Are Five Guys Burgers High in Protein? A Nutritional Analysis

The Five Guys Bacon Cheeseburger, for example, contains a substantial 51 grams of protein, making it an attractive option for those seeking a protein-heavy meal. However, this impressive number is only one part of the bigger nutritional picture when considering whether Five Guys burgers are high in protein in a balanced way.

Quick Summary

Five Guys burgers offer a significant protein punch due to their generous fresh beef patties. However, this is coupled with a very high fat and calorie load. The specific amount of protein varies by burger, with customization options like going bunless altering the overall nutritional breakdown. It's crucial to understand the full macronutrient profile when evaluating if it fits your dietary goals.

Key Points

• High Protein Source: Five Guys burgers, particularly larger versions like the Bacon Cheeseburger, are exceptionally high in protein, with over 50 grams in some cases.

• Not a Balanced Meal: Despite the high protein, the burgers are also loaded with calories, fat (especially saturated fat), and sodium.

• Bunless is Best for Macros: Ordering a burger without the bun can dramatically reduce calories and carbohydrates while retaining the high protein content.

• Little Burgers are a Better Compromise: A 'Little Hamburger' offers a solid protein serving (23g) with a more manageable calorie and fat profile than the regular burgers.

• Toppings Add Up: Condiments like mayo and extra cheese, while customizable, substantially increase the overall caloric and fat load of a Five Guys burger.

• Higher Than Competitors: In terms of pure calories, Five Guys burgers often contain more than comparable items from other fast-food chains like Shake Shack or McDonald's.

The Protein Payload in Five Guys Burgers

At the core of every Five Guys burger is fresh, high-quality beef, which is a key contributor to its high protein content. The protein amount can differ significantly depending on the size and composition of your order. A standard 'Hamburger' contains two patties, while a 'Little Hamburger' contains just one. Naturally, opting for a larger burger with additional ingredients like bacon and cheese will significantly increase the total protein count.

For example, a standard hamburger provides around 39 grams of protein, which is a considerable amount for a single fast-food meal. The addition of cheese or bacon elevates this further. A regular Cheeseburger delivers approximately 47 grams of protein, and the Bacon Cheeseburger soars to an estimated 51 grams. These figures demonstrate that Five Guys burgers are indeed high in protein, satisfying a significant portion of a person's daily protein needs in one serving.

The Trade-Off: Fat and Calories

While the high protein content is a draw for some, it's vital to consider the complete nutritional landscape. Five Guys burgers are notoriously high in calories and fat, particularly saturated fat. The generous portion sizes, combined with the fact that Five Guys fries their food in peanut oil, contribute to a calorie-dense meal. For instance, a Bacon Cheeseburger packs a whopping 1,060 calories and 62 grams of fat, with nearly 30 grams of that coming from saturated fat. This places Five Guys burgers among some of the most calorie-dense fast-food options available. For individuals monitoring their calorie intake or those with specific health concerns, this high fat and calorie count is a significant drawback that outweighs the benefits of the protein content alone.

Customizing for a 'Healthier' Option

For those who still want to enjoy a Five Guys burger while making a more health-conscious choice, there are several modifications that can be made. The most effective strategy is to eliminate the bun and opt for a lettuce wrap or eat the patty by itself.

Here's how customization can impact your order:

• Go Bunless: A bunless Cheeseburger cuts the carbohydrates and significantly reduces the overall calorie count, while still providing 40 grams of protein.
• Choose the 'Little' Burger: The single-patty 'Little Hamburger' offers 23 grams of protein but with a lower total calorie and fat count than its double-patty counterpart.
• Be Mindful of Toppings: Adding mayonnaise, extra cheese, or bacon will quickly increase the calorie and fat content. Free toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and onions are much healthier choices.
• Skip the Condiments: Certain condiments are high in sodium and sugar. Opting for mustard or hot sauce instead of mayo or BBQ sauce is a simple swap.

A Comparison of Popular Fast Food Burgers

To put the Five Guys burger into perspective, here is a comparison with other major fast-food chain offerings, based on typical menu items.

Burger Type	Five Guys (Cheeseburger)	Five Guys (Little Cheeseburger)	Shake Shack (Single Cheeseburger)	McDonald's (Big Mac)
Calories	840	550	455	540
Protein (g)	47	27	28	25*
Fat (g)	55	32	26	29*
Saturated Fat (g)	26.5	15	11	11*
Sodium (mg)	1050	690	1020*	1010*

*Approximate values sourced from general nutrition databases for comparison.

Conclusion: High Protein, High Cost

While Five Guys burgers do offer a high amount of protein, it's crucial to acknowledge the accompanying nutritional information. The high protein content is packed within a very high-calorie, high-fat package, especially in the larger, topped burgers. For those on a high-protein, low-calorie diet, or who are trying to manage their intake of saturated fat, a Five Guys burger may not be the most suitable option without significant modification. A bunless 'Little Hamburger' can be a moderate compromise, offering a good protein boost with lower overall calories. Ultimately, the high protein value is undeniable, but it comes at a significant caloric cost that may not align with everyone's nutritional goals.

For more information on Five Guys' official nutrition facts, visit the official website.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much protein is in a standard Five Guys hamburger?

A standard Five Guys hamburger, which includes two patties and a bun, contains approximately 39 grams of protein.

What is the protein content of a Five Guys Bacon Cheeseburger?

A Five Guys Bacon Cheeseburger, with its double patties, bacon, and cheese, contains around 51 grams of protein.

Can you get a Five Guys burger without the bun?

Yes, Five Guys offers bunless burger options, and they can be served in a lettuce wrap or a cup.

Is the protein in Five Guys burgers high quality?

Five Guys prides itself on using fresh, 80/20 USDA ground beef with no fillers, providing a good source of protein.

How does the fat content compare to the protein?

For most Five Guys burgers, the fat and calorie content is very high relative to the protein. For instance, the Bacon Cheeseburger has 51g of protein but also 62g of fat.

Does a 'Little Hamburger' still have a good amount of protein?

Yes, the single-patty 'Little Hamburger' still contains a respectable 23 grams of protein.

What is the protein difference between a bunless and a standard cheeseburger?

A standard cheeseburger has about 47g of protein, while the bunless version has 40g. The protein drop is minimal as the bun provides very little protein.