Decoding the "Animal Style" Preparation
The term "Animal Style" refers to a preparation method originating from the In-N-Out secret menu. Instead of a standard burger or fries, ordering your meal animal style adds several flavorful, yet calorie-dense, ingredients.
What makes a burger "Animal Style"?
For a burger, the animal style preparation involves several key additions and changes:
- Mustard-Grilled Patty: The beef patty is cooked with mustard directly on the grill.
- Extra Spread: An additional amount of In-N-Out's signature Thousand Island-style sauce is added.
- Pickles: Sliced pickles are included beneath the lettuce and tomato.
- Grilled Onions: The raw onion is replaced with a generous portion of sweet, caramelized chopped onions.
What makes fries "Animal Style"?
For fries, the animal style treatment is a complete transformation:
- The fries are topped with two slices of melted American cheese.
- They are smothered in In-N-Out's special spread.
- A heap of caramelized grilled onions is added.
These modifications explain the substantial difference in caloric and nutritional content compared to the regular menu options.
Calorie Breakdown: Animal Style Burgers vs. Regular
Comparing Different Animal Style Options
The calorie and macronutrient breakdown for In-N-Out's animal style menu items can differ significantly. For example, a single cheeseburger prepared animal style is much less caloric than a Double-Double animal style.
- Animal Style Cheeseburger: Approximately 480 calories, with 27g fat, 39g carbs, and 22g protein.
- Animal Style Double-Double: Approximately 670 calories, with 41g fat, 39g carbs, and 37g protein.
- Animal Style 3x3 (3 patties): Approximately 860 calories, with 59g fat, 39g carbs, and 53g protein.
- Animal Style Fries: Approximately 750 calories, with 54g fat, 54g carbs, and 15g protein.
This shows that while the animal style preparation adds calories across the board, the base item (single patty vs. multiple patties or fries) is the most significant factor in the total calorie count.
Comparison Table: Regular vs. Animal Style
| Menu Item | Regular Calories | Animal Style Calories | Calorie Difference | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheeseburger | ~430 | ~480 | ~50 kcal | Extra spread, mustard, grilled onions, pickles |
| Double-Double | ~670 | ~670-700+ | ~30-50 kcal | Extra spread, mustard, grilled onions, pickles |
| French Fries | ~395 | ~750 | ~355 kcal | Cheese, spread, and grilled onions |
Note: The calorie counts for the Double-Double may vary slightly depending on the data source, but the significant calorie increase in the fries is consistent.
Making Health-Conscious Choices
While animal style items are high in calories and fat, they don't have to be off-limits. Here's how to enjoy them more mindfully:
- Limit your portion size. If you want to enjoy a larger meal, consider sharing it with a friend or family member.
- Substitute with a healthier option. For a lighter alternative, consider ordering a "Protein Style" burger, which replaces the bun with lettuce.
- Choose water or diet soda instead of a sugary beverage. This can save you a significant number of calories.
- Consider a 'Flying Dutchman' animal style. This option contains only two beef patties and two slices of cheese, cutting out the bun and sauce for a lower-calorie alternative.
Conclusion
To answer the question, "how many calories does animal style have?" the number depends on the specific item ordered. Animal style preparations add a substantial amount of calories, especially to fries due to the addition of cheese, spread, and grilled onions. A cheeseburger sees a smaller, but still notable, increase from the spread, mustard, and grilled onions. While these items are not everyday choices for health-conscious consumers, understanding the caloric impact allows for informed decisions, whether that means portion control, making substitutions, or enjoying them as an occasional treat. For additional resources and further information on In-N-Out's menu, you can explore their official nutrition facts page.
The Indulgence of Animal Style
Choosing "Animal Style" is an embrace of flavor. The unique taste comes from the mustard-cooked patty, extra special spread, pickles, and grilled onions. These elements create the distinct, rich profile that makes it a fan favorite, elevating a standard fast-food item.
Knowing the calorie count allows consumers to make informed decisions that fit their dietary needs and preferences. Whether enjoyed as an occasional treat or approached with mindful strategies, understanding the nutritional information of Animal Style options is key.
Animal Style vs. Protein Style
The Protein Style offers a lighter alternative by substituting the bun with lettuce. For instance, a Double-Double Protein Style is about 520 calories, significantly less than the 670 calories in an Animal Style Double-Double. This comparison highlights how removing the bun and sauce impacts the calorie count, providing a clearer choice between indulgence and moderation. Informed decisions empower consumers to balance enjoying fast food with their health goals.
In-N-Out Burger® Nutrition Facts
Conclusion
In summary, the number of calories in an In-N-Out "Animal Style" item varies by product. Animal Style Fries see the largest increase in calories due to the added cheese, spread, and onions. Animal Style burgers have a smaller increase compared to regular burgers, mainly from the spread and grilled onions. Being aware of these differences helps in managing dietary intake while still allowing for the enjoyment of these flavorful items. The extra ingredients define the distinct "Animal Style" taste, offering a richer experience for those who appreciate the added flavor.
