we kept trying. One day, Andre found a batch that looked promising. We toasted the buns, piled them with turkey burgers, and gave them the ultimate test, our son Liam. He took one bite and said, “This tastes like real bread.”

Since that day, gluten free buns have earned a regular spot in our pantry. Now in Santa Fe, we still experiment with new brands and better baking. Some buns crumble. Some taste off. But the good ones? They shine.

Why gluten free buns are worth keeping on hand

Gluten free buns aren’t just for special diets. They’re practical, delicious, and surprisingly versatile. If you deal with food sensitivities or just want a break from heavy bread, they’re a smart swap. The best buns toast up golden, hold their shape, and don’t overpower your fillings. We reach for them on busy weeknights when dinner needs to come together fast.

Here’s how our top store-bought buns compare at a glance:

These buns passed the test in a real kitchen, not a lab. They held up to sauces, melted cheese, and toddler hands. If you’ve been burned by bad gluten free bread before, don’t give up. These are different.

Top Grocery Store Gluten Free Buns

Best gluten free bun brands and how they compare

When it comes to gluten free buns from the store, not all are created equal. Some fall apart the second you add toppings. Others toast into dry hockey pucks. But a few stand out for flavor, structure, and convenience. After years of testing buns in our kitchen, we’ve narrowed it down to the most reliable picks.

Canyon Bakehouse sets the standard with their gluten-free buns: soft, subtly sweet, and impressively sturdy. While they’re great straight from the pack, a quick warm-up in the oven enhances their texture. Trader Joe’s also delivers with their Gluten-Free Hamburger Buns, offering a pleasantly chewy bite and a mild buttery taste that complements everything from breakfast sandwiches to plant-based patties.

Schär offers a denser bun, perfect for grilled chicken or heartier fillings. Their buns are shelf-stable and individually wrapped, which makes them great for meal prep or travel. Gillian’s goes in a different direction, offering brioche-like buns with rich flavor and a soft, golden finish. They shine with BBQ chicken.

Here’s how these popular brands stack up:

You can find these buns in the freezer aisle or the gluten free section at most major grocery chains. We’ve seen them at Whole Foods, Sprouts, Kroger, and even Walmart. If you’re new to gluten free eating, start with Canyon Bakehouse or Trader Joe’s. They’re affordable, easy to use, and kid-approved in our home.

What real buyers say (Reddit, reviews, tests)

Reddit’s gluten free community doesn’t hold back, and that’s a good thing. Posts on r/glutenfree often praise Trader Joe’s buns as “the closest to regular bread.” One user said they were “shocked at how soft they are.” Canyon Bakehouse also gets strong reviews, especially for people who miss traditional buns.

GFF Magazine’s blind taste test named Canyon Bakehouse and Schär among the best gluten free buns nationally. Gillian’s was praised for texture and flavor, especially for BBQ-style meals. Community reviewers consistently recommend freezing buns right away and defrosting them in a toaster or oven for best results.

Here’s a quick look at the most common feedback we’ve seen:

If you’re looking for buns that perform in the real world, these brands deliver. They’re not just good for gluten free, they’re good, period.

Gluten Free Buns at Fast Food Chains

What chains like Chick-fil-A offer for gluten free eaters

Fast food can be tricky when you’re gluten free. While many chains offer lettuce wraps or bunless burgers, very few serve actual gluten free buns. Chick-fil-A stands out as the main exception. They offer a certified gluten free bun made with ancient grains like sorghum, quinoa, and amaranth. Each bun is sealed in plastic and served separately to reduce cross-contact.

Customers are instructed to assemble their sandwich themselves. This setup keeps the bun gluten safe until you open it. We tried it ourselves during a road trip. The bun was soft, lightly sweet, and actually held up well with grilled chicken. Liam gave it a thumbs up, which is rare for any fast food.

Other chains haven’t caught up yet. Places like McDonald’s and Burger King don’t offer gluten free buns in the U.S., though some locations internationally do. Instead, they promote lettuce wraps or “low gluten” menu options, which aren’t safe for everyone.

