In-N-Out Burger, the iconic West Coast fast-food chain, is famous for its simple menu and high-quality, fresh ingredients. However, much of its appeal lies in the well-known 'secret menu' that allows for extensive customization, including the sought-after lettuce-wrapped burger. This article provides a comprehensive guide to ordering, customizing, and enjoying a 'Protein Style' burger.
What is In-N-Out's 'Protein Style'?
'Protein Style' is the official name for In-N-Out's lettuce-wrapped burgers. This customization replaces the standard sponge-dough bun with large, fresh iceberg lettuce leaves, which are wrapped neatly around the patty and fillings. It's a simple, effective option for anyone looking to reduce their carbohydrate intake or avoid gluten. Despite being part of the secret menu, 'Protein Style' is one of the most common and widely understood requests by employees.
How to Order Your Lettuce Wrapped Burger
Ordering is straightforward. You do not need a special code word or to feel like you're in an exclusive club. Simply tell the cashier you would like your burger "Protein Style". You can apply this modification to any of the main burger options:
- Hamburger: Single patty, lettuce, tomato, spread, with or without onions.
- Cheeseburger: Single patty with cheese, lettuce, tomato, spread, with or without onions.
- Double-Double: Two patties and two slices of cheese, lettuce, tomato, spread, with or without onions.
Ordering Instructions
- At the counter or drive-thru: When you place your order, state your desired burger and add "Protein Style" at the end. For example, "I'll have a Double-Double, Protein Style."
- Customizations: Mention any other specific changes you want to make, such as adding extra toppings or ordering your burger "Animal Style".
Popular Protein Style Customizations
While the basic Protein Style is delicious on its own, many diners take advantage of In-N-Out's other secret menu items to enhance their lettuce-wrapped experience. Here are some popular options:
- Animal Style: Adding this request to your Protein Style burger adds mustard to the patty before grilling, extra signature spread, grilled onions, and pickles. This creates a messier but incredibly flavorful burger.
- Mustard Grilled: If you only want the mustard-cooked patty without the other Animal Style fixings, simply ask for your patty "mustard grilled".
- Grilled Onions: You can request your onions grilled instead of raw, or even ask for a whole grilled onion, which adds a sweet, caramelized flavor.
- Chopped Chiles: For a little extra heat, ask for chopped chilies to be added to your burger.
Nutritional Comparison: Standard vs. Protein Style
Opting for Protein Style dramatically changes the nutritional profile of your meal, primarily by cutting out the high-carb bun. Below is a comparison table showing the approximate nutritional difference between a standard and Protein Style cheeseburger based on official nutritional information.
| Feature | Standard Cheeseburger | Protein Style Cheeseburger |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~480 | ~330 |
| Total Fat | ~27g | ~25g |
| Carbohydrates | ~39g | ~11g |
| Protein | ~22g | ~18g |
| Sodium | ~1000mg | ~1000mg |
Note: Nutritional values can vary slightly based on specific toppings and customizations. The data above shows the significant reduction in calories and carbohydrates, highlighting why 'Protein Style' is a go-to for low-carb diets.
The Eating Experience: What to Expect
Eating a Protein Style burger is a different experience than eating a standard one. The lettuce leaves are crisp and refreshing, but they can be a bit harder to hold together, especially if you add extra toppings like Animal Style fixings. You might want to grab extra napkins or a fork to catch any runaway ingredients. The trade-off is a lighter, fresher taste that allows the flavor of the beef, cheese, and spread to shine through without the heavy, doughy texture of the bun.
The Versatility of 'Protein Style' at In-N-Out
The ability to order a lettuce-wrapped burger at In-N-Out speaks to the chain's customer-centric approach and its flexibility in accommodating various preferences. For those following dietary restrictions, like keto, low-carb, or gluten-free, this secret menu option is a game-changer. It provides a satisfying way to enjoy the classic In-N-Out taste without compromising on dietary goals. Moreover, the ease of ordering and the willingness of the staff to accommodate such requests have made the 'Protein Style' burger a staple for regulars and newcomers alike.
Conclusion
Yes, you can absolutely get a lettuce wrapped burger at In-N-Out, and it's a staple of their secret menu known as 'Protein Style'. Whether you're cutting carbs, avoiding gluten, or just craving a fresh and flavorful twist on a classic, the 'Protein Style' burger offers a delicious solution. By simply asking for this well-known customization, you can enjoy the deliciousness of In-N-Out in a lighter, more refreshing package. Don't be afraid to experiment with other secret menu customizations like Animal Style or chopped chiles to make your lettuce-wrapped burger truly your own.
Other Low-Carb Options at In-N-Out
For those on a keto diet or simply seeking more low-carb alternatives, In-N-Out offers a couple of other options besides the Protein Style burger:
- Flying Dutchman: A bun-less option consisting of two patties and two slices of cheese grilled together.
- Tomato Wrap Burger: Replacing the bun with two slices of tomato, though this can be very messy.
- Extra Toppings: You can always ask for extra pickles, onions, or mustard on your protein-style burger without adding extra carbs.
Ordering for Specific Diets
- For Keto: Order a Double-Double, Protein Style. For even lower carbs, skip the spread or ask for it on the side, as it contains some sugar. A Flying Dutchman is another great, bun-less, high-fat option.
- For Whole30: The Protein Style burger without cheese and spread is a compliant option, although you'll need to specify no spread.
- For Gluten-Free: Protein Style is an excellent choice, as it eliminates the wheat-based bun. Just be sure to mention any allergy concerns to the staff. It's also worth noting that their fries are cooked in 100% sunflower oil.
For more customization details, you can visit the In-N-Out Burger website for nutrition information.
