Customizing Your ButterBurger® for a Low-Carb Meal
A low-carb burger at Culver's begins with a key modification: requesting the ButterBurger® without the bun. Removing the bun reduces the carb count. You can ask for a lettuce wrap or request that the patties be served in a container with toppings. Some customers following ketogenic diets use this approach.
How to Order Your Low-Carb ButterBurger®
Follow these steps for a correct order:
- Choose your base: Select your preferred ButterBurger®, such as the Single, Double, or Bacon Deluxe.
- Specify "no bun": Clearly request your burger "without the bun" or "bunless."
- Request a lettuce wrap (optional): Ask for a lettuce wrap to hold your burger. This is a common request.
- Select your toppings: Choose low-carb toppings such as lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, and mustard. Avoid ketchup.
- Add extra protein and fat: Consider extra cheese or bacon.
- Swap your side: Replace fries with steamed broccoli or a side salad with keto-friendly dressing.
Low-Carb Sides and Alternatives at Culver's
Culver's offers low-carb and keto-friendly options.
- Salads: The Garden Fresco Salad with Grilled Chicken is a good choice. Order without croutons and use a low-carb dressing like Chunky Bleu Cheese or Ranch. The Cranberry Bacon Bleu Salad is another option, but avoid sweetened cranberries.
- Steamed Broccoli: Steamed broccoli is a low-carb alternative to fries or mashed potatoes.
- Beef Pot Roast Dinner: Order the pot roast dinner without the dinner roll and mashed potatoes. Served with steamed broccoli, it is a low-carb meal.
- Wisconsin Cheddar Cheese Sauce: For flavor, some diners choose Wisconsin cheddar cheese sauce. Be aware of portion sizes and the nutritional information.
Standard vs. Bunless Burger: A Carb Comparison
Here is a carb comparison for a standard Culver's ButterBurger® versus a customized bunless version. Note: Carb counts for the bunless version are approximations. The bun on a standard ButterBurger can contain around 38-39g of carbohydrates.
| Item | Standard Carb Count | Bunless (Approximate) Carb Count | Key Takeaway | 
|---|---|---|---|
| Single ButterBurger® Cheese | 39g | ~1-2g | Extremely low-carb with toppings like cheese. | 
| Double ButterBurger® Cheese | 40g | ~2-3g | Doubling up on patties offers more protein with minimal carb increase. | 
| Bacon Deluxe, Single | 42g | ~4-5g | Adds flavor and fat from bacon and mayo, staying low-carb. | 
| Mushroom & Swiss, Single | 41g | ~3-4g | Mushrooms contribute minimal carbs while adding flavor. | 
Conclusion: A Low-Carb Meal Is Easily Achievable
Culver's allows for customization, making it a good choice for those on a low-carb or ketogenic diet. Ordering your favorite ButterBurger® without the bun and swapping high-carb sides for options like steamed broccoli will help. Choosing mustard and mayonnaise over ketchup will also keep your carb count in check.