Here’s a comparison of what you’ll find at major U.S. chains:

Chick-fil-A also clearly marks gluten free menu items on their website. Their grilled nuggets, hash browns, and waffle fries are naturally gluten free, giving you more options than just the bun.

Limitations of gluten free fast food buns

While Chick-fil-A’s bun is a welcome option, there are still trade-offs. Because the bun is prepackaged, it can feel less fresh than homemade or grocery versions. Toasting isn’t possible in-store, so it may taste a bit soft or spongey depending on your toppings. Also, while staff are trained to avoid contamination, shared surfaces still carry risk.

Cross-contact remains the biggest issue at fast food places. Most kitchens don’t have dedicated fryers, toasters, or prep lines for gluten free items. Even a clean bun can become unsafe during sandwich assembly if precautions aren’t followed.

For families managing gluten intolerance or celiac disease, it’s best to ask about preparation steps every time. When traveling, we pack an extra Canyon Bakehouse bun in a cooler and request a protein-only order at the counter. That way, we build it ourselves, bun and all, without stress.

Even so, it’s encouraging to see chains like Chick-fil-A taking gluten free buns seriously. Hopefully more restaurants will follow, giving customers safer, more satisfying options.

Looking for inspiration? Try our Greek Yogurt Smoothie to balance out your burger meal.

Gluten Free Buns at Fast Food Chains

Gluten-Free Options at Chains Like Chick-fil-A

Fast food can be tricky when you’re gluten free. While many chains offer lettuce wraps or bunless burgers, very few serve actual gluten free buns. Chick-fil-A stands out as the main exception. They serve a gluten-free bun that’s certified and made from a mix of ancient grains, including quinoa, sorghum, and amaranth, offering a wholesome alternative. Each bun is sealed in plastic and served separately to reduce cross-contact.

Customers are instructed to assemble their sandwich themselves. This setup keeps the bun gluten safe until you open it. We tried it ourselves during a road trip. The bun was soft, lightly sweet, and actually held up well with grilled chicken. Liam gave it a thumbs up, which is rare for any fast food.

Other chains haven’t caught up yet. Places like McDonald’s and Burger King don’t offer gluten free buns in the U.S., though some locations internationally do. Instead, they promote lettuce wraps or “low gluten” menu options, which aren’t safe for everyone.

Here’s a comparison of what you’ll find at major U.S. chains:

Chick-fil-A’s website makes it simple to find gluten-free options with clearly labeled items. Favorites like their grilled nuggets, waffle fries, and hash browns are naturally gluten-free, so there’s more to enjoy than just swapping the bun.

Limitations of gluten free fast food buns

While Chick-fil-A’s bun is a welcome option, there are still trade-offs. Because the bun is prepackaged, it can feel less fresh than homemade or grocery versions. Toasting isn’t possible in-store, so it may taste a bit soft or spongey depending on your toppings. Also, while staff are trained to avoid contamination, shared surfaces still carry risk.

Cross-contact remains the biggest issue at fast food places. Most kitchens don’t have dedicated fryers, toasters, or prep lines for gluten free items. Even a clean bun can become unsafe during sandwich assembly if precautions aren’t followed.

For families managing gluten intolerance or celiac disease, it’s best to ask about preparation steps every time. When traveling, we pack an extra Canyon Bakehouse bun in a cooler and request a protein-only order at the counter. That way, we build it ourselves, bun and all, without stress.

Even so, it’s encouraging to see chains like Chick-fil-A taking gluten free buns seriously. Hopefully more restaurants will follow, giving customers safer, more satisfying options.

Homemade Gluten Free Buns That Work

Easy homemade gluten free bun recipe (tried & tested)

Gluten Free Buns: Delicious Picks That Actually Hold Together

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• Author: Chef Mary
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6–8 buns 1x

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Description

These soft, fluffy homemade gluten free buns are perfect for sandwiches, burgers, or breakfast rolls. Made with a simple blend of gluten free flour, yeast, and pantry staples, they deliver a delicious, bakery-style result without any gluten.

