Understanding the Flying Dutchman's Calorie Count with Onions
The Flying Dutchman, an In-N-Out secret menu staple, is a simple creation of two beef patties and two slices of cheese. When you add grilled onions, you introduce a small but significant number of additional calories and a burst of savory flavor. While an unadorned Flying Dutchman is roughly 380 calories, the addition of grilled onions bumps that up to an estimated 400 calories. This is still a relatively low-calorie and low-carb option compared to many other fast-food offerings, especially those with buns and calorie-dense spreads.
Breaking Down the Caloric Content
To understand where the calories come from, let's look at the key components of a Flying Dutchman with onions. The majority of the calories originate from the two beef patties and the two slices of American cheese, with a smaller contribution from the grilled onions.
- Beef Patties: A standard In-N-Out beef patty is approximately 110 calories. The Flying Dutchman uses two of these, accounting for about 220 calories.
- American Cheese: Each slice of American cheese adds about 70 calories. With two slices, that's another 140 calories.
- Grilled Onions: The cooked onions add a minimal amount of calories, around 10-20, depending on preparation and amount.
Adding these up gives a total close to 380-390 calories, with other factors like residual grease pushing it toward the 400-calorie mark. This simple combination is what makes it so appealing for those tracking macronutrients, particularly carbohydrates.
Nutritional Facts: Flying Dutchman with Onions
Beyond just the calories, the Flying Dutchman with onions offers a compelling macronutrient profile, particularly for those on a high-protein, low-carb diet. A typical breakdown includes:
- Calories: ~400 kcal
- Protein: ~30 grams
- Fat: ~30 grams
- Carbohydrates: Very low, often under 5 grams, as it contains no bun
The lack of a bun is the primary reason for the low carbohydrate count, making it a favorite for keto and other low-carb eaters. The protein content is substantial due to the two beef patties, helping to keep you feeling full. The fat content is also significant, primarily from the beef and cheese.
Comparison to Other In-N-Out Options
To put the Flying Dutchman with onions into perspective, here's how it stacks up against other popular In-N-Out menu items:
| Item | Calories | Carbs | Fat | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flying Dutchman with Onions | ~400 | <5g | ~30g | ~30g |
| Standard Double-Double® | 610 | 39g | 34g | 34g |
| Double-Double® (Protein Style) | 450 | 12g | 32g | 30g |
| Cheeseburger w/Onion | 430 | 39g | 21g | 20g |
This comparison highlights the caloric efficiency of the Flying Dutchman, particularly its low-carb nature compared to bun-based burgers. The Protein Style Double-Double is a decent low-carb alternative, but the Flying Dutchman offers an even lower carb count by removing the lettuce and vegetable toppings typically found on a Protein Style burger.
Customizing for Calorie Control
For those looking to reduce calories further, customization is key. The simplest modification is to remove one slice of cheese. This would reduce the calorie count by about 70 calories, bringing the total closer to 330 calories. You can also opt for a single patty version, which, while not a true Flying Dutchman, would lower both calories and protein significantly. Another tip is to avoid any extra sauces, such as the Animal Style spread, which adds substantial calories and fat. Sticking to the core components of beef, cheese, and onions is the best strategy for maintaining a low-calorie, low-carb profile.
Conclusion
The Flying Dutchman with onions is a flavorful and satisfying choice from the In-N-Out secret menu. At approximately 400 calories, it provides a high-protein, low-carb alternative to traditional bun-based burgers. By understanding the breakdown of its components—two beef patties, two cheese slices, and grilled onions—you can appreciate why it's a popular option for those with specific dietary goals. For maximum calorie control, consider simple modifications like reducing the cheese or avoiding any added spreads. It stands as a prime example of how small customizations can lead to healthier fast-food choices. For more detailed nutrition information, you can always refer to the official In-N-Out nutrition guide.
