Do any fast food places offer lettuce wraps? A guide to low-carb menu hacks

November 3, 2025 •

4 min read

While the traditional fast-food menu is famously high in carbs, a growing number of restaurants now cater to health-conscious diners. For those following low-carb or keto diets, the question, 'Do any fast food places offer lettuce wraps?' is a common one, and the answer is a resounding yes—if you know what to order. With a few simple modifications, you can enjoy a satisfying, guilt-free meal on the go.

Quick Summary

Several fast-food restaurants provide low-carb and keto-friendly meals by substituting buns with lettuce wraps. These menu hacks offer a healthier alternative, from custom orders at burger joints like Shake Shack to specific menu items at sandwich shops and build-your-own bowl locations like Chipotle.

Key Points

Pre-made Menu Items: Chains like Jimmy John's offer a standard 'Unwich' menu item, which swaps bread for lettuce on any sub.
Secret Menu Hacks: Popular burger joints such as In-N-Out ('Protein-Style') and Shake Shack offer lettuce-wrapped burgers by request.
Easy Customization: At restaurants like Wendy's and Five Guys, you can simply ask for your burger or hot dog without a bun and receive it in a bowl or a lettuce wrap.
Build-Your-Own Bowls: Chains like Chipotle are excellent for low-carb diets by allowing you to create a salad bowl with a lettuce base and keto-friendly toppings.
Consider the Toppings: To keep your meal healthy and low-carb, opt for grilled protein and fresh vegetables, and be mindful of high-sugar sauces.
Always Ask: Don't be afraid to ask for modifications. Many establishments are prepared to handle requests for bunless or lettuce-wrapped items.

The Rise of Low-Carb Fast Food

In recent years, the demand for healthier and more customizable fast-food options has soared. With diets like keto and paleo gaining popularity, many fast-food chains have adapted their offerings, either by explicitly listing low-carb choices or by accommodating custom orders. While not all restaurants advertise a dedicated lettuce wrap menu, knowing how to navigate the options can transform a carb-heavy meal into a diet-friendly delight. The key is to ask for a 'lettuce wrap' or simply 'no bun' when ordering your burger or sandwich.

Fast Food Chains with Lettuce Wrap Options

Several nationwide chains have become known for their ability to serve bun-free or lettuce-wrapped meals. The options range from simple bun removal to more sophisticated bowl creations.

Jimmy John's: A well-known champion of the low-carb movement, Jimmy John's offers the "Unwich," which replaces the sub bread with a crisp iceberg lettuce wrap. This is one of the easiest and most reliable lettuce wrap options in fast food, as it's a standard menu item. You can get any of their classic sandwiches prepared as an Unwich, significantly cutting down on carbohydrates.
Shake Shack: For burger lovers, Shake Shack offers to replace its potato bun with a lettuce wrap upon request. This simple substitution makes their signature ShackBurger or other sandwiches a perfect low-carb meal. The result is a juicy, satisfying burger wrapped in fresh, crunchy lettuce.
In-N-Out Burger: Another secret menu favorite, In-N-Out's 'Protein-Style' burger is a widely known menu hack for low-carb eaters. This special order replaces the bun with a large lettuce leaf, making for a delicious and carb-conscious choice.
Five Guys: This chain is very accommodating to customization. You can order any of their burgers or hot dogs served "in a bowl" or "in a lettuce wrap". The staff will wrap your burger or serve it in a container, allowing you to load up on keto-friendly toppings like grilled onions, mushrooms, and cheese.
Wendy's: While they may not have a dedicated lettuce wrap name, Wendy's allows customers to order any burger or sandwich without a bun. The meal will be served in a bowl with a knife and fork, offering a convenient, low-carb solution. For a hand-held option, you can specifically request a lettuce wrap.
Chipotle: This chain doesn't offer a traditional wrap, but its customizable bowls are an excellent alternative. For a lettuce wrap-like experience, you can order a salad bowl with the Supergreens lettuce blend as a base. Add your choice of protein (like carnitas or chicken), fajita veggies, salsa, and guacamole while skipping the rice and beans.