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Ingredients

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• 2 ½ cups gluten free all-purpose flour (with xanthan gum)
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 cup warm milk (or dairy-free alternative)
• 2 large eggs (room temperature)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• Sesame seeds (optional, for topping)

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Instructions

1. Warm the milk until just lukewarm, then stir in sugar and yeast. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until foamy.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour and salt.
3. Beat the eggs and add to the flour mixture along with the olive oil and activated yeast mixture.
4. Mix with a wooden spoon or stand mixer until a sticky dough forms.
5. Lightly oil your hands and shape the dough into 6 to 8 even-sized balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
6. Cover loosely with a towel and let rise in a warm place for 30 to 40 minutes, or until puffy.
7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Optionally brush buns with a beaten egg and sprinkle sesame seeds.
8. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes until golden brown. Let cool before slicing.

Notes

• For extra soft buns, use a mix of oat flour and tapioca starch with your all-purpose blend.
• You can freeze baked buns for up to 2 months. Slice before freezing for easy thaw-and-toast.
• Make it dairy-free by using almond or oat milk.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breads
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bun
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 230mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 35mg

Homemade gluten free buns sound intimidating, but they’re actually simple with the right ingredients and a little patience. In our kitchen, this recipe became a go-to after we got tired of paying six bucks for a four-pack. These buns come out soft, slightly chewy, and perfect for burgers or breakfast sandwiches. Plus, you can freeze them and reheat in minutes.

Here’s our family-tested recipe:

Ingredients for Homemade Gluten Free Buns:

• 2 ½ cups gluten free flour blend
• 2 ¼ teaspoons instant yeast
• 1 tablespoon psyllium husk powder
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup warm water
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 2 large eggs

Instructions:

1. Whisk flour, yeast, psyllium, sugar, and salt in a bowl.
2. In a separate bowl, mix warm water, oil, vinegar, and eggs.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients. Stir until dough is thick but sticky.
4. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
5. With oiled hands, form 6 equal buns. Place on parchment-lined baking tray.
6. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 45–60 minutes.
7. Preheat oven to 375°F.
8. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown on top.
9. Cool completely before slicing.

The psyllium husk is key. It gives the dough elasticity and helps the buns hold their shape. Without it, the buns will crumble or bake too dense.

Tips to get the perfect texture every time

Gluten free dough behaves differently from wheat dough. It’s usually wetter and doesn’t need kneading. Use wet or oiled hands when shaping your buns to prevent sticking. For a better rise, keep the dough in a warm oven (turned off) or near a sunny window.

Make sure your flour blend includes starches like tapioca or potato starch. If not, the buns may turn out gritty. We also like to sprinkle sesame or poppy seeds on top before baking for extra flavor.

For golden tops, brush lightly with olive oil before baking. Want a slightly sweeter bun? Add 1 more tablespoon of sugar to the mix. Want dairy-free? Skip the egg wash and substitute flax eggs.

Here’s a quick variation chart:

We freeze leftovers in a zip-top bag and reheat them in the toaster or oven. These homemade gluten free buns work just as well as store-bought and cost far less.

Conclusion

Finding a gluten-free bun that holds together and actually tastes good can be a real challenge, we get it. That’s why we rolled up our sleeves and tested everything ourselves, from popular grocery store picks to fast food options and even homemade recipes in our own kitchen. Whether you’re grabbing Canyon Bakehouse from the freezer section, enjoying a Chick-fil-A sandwich with their sealed gluten-free bun, or baking your own from scratch, there’s a delicious option waiting for you. Going gluten-free doesn’t mean compromising on flavor or texture with the right bun, you can enjoy anything from stacked burgers to sweet morning sandwiches the whole family will love.

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FAQs about gluten free buns