How many calories are in a double double? Burger vs. Coffee Explained

According to the official In-N-Out website, a Double-Double burger contains 610 calories, while a medium Tim Hortons Double-Double coffee has around 212 calories. The vast difference in calories depends entirely on whether you are talking about the iconic burger from In-N-Out or the classic Canadian coffee from Tim Hortons, so it's important to clarify which is being discussed to answer how many calories are in a double double.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for a Double-Double varies significantly, from a several hundred calorie burger to a coffee. The true value depends entirely on the specific restaurant and item ordered, with customization also impacting the total.

Key Points

• Burger vs. Coffee: A 'double double' refers to either a 610-calorie In-N-Out burger or a ~212-calorie medium Tim Hortons coffee.

• In-N-Out Burger: The standard Double-Double contains 610 calories, with 34g of fat and 34g of protein.

• Tim Hortons Coffee: A medium Double-Double coffee has approximately 212 calories, primarily from added cream and sugar.

• Customization Impact: For the burger, a Protein Style (lettuce wrap) significantly lowers calories, while extra spread increases them. For the coffee, fewer creams/sugars or using milk reduces calories.

• Nutritional Context: The burger is a meal high in protein and fat, whereas the coffee adds easily overlooked, empty calories and sugar to your daily intake.

• Sodium and Sugar: Be mindful of the high sodium in the In-N-Out burger (1660mg) and the high sugar content in the Tim Hortons coffee, especially if consuming multiple per day.

Deciphering the "Double Double" Calorie Count

The phrase "double double" is a source of nutritional confusion because it refers to two completely different popular menu items from two different North American restaurant chains: the burger from In-N-Out and the coffee from Tim Hortons. Without specifying the establishment, it's impossible to give a single, accurate number. A 610-calorie burger and a 212-calorie coffee have vastly different nutritional profiles and dietary impacts, which is a crucial distinction for anyone tracking their calorie intake.

The In-N-Out Double-Double Burger

For most people in the Western United States, a "double double" means a hearty burger from the beloved chain, In-N-Out. This item lives up to its name, featuring two all-beef patties, two slices of American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, and spread, all served on a toasted bun. The official nutrition information confirms that this classic combo packs a significant caloric punch.

Here is a closer look at the standard In-N-Out Double-Double:

• Total Calories: 610 kcal
• Total Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Sodium: 1660mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 41g
• Protein: 34g

It is important to note that these values represent the standard preparation. Ordering modifications can alter the nutritional content. For example, a "Protein Style" version, which replaces the bun with lettuce, reduces the carbohydrate count and overall calories.

The Tim Hortons Double-Double Coffee

For many Canadians and those familiar with the Tim Hortons coffee shop, a "double double" is a coffee served with two creams and two sugars. This simple addition of cream and sugar drastically changes the calorie count from a standard black coffee, making it a significant contributor to a person's daily intake, especially if consumed multiple times a day.

Here is a breakdown of the Tim Hortons Double-Double coffee by size, based on recent nutritional information found online:

• Small Double-Double: Approximately 140 calories.
• Medium Double-Double: Approximately 212 calories.
• Large Double-Double: Approximately 230 calories.
• Extra Large Double-Double: Approximately 280 calories.

The exact calorie count for the coffee can vary slightly based on the specific type of cream and sugar used, but the main point is that the addition of sweeteners and dairy adds a substantial, and often overlooked, number of calories to a beverage.

Comparing the Different Double-Doubles

Feature	In-N-Out Double-Double Burger	Tim Hortons Double-Double Coffee (Medium)
Calorie Count	610 kcal	~212 kcal
Primary Macronutrient	Fat (34g) & Protein (34g)	Carbohydrates (20g) from sugar & Fat (14g) from cream
Meal Type	High-calorie meal	High-sugar, moderate-fat beverage
Dietary Impact	Can represent a significant portion of daily caloric and sodium intake.	Adds easily consumed, 'empty' calories and sugar without providing substantial nutrition.
Customization	Protein Style (lettuce wrap), Animal Style, etc.	Changing the number of creams or sugars.
Sodium Content	Very high (1660mg)	Low (60mg)

This comparison highlights the stark difference. The In-N-Out burger is a complete meal with protein and fat, while the Tim Hortons coffee is a beverage with added sugar and fat that can easily contribute to excess calorie intake over the course of a day. The sodium content of the burger is also a major factor for those monitoring their salt intake.

