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How many calories are in a protein style hamburger from in and out?

5 min read

According to official nutritional information, a standard protein style hamburger from In-N-Out contains 240 calories. This popular secret menu item replaces the traditional bun with a lettuce wrap, significantly reducing the carbohydrate count and overall calorie intake for a more health-conscious option.

Quick Summary

This article details the exact calorie count and nutritional breakdown of a single-patty protein style hamburger from In-N-Out. It provides a comprehensive comparison with other popular In-N-Out items, including the cheeseburger and Double-Double protein style, to help you make informed dietary choices.

Key Points

  • Calories: A single-patty protein style hamburger has 240 calories, significantly less than the 390 calories of a standard hamburger.

  • Reduced Carbohydrates: Replacing the bun with a lettuce wrap drastically cuts down on the carbohydrate content, making it a keto-friendly option.

  • Modification Options: You can further lower calories by swapping the spread with mustard and ketchup.

  • Double-Double Difference: A Protein Style Double-Double contains 450 calories and a higher protein count.

  • The Spread Matters: Be aware that the standard spread adds calories and some sugar, which can be avoided with other condiment choices.

  • Customize Your Meal: In-N-Out's "secret menu" allows for various modifications to align with different dietary goals.

  • Highest Calorie Item: A 4x4 protein style burger can have around 900 calories, showing how adding patties increases the count significantly.

In This Article

Official In-N-Out Protein Style Hamburger Nutrition

The nutritional breakdown for a protein style hamburger from In-N-Out is straightforward and a key reason for its popularity among those managing their carb or calorie intake. The core components—a single beef patty, lettuce, tomato, and spread—are what define this meal. The omission of the bun is the primary factor driving the calorie reduction.

The Macronutrient Breakdown

For a single-patty protein style hamburger, here is the official breakdown:

  • Calories: 240
  • Total Fat: 17g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Carbohydrates: 11g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 7g
  • Protein: 13g

This composition shows a moderate fat content, mostly from the beef patty and the spread, and a significantly lower carb profile compared to the standard bun-based hamburger. The protein content, while modest, is still a substantial contribution to the meal's overall satisfaction.

Calorie Comparison: Protein Style vs. Classic

Comparing the protein style hamburger to its bun-based and double-patty counterparts highlights the caloric savings achieved by opting for the lettuce wrap. This comparison is particularly useful for those tracking their macros or following specific diets.

Menu Item Calories Carbohydrates Protein Fat
Protein Style Hamburger 240 11g 13g 17g
Standard Hamburger 390 37g 16g 14g
Protein Style Cheeseburger 330 11g 18g 25g
Standard Cheeseburger 430 39g 20g 21g
Protein Style Double-Double 450 12g 30g 32g
Standard Double-Double 610 41g 34g 34g

Customization and Calorie Variations

The base 240-calorie count for a protein style hamburger can change based on your specific order modifications. To further reduce calories and fat, you can request mustard and ketchup instead of the standard spread. This can save around 80 calories on a cheeseburger and 120 calories on a double-double.

For those on a ketogenic diet, it's also worth noting that the standard spread contains sugars, so opting for a mustard-only preparation is often preferred. Adding extra vegetables like chopped chilis or extra lettuce does not significantly alter the calorie count, but be mindful of adding extra cheese or extra patties, as these will increase the caloric and fat content.

The 'Secret Menu' and its Impact

In-N-Out's 'secret menu' is widely known, and its items have varying nutritional profiles. For example, a protein style cheeseburger contains 330 calories, an increase due to the addition of cheese. The Double-Double protein style, with two patties and two slices of cheese, bumps the total to 450 calories, offering a much higher protein content for those looking for a more substantial, low-carb meal.

Finalizing Your Order

When you order a protein style hamburger, you're making a conscious choice to reduce carbohydrates and calories without sacrificing the core flavors of In-N-Out's signature meal. The lettuce wrap provides a crisp, fresh alternative to the traditional bun, making it a great option for dieters or anyone seeking a lighter meal. By understanding the nutritional facts and potential customizations, you can tailor your order to perfectly fit your dietary needs and preferences.

