What Makes Up an Animal Style Burger?
Before diving into the calorie count, it's essential to understand what 'animal style' actually means at In-N-Out. It's a series of customizations that transform a regular burger into a fan-favorite, flavor-packed meal.
Here are the key components of an animal style burger:
- Mustard-Grilled Patty: The beef patty is cooked with a layer of mustard on one side, which sizzles and bakes into the meat for a tangy flavor.
- Extra Spread: The burger gets an extra generous helping of In-N-Out's signature Thousand Island-style sauce.
- Grilled Onions: Instead of a raw onion slice, the burger features a dollop of sweet, caramelized onions.
- Pickles: A standard animal style order includes a layer of pickles underneath the tomato slice.
Calorie Breakdown by Animal Style Burger Type
The calories can vary significantly depending on the size of the burger ordered animal style. The additions, especially the extra spread and grilled onions, contribute to a higher total than a standard burger.
Single Patty Animal Style
As noted, a standard In-N-Out Cheeseburger prepared animal style has roughly 480 calories. This includes one beef patty, one slice of American cheese, the bun, and all the animal style fixings.
Double-Double Animal Style
The Double-Double is a substantial upgrade, featuring two beef patties and two slices of cheese. When ordered animal style, this burger clocks in at approximately 670 calories. This is a significant jump due to the extra beef and cheese.
3x3 and 4x4 Animal Style
For those seeking an even more indulgent experience, the 3x3 and 4x4 options are available on the not-so-secret menu. These variations pile on even more meat and cheese, with a 3x3 animal style containing around 860 calories and a 4x4 animal style reaching approximately 1,100 calories. These are highly calorie-dense options and should be considered an occasional indulgence.
Calorie Comparison: Animal Style vs. Regular Burgers
To put the nutritional impact of the animal style customization into perspective, here is a comparison table showing the calorie difference between standard and animal style options.
| Burger Type | Regular Calories | Animal Style Calories | Calorie Difference (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cheeseburger | 480 | 480 | Minimal (already includes spread/onion) |
| Double-Double | 670 | 670 | Minimal (already includes spread/onion) |
| 3x3 | Not on standard menu | 860 | Not applicable |
| 4x4 | Not on standard menu | 1100 | Not applicable |
Note: The calorie values for the standard cheeseburger and Double-Double are already quite high and the official nutrition information sometimes overlaps with the animal style modification. The primary caloric addition in animal style is from the extra spread and grilled onions.
How to Reduce Calories in Your Animal Style Burger
If you love the flavor but are conscious of the calorie count, there are a few ways to customize your order to reduce the impact.
- Protein Style: Opt for a 'protein style' burger, which replaces the bun with a lettuce wrap. A single patty protein style is around 240 calories, while a Double-Double protein style is about 520 calories. This significantly cuts carbs and overall calories.
- Skip the Spread: You can ask for your burger with less or no spread, or request mustard and ketchup instead. The spread is a major source of fat and calories.
- No Cheese: Removing the cheese will also lower the total calorie count. For example, a single patty burger with no cheese is lower in calories than a cheeseburger.
Is Animal Style Always a Calorie Bomb?
While the larger animal style options are high in calories, ordering a single cheeseburger animal style can still be a manageable part of a balanced diet. The real issue is when people combine a Double-Double animal style with a large order of animal style fries and a shake, which can easily push the total meal well over 1,500 calories.
Nutritional Considerations Beyond Calories
Beyond just the caloric load, it's important to consider other nutritional facts associated with an animal style burger. The sodium content is particularly noteworthy. A cheeseburger animal style has a high sodium count of 1000mg, which is a significant portion of the recommended daily intake. Larger versions like the Double-Double also come with high levels of saturated fat and sodium.
Conclusion: Savor the Flavor with Awareness
Ultimately, enjoying an In-N-Out burger animal style is about balance. While the delicious, customized burger is a treat, it is high in calories, fat, and sodium. Being aware of the nutritional information allows you to make an informed choice. Opting for a single patty, going protein style, or simply enjoying it in moderation can help you enjoy the iconic flavor without derailing your dietary goals. The allure of the animal style isn't going away, so understanding its impact is the best way to enjoy it responsibly.
Calorie Count Summary of In-N-Out Animal Style Burgers
- Single Cheeseburger Animal Style: Around 480 calories
- Double-Double Animal Style: Around 670 calories
- 3x3 Animal Style: Around 860 calories
- 4x4 Animal Style: Around 1,100 calories
- Protein Style (Lettuce Wrap) Options: Lower in calories than bun versions
How to Find In-N-Out Nutritional Information
For the most precise and up-to-date information, it's best to consult the official source. The In-N-Out website provides a detailed nutrition guide for their menu items, including information on allergens. You can find this information on the official In-N-Out website under the nutrition section.
