Discover 2025 Sonic’s allergen menu updates, including gluten-free buns, dairy-free shakes & app safety tools. Learn how to dine safely with our 2025 guide, allergen-friendly tips & FAQs!
The Sonic’s Allergen Menu: What You Need to Know in 2025
Sonic Drive-In is a beloved fast-food chain famous for its burgers, shakes, and retro drive-thru experience. But for diners with food allergies, navigating the menu can feel overwhelming. This guide simplifies Sonic’s allergen information with updated data, and expert tips.
What’s New in 2025?
Sonic has made strides in allergen transparency this year:
- ✅ Dedicated Allergen Menu (digital-only, accessible via app).
- ✅ Gluten-Free Bun rollout at 80% of locations.
- ✅ “Customization Alerts” in the app to flag cross-contact risks.
1. 2025 Allergen Trends at Sonic
Sonic’s top allergens remain milk, soy, wheat, and peanuts, but 2025 brings improvements:
| Allergen | 2024 Status | 2025 Updates |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten | Limited GF options | GF buns, fries (dedicated fryers) |
| Dairy | Shakes contained dairy | Dairy-free shake base (select locations) |
| Peanuts | Present in desserts | New peanut-free prep zones |
2. Best Allergy-Friendly Picks in 2025
Use this table to navigate Sonic’s safer options (updated June 2025):
| Item | Allergen-Friendly | 2025 Upgrade |
|---|---|---|
| Grilled Chicken Sandwich | Gluten-free (with GF bun) | Now available nationwide |
| Dairy-Free Berry Shake | Vegan, nut-free | Made with oat milk (new in 2025) |
| Sonic Fries | Gluten-free, cooked separately | Dedicated fryers in 50% of stores |
| Apple Pie Bites | Top 8 allergen-free (new!) | Pre-packaged, no cross-contact |
3. Sonic’s Allergen-Friendly Options
While Sonic doesn’t have a dedicated allergen menu, these items are often safer for common allergies:
| Item | Allergen-Friendly | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plain Beef Hot Dog | Gluten-free (no bun) | Opt for a lettuce wrap. |
| Grilled Chicken | Dairy-free, gluten-free (check marinade) | Skip sauces to avoid cross-contact. |
| Fruit Slush | Nut-free, dairy-free | Verify flavor ingredients. |
| Apple Slices | Top 8 allergen-free | Pre-packaged and safe. |
👉 Pro Tip: Always request the Allergen Matrix PDF at Sonic locations or online for full ingredient details.
How to Order Sonic’s Allergen Safely in 2025
- Use the Sonic App: Filter items by allergen (e.g., dairy-free or nut-free) and get real-time warnings.
- Ask for “Allergen Mode”: Some locations now offer a kitchen protocol for severe allergies.
- Try the “Build Your Own” Feature: Omit risky ingredients like cheese or sauces.
Cross-Contamination: 2025 Policies
Sonic’s allergen handling has improved:
- 🔄 Dedicated Fryers: For fries and gluten-free items (select locations).
- 🧤 Glove-Change Protocol: Staff training emphasizes preventing cross-contact.
- 🚫 Peanut Warnings: Desserts with peanuts are labeled in-app with red alerts.
How Sonic Compares to Competitors in 2025
| Feature | Sonic (2025) | McDonald’s | Chick-fil-A |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dedicated Fryers | Yes (50% stores) | Yes (fries only) | No |
| Vegan/Dairy-Free Shakes | Yes (oat milk) | No | Yes (almond milk) |
| In-App Allergy Profile | Yes | Yes | No |
Sonic in 2025 is Allergy-Friendlier!
With new protocols, app tools, and menu items, Sonic is catching up to allergy-conscious chains. Use this guide’s 2025-specific tips to enjoy safer meals.
2025 Safety Checklist:
- ✅ Activate “Allergen Mode” on the Sonic app.
- ✅ Ask staff about dedicated fryers or prep zones.
- ✅ Try the new Dairy-Free Berry Shake (available in 30 states).
FAQ’s
Q: Does Sonic use peanut oil?
A: No—Sonic uses vegetable oil, but peanut-containing desserts are prepared separately.
Q: Are Sonic’s fries gluten-free?
A: Yes! The fries themselves are gluten-free, but cross-contact is possible in fryers.
Q: Can I get a dairy-free shake?
A: Not currently. All shakes contain dairy, but the fruit slush is a great alternative.
Q: Are Sonic’s new gluten-free buns safe for celiac disease?
A: They’re certified GF, but cross-contact is still possible. Use the app’s “Severe Allergy” toggle for kitchen alerts.
Q: Did Sonic remove peanuts entirely?
A: No—peanut butter desserts remain, but they’re prepared in separate zones (ask staff for details).
Q: Can I trust the dairy-free shakes?
A: The oat milk base is dairy-free, but check for shared blending equipment if highly sensitive.