How Customizations Affect Your Double-Double's Calories

Both versions of the Double-Double offer customization options that can significantly impact the final calorie count. Being aware of these modifications is key for managing your nutrition.

For the In-N-Out Double-Double Burger:

• Protein Style: Opting for a lettuce wrap instead of a bun can save a considerable number of calories by eliminating the carbohydrates from the bread. Some estimates suggest a standard bun-less Double-Double (without spread) is around 590 calories, though this can vary.
• Animal Style: The addition of extra spread and grilled onions will increase the calorie and fat content compared to the standard burger.
• No Spread: Removing the spread can reduce the fat and calories. According to CalorieKing, a Double-Double with onion and without spread is around 590 calories.

For the Tim Hortons Double-Double Coffee:

• Half and Half: Ordering with one cream and one sugar, or customizing further, reduces the calories and sugar. A medium with one cream and one sugar has approximately 105 calories, which is half the sugar of a standard double-double.
• Using Milk Instead of Cream: Switching to milk and a sweetener can dramatically lower the fat and calorie content while maintaining some of the creaminess. Using two milks and two sugars in a large, for instance, has around 130 calories.
• Substituting with Artificial Sweeteners: Swapping sugar for a no-calorie sweetener will eliminate most of the beverage's calories, leaving only the calories from the cream.

Health Implications and Considerations

Understanding how many calories are in a double double is the first step toward making informed dietary choices. For a special treat, the occasional burger or coffee is not a major issue. However, frequent consumption of either without accounting for the calories can impact weight management and overall health. The high sodium and saturated fat in the In-N-Out burger, and the high sugar content in the Tim Hortons coffee, are factors to consider.

For the Burger:

• High Sodium: The 1660mg of sodium in a standard In-N-Out Double-Double is a significant portion of the recommended daily intake for an adult (2,300mg), which could be a concern for individuals with high blood pressure.
• High Saturated Fat: With 15g of saturated fat, it's important to balance the rest of your day with lower-fat options.

For the Coffee:

• Hidden Sugars: Many people don't consider their coffee a source of sugar and fat. Consuming multiple Double-Doubles a day can lead to a surprisingly high intake of both, contributing to weight gain and potential blood sugar issues over time.

For a healthy and balanced diet, it's about moderation and awareness. By understanding the nutritional content of what you are consuming, you can enjoy these treats as part of a larger plan. For more detailed nutritional information on the In-N-Out Double-Double, you can refer to their official site: In-N-Out Burger Nutrition Info.

Conclusion

So, how many calories are in a double double? The answer depends entirely on the restaurant. A classic In-N-Out burger packs 610 calories, while a medium Tim Hortons coffee is around 212 calories. This difference is crucial for anyone monitoring their intake. The burger offers a high-protein, high-fat meal, while the coffee is a beverage with added sugar and cream. By understanding these distinctions and considering customization options, you can make smarter choices about how these popular items fit into your diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the calorie count for an In-N-Out Double-Double?

A standard In-N-Out Double-Double burger contains 610 calories, based on information from the official In-N-Out website.

How many calories are in a medium Tim Hortons Double-Double coffee?

A medium Tim Hortons Double-Double coffee contains approximately 212 calories, with the calories coming from the two creams and two sugars added.

Are there different calorie counts for the Double-Double depending on the restaurant?

Yes, the calorie count varies drastically depending on the restaurant. The term "Double-Double" refers to a burger at In-N-Out and a coffee at Tim Hortons, which are two very different items with different calorie counts.

How can I reduce the calories in an In-N-Out Double-Double?

You can reduce the calories by ordering it "Protein Style," which replaces the bun with a lettuce wrap. You can also ask for no spread or fewer toppings to reduce fat and calories.

What accounts for the calories in a Tim Hortons Double-Double?

The calories in a Tim Hortons Double-Double coffee primarily come from the two creams and two sugars. Black coffee has virtually no calories, but the additives contribute fat and sugar.

Is the Double-Double burger or coffee healthier?

Neither is inherently 'healthy' in a broad sense, but the comparison is apples and oranges. The burger provides substantial protein but is high in fat and sodium, whereas the coffee adds sugar and calories with minimal nutritional benefit.

Does the calorie count change if I order the Double-Double burger 'Animal Style'?

Yes, ordering the Double-Double 'Animal Style' includes extra spread and grilled onions, which will increase the overall calorie and fat content compared to the standard burger.