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.