Low FODMAP Culver's: ButterBurgers and Frozen Custard With IBS

Low FODMAP Culver's: ButterBurgers and Frozen Custard With IBS

By Dr. Onikepe Adegbola, MD PhD — Johns Hopkins-trained physician-scientist

Culver's ButterBurgers are made with fresh, never-frozen beef — and like Five Guys and Shake Shack, their patties are typically just beef without garlic/onion fillers. The butter-toasted bun adds richness but is within wheat limits for a single burger. Here's how to order safely.

Key Takeaways

• ButterBurger patties are plain beef — FODMAP-free
• The buttered, toasted bun is within wheat limits for a single burger
• Safe toppings: lettuce, tomato, pickles, ketchup (small amount), mustard
• Skip: onions, mushrooms (Swiss variety), all sauces except mustard
• Cheese curds are TEMPTING but deep-fried with breading + fresh cheese (higher lactose)
• Frozen custard is high lactose — skip during elimination or take lactase enzyme
• Digestive enzymes help with dairy if you can't resist the custard

Safe Options

• ✅ ButterBurger (single) — lettuce, tomato, pickles, mustard
• ✅ Grilled chicken sandwich — no sauce, lettuce and tomato
• ✅ Regular fries or crinkle-cut fries — Potatoes, safe
• ✅ Side salad with oil and vinegar
• ⚠️ Fish fillet (Friday fish fry) — Breaded, so wheat + possible garlic in seasoning. Moderate risk.

Avoid

• ❌ Cheese curds (breaded, fresh cheese = higher lactose)
• ❌ Mushroom Swiss ButterBurger (mushrooms = mannitol)
• ❌ Onion rings
• ❌ Wisconsin cheese soup (cream, onion, garlic)
• ❌ Frozen custard (high lactose — the defining ingredient is egg custard with cream)
• ❌ All dipping sauces except mustard

Your Best Order

"Single ButterBurger, lettuce, tomato, pickles, mustard. No onion. Regular fries."

Take FODMAP digestive enzymes. For more burger guides, see Five Guys and Shake Shack.

Menu items vary. This is educational content only. Consult your GI provider.