Understanding the Standard Flying Dutchman
The classic Flying Dutchman is a straightforward, bun-less burger that appeals to those on low-carb or ketogenic diets. Its simplicity is its strength: it's just two slices of American cheese melted between two 100% beef patties. This minimalist approach is key to its macronutrient profile.
Here’s a look at the approximate nutritional breakdown for a standard Flying Dutchman based on available data from nutrition-tracking websites:
- Calories: ~380 calories
- Fat: ~28g
- Carbohydrates: ~2g (from the cheese)
- Protein: ~30g
- Sodium: ~880mg
It's important to note that these values are estimates, as In-N-Out does not officially publish nutrition information for its unlisted menu items. The true caloric and nutritional content can vary slightly depending on the exact preparation at each location.
The Impact of Customizations
One of the most appealing aspects of In-N-Out's secret menu is the ability to customize orders, but this flexibility comes with a direct impact on the final calorie count. The most common customization for the Flying Dutchman is ordering it “Animal Style.”
When a Flying Dutchman is ordered Animal Style, it includes several key additions that significantly alter its nutritional profile:
- Extra Spread: The famous Thousand Island-like sauce adds fat and sugar. One packet of spread contains around 80 calories and 9 grams of fat.
- Grilled Onions: Onions are cooked in the beef's drippings and add a slight increase in calories and flavor complexity.
- Mustard-Fried Patties: Mustard is added to the patties while they cook.
Choosing the Animal Style variation can easily push the calorie count higher. While an exact figure is hard to pinpoint, the added sauce, especially if generous, can boost the total calories by nearly 100 calories or more.
Flying Dutchman vs. Other In-N-Out Favorites
To put the Flying Dutchman's calories into perspective, let's compare it to other popular In-N-Out menu items. This comparison highlights why the Flying Dutchman is a go-to for those watching their carb intake.
| Menu Item | Approx. Calories | Approx. Carbs | Approx. Protein | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flying Dutchman | 380 | 2g | 30g | No bun, just meat and cheese |
| Standard Cheeseburger | 430 | 39g | 20g | Includes bun, spread, lettuce, and tomato |
| Double-Double (Protein Style) | 450 | 12g | 30g | Bun replaced with a lettuce wrap |
| Double-Double (with bun) | 610 | 41g | 34g | High carb and calorie option |
The table clearly illustrates that the Flying Dutchman is one of the lowest-carb options available, even though it is not the lowest-calorie item overall. The Protein Style Double-Double, for instance, contains more calories due to the added spread, lettuce, and tomato, but still stays in the low-carb range by omitting the bun. The classic Cheeseburger and Double-Double, with their buns, carry significantly more carbohydrates and overall calories.
Why the Flying Dutchman is a Low-Carb Staple
The absence of a bun is the primary reason the Flying Dutchman is embraced by those on low-carb diets. A standard In-N-Out bun adds a notable amount of carbohydrates and calories, which are completely eliminated in this secret menu offering. This makes it an ideal choice for anyone following a ketogenic or Atkins diet, or simply trying to reduce their overall carbohydrate intake.
Beyond just weight management, cutting out the bun focuses the meal on high-quality protein and fat from the beef and cheese. This can lead to increased satiety, helping to curb cravings for longer periods after eating. However, the high fat and sodium content should still be considered for overall health, especially if consuming frequently.
Conclusion
At approximately 380 calories, the standard Flying Dutchman at In-N-Out is a relatively low-carb, high-protein option from the fast-food chain's secret menu. Its nutritional value is directly impacted by any customizations, with the Animal Style variation increasing both calorie and fat content. Compared to other items like the Double-Double, it offers a distinct advantage for those monitoring their carbohydrate intake. Ultimately, the Flying Dutchman provides a flexible and satisfying choice for customers seeking a simple, protein-focused meal at In-N-Out.
Source for standard nutrition data: Eat This Much - In-n-out Burger Flying Dutchman Nutrition Facts