Conclusion

For those curious about the nutritional content of this popular fast-food item, the answer to "how many calories are in a protein style hamburger from in and out?" is 240 calories. This is achieved by swapping the high-carb bun for a fresh lettuce wrap, making it a significantly lower-calorie choice compared to the standard hamburger. Whether you're following a specific dietary plan or simply want a lighter meal, the protein style option offers a flavorful and practical solution. Remember that customizing with extra cheese or patties will increase the total calories and fat, so it's best to be mindful of those additions.

How to get a perfect low-carb meal at In-N-Out

  • Choose Protein Style: Always request your burger "Protein Style" to replace the bun with a lettuce wrap, saving hundreds of calories and many grams of carbs.
  • Skip the Spread: Opt for mustard and ketchup instead of the high-fat spread to cut down on calories.
  • Order a Flying Dutchman: For the absolute lowest-carb and calorie option, order the Flying Dutchman—just two meat patties and cheese with no spread or vegetables—though you will miss out on the fresh crunch of the lettuce.
  • Consider a 3x1 or 4x1: For a higher protein meal, consider the 3x1 or 4x1 protein style options, but be mindful that the extra patties and cheese increase total fat and calories.
  • Stick to Water: Avoid sugary shakes and sodas. Pair your meal with water to avoid unnecessary calories.
  • Limit Cheese: If you're very focused on a lower-calorie count, consider ordering the hamburger without cheese to reduce fat and calories further.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy a satisfying meal at In-N-Out while staying true to your health goals.

Finalizing Your Order

When ordering, you can be as specific as you need to be to ensure your meal fits your dietary plan. For a true low-carb experience, a simple "Protein Style Hamburger with mustard instead of spread" is the perfect order. If you want a more robust meal, a "Protein Style Double-Double, no spread" still offers a substantial protein kick with a significantly lower calorie count than its standard counterpart. The key is to be clear with your customizations to get exactly what you want.

In-N-Out's Commitment to Quality

In-N-Out has long been known for its fresh ingredients and simple menu, and the nutritional data reflects this. By providing fresh beef, vegetables, and buns, they cater to a wide range of tastes. The inclusion of the Protein Style on the "secret menu" shows a long-standing commitment to offering more flexible and health-conscious options for their customers.

Key Takeaways

  • Calories and Carbs Reduced: The Protein Style hamburger is 240 calories and much lower in carbs than the standard bun version.
  • Customization is Key: Adding or removing cheese and spread significantly impacts total calories and macros.
  • Double-Double Option: The Protein Style Double-Double offers more protein for 450 calories, a good option for a heartier meal.
  • Spread is High in Calories: Replacing the spread with mustard and ketchup saves calories and can lower the fat content.
  • Consider the Flying Dutchman: For the lowest calorie and carb option, the Flying Dutchman is a great choice.

Conclusion

Understanding the specifics of your order at In-N-Out empowers you to make smarter choices for your diet without sacrificing flavor. With 240 calories for the single-patty protein style hamburger, it remains one of the best choices for a lighter, low-carb fast-food meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

A standard single-patty protein style hamburger from In-N-Out contains 240 calories, according to official nutrition data.

A protein style hamburger has 240 calories, while a regular hamburger with a bun contains 390 calories, representing a 150-calorie difference.

A protein style Double-Double, with two patties and two slices of cheese, has 450 calories.

Yes, the protein style hamburger is considered keto-friendly because replacing the bun with lettuce significantly reduces the carbohydrate count.

Yes, you can request mustard and ketchup instead of the standard spread, which can further reduce the calorie count.

Yes, adding cheese to a single-patty protein style burger increases the calorie count to 330.

The Flying Dutchman, which consists of just two meat patties and cheese with no bun or toppings, is a very low-carb and low-calorie option, although the lowest calorie burger is the single-patty protein style.

References

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.