Does In-N-Out Have Low Carbs? Navigating the Menu
Many fast-food restaurants offer limited choices for those monitoring their carbohydrate intake, but In-N-Out has been ahead of the curve for decades. The key to unlocking low-carb options lies in their well-known "secret menu" and ordering modifications. By skipping the bun and fries, you can turn a high-carb burger meal into a low-carb, high-protein alternative. Understanding these simple ordering hacks is essential for anyone following a ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle who still wants to enjoy a classic fast-food experience.
The 'Protein Style' Burger: A Low-Carb Mainstay
The most popular and widely recognized low-carb option at In-N-Out is the Protein Style burger. This simple modification replaces the traditional, high-carb bun with large, crisp leaves of lettuce. The result is a fresh, crunchy, and satisfying burger that retains all the flavor of the standard menu item. All of In-N-Out's burgers, from the single hamburger to the famous Double-Double, can be ordered Protein Style.
- How to Order: Simply ask for your chosen burger "protein style." For example, a "Double-Double, protein style".
- What you get: The beef patties, cheese, tomato, and spread are all wrapped tightly in a thick leaf of lettuce.
The 'Flying Dutchman': The Ultimate Keto Burger
For those seeking the absolute minimum carbs, the Flying Dutchman is the perfect choice. This is another secret menu item that consists of two beef patties with two slices of cheese melted between them—nothing else. This pure meat-and-cheese creation is the lowest-carb option available and can be enhanced with optional sauces or peppers.
- How to Order: Just ask for a "Flying Dutchman." Consider adding mustard or grilled onions for extra flavor.
- What you get: Two beef patties and two slices of melted cheese. It's often served in a box to make it less messy.
Other Carbs to Avoid and Additions to Consider
To keep your meal low-carb, it's critical to avoid the obvious carb-heavy items. French fries, shakes, and the traditional bun are the primary sources of carbohydrates at In-N-Out. In-N-Out's signature spread also contains some sugar, and while it's relatively low-carb, ordering with no spread or requesting it on the side gives you more control.
Low-carb friendly additions include:
- Mustard-fried patties: Request your patties to be fried in mustard for extra flavor.
- Extra vegetables: Add extra lettuce, tomato, or raw onions to your Protein Style burger for more texture and nutrients.
- Chopped chilies: For a spicy kick, add their chopped yellow chili peppers, which contain minimal carbs.
- Mustard and Pickles: These are low-carb condiment alternatives to the special spread.
Comparison of Standard vs. Low-Carb In-N-Out Options
To illustrate the impact of ordering modifications, here is a comparison of the approximate carbohydrate content of popular In-N-Out orders. Note: Nutritional values can vary slightly.
| Item | Carbohydrates (approximate) | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Cheeseburger | 39g | A regular bun, patty, cheese, and toppings. |
| Cheeseburger Protein Style | 10g | A cheeseburger wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun. |
| Standard Double-Double | 41g | Two patties, two slices of cheese, bun, and toppings. |
| Double-Double Protein Style | 12g | A Double-Double wrapped in lettuce. |
| Flying Dutchman | 6g or less | Two patties and two slices of cheese only. |
Making Your In-N-Out Order Even Better
For those dedicated to a low-carb diet, further customization can make your meal even better. Ordering a burger "animal style" adds mustard-fried patties, pickles, and grilled onions. This can be combined with the Protein Style or Flying Dutchman for a boost of flavor. Simply ask for your order "animal style, protein style" or "animal style, flying dutchman." Additionally, for beverages, opt for unsweetened iced tea, water, or a diet soda to avoid sugary carbs. For low-carb diners, In-N-Out has historically been a reliable fast-food choice, offering flexibility and accommodating dietary needs through its custom ordering. This makes it a great option for sticking to a low-carb regimen while on the go. An interesting overview of In-N-Out's accommodating nature can be found in a Wikipedia article detailing their product variations.
Conclusion: Low-Carb Is Accessible at In-N-Out
Ultimately, the answer to whether In-N-Out has low carbs is a resounding yes, but with a crucial caveat: you must order strategically. By utilizing the "secret menu" hacks like Protein Style and the Flying Dutchman, diners can dramatically reduce their carbohydrate intake while still enjoying the fresh, high-quality ingredients that In-N-Out is known for. With mindful ordering, it's easy to fit a trip to this iconic fast-food chain into a low-carb or keto lifestyle.