Customizing Your Fast Food Lettuce Wrap

Ordering a lettuce wrap is just the first step. To maximize flavor and adhere to your nutritional goals, consider these tips:

Hold the High-Sugar Sauces: Many condiments and special sauces are loaded with hidden sugars. Ask for sauces like ketchup, BBQ sauce, or special spreads to be held or served on the side, and choose mustard or mayo instead.
Double Down on Veggies: Add extra lettuce, onions, and pickles to enhance the flavor and crunch. These additions are generally low-carb and boost the nutritional value of your meal.
Add Healthy Fats: Incorporate extra cheese, bacon, or guacamole where available to increase your healthy fat intake, especially if you're following a ketogenic diet.
Be Clear with Your Order: When ordering, be specific about wanting a "lettuce wrap" or "no bun." If you get a burger on a plate, don't be afraid to ask for extra lettuce leaves to construct your own wrap.

Comparing Fast Food Lettuce Wraps

Here is a comparison of some of the best fast-food lettuce wrap options based on ease of ordering and typical nutritional profile (subject to customization).


Restaurant	Common Item	Customization Needed	Approx. Net Carbs (Basic)	Notes
Jimmy John's	Any "Unwich"	None (standard menu item)	5-6g	Very easy to order, consistent result.
In-N-Out	"Protein-Style" Burger	Specific request	< 5g	Secret menu hack, very popular.
Shake Shack	Any burger with lettuce wrap	Specific request for lettuce wrap	< 3g	Excellent bun substitute, often large lettuce leaves.
Chipotle	Keto Salad Bowl	Order the `Supergreens` base, select keto toppings	~6g	Customizable and naturally bun-free.
Five Guys	Any burger in a lettuce wrap	Specific request for lettuce wrap or bowl	< 5g	Custom-built to your exact specifications.
Wendy's	Any burger, no bun	Specific request for "no bun" or "lettuce wrap"	< 5g	Bun-free orders are common, can be served with fork and knife.

Health and Nutrition Considerations

Choosing a lettuce wrap can drastically reduce your carbohydrate and calorie intake compared to a standard burger. For example, replacing a bread bun with lettuce can save hundreds of calories and tens of grams of carbs. However, it's important to remember that not all fillings are created equal. Fried chicken, calorie-dense sauces, and excessive cheese can still contribute to a high-calorie meal. Prioritizing grilled or plain protein, fresh vegetables, and controlling the amount of high-fat ingredients will yield the healthiest results.

For more comprehensive nutritional data on specific menu items, many fast-food chains offer detailed information on their websites.

Conclusion: Finding Your Low-Carb Fast Food Fix

While the search for a healthy, low-carb meal in a fast-food setting can sometimes feel challenging, the good news is that many restaurants are ready to accommodate your needs. From pre-designed items like Jimmy John's Unwich to popular secret menu hacks at burger joints, you can find a suitable option almost anywhere you go. By understanding how to customize your order and which chains offer the most friendly options, you can easily maintain your dietary goals without sacrificing the convenience of fast food. So, next time you're craving a quick bite, remember that a fresh, satisfying lettuce wrap is likely just a special request away.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jimmy John's is one of the most prominent fast-food places with an official lettuce wrap menu item called the 'Unwich.' You can order any of their sandwiches prepared as an Unwich.

While McDonald's does not have a standard lettuce wrap option, you can order a burger with no bun and extra shredded lettuce on the side, allowing you to create a makeshift lettuce wrap.

To get a lettuce wrap at In-N-Out, order a burger 'Protein-Style.' This is a well-known secret menu option that replaces the bread bun with large lettuce leaves.

Yes, Shake Shack can swap out the standard potato bun for a lettuce wrap when you make the request, making their burgers a keto-friendly alternative.

Yes, Wendy's allows customers to order any burger without a bun. You can either eat it with a fork and knife or specifically ask them to wrap it in lettuce.

A great low-carb alternative at Chipotle is the Keto Salad Bowl. You can also build your own with a 'Supergreens' lettuce blend base, your choice of protein, salsa, guacamole, and fajita veggies.

Yes, Five Guys can serve your burger or hot dog in a lettuce wrap or a bowl upon request. This allows for full customization with their wide array of toppings.