Standard Double-Double Animal Style: Carb Breakdown
For fans of In-N-Out's "secret menu," the Double-Double Animal Style is a delicious but nutritionally dense option. A typical preparation includes two beef patties, two slices of American cheese, hand-leafed lettuce, tomato, pickle, extra spread, and grilled onions. The total carbohydrate count is most impacted by the bun and the savory, sweet spread.
The standard burger comes on a toasted bun, which accounts for the vast majority of its carbohydrate content. When you order it Animal Style, the addition of the spread and grilled onions adds a few extra grams of carbs from sugars. The specific total carb value, which varies slightly across different nutritional databases, hovers around 39 grams for the burger as a whole.
Breaking Down the Carbs by Ingredient
Understanding the source of the carbohydrates is key for anyone managing their intake. Here is a simplified breakdown of where the carbs come from in a standard Double-Double Animal Style:
- Bun: The most significant contributor, with a classic burger bun containing substantial carbohydrates.
- Spread: The sweet and tangy spread is a blend of mayonnaise, ketchup, and pickle relish, adding sugar and, therefore, carbohydrates.
- Grilled Onions: The process of caramelizing onions adds sweetness, which also slightly contributes to the total carbohydrate count.
- Veggies: While lettuce and tomato contain some carbs, the amounts are relatively minor in the context of the entire burger.
Reducing Carbs with Protein Style and Other Modifications
For those on low-carb diets, such as keto, or simply looking to reduce their carbohydrate intake, In-N-Out offers several modifications to the Double-Double Animal Style. The most popular is ordering it “Protein Style.” This swaps the standard bun for a large, crisp lettuce wrap, drastically cutting the carbohydrate load.
Alternative ways to customize your order:
- Protein Style: The most effective method for lowering carbs. A Double-Double Animal Style ordered this way can contain as few as 8 grams of net carbs, a massive reduction from the standard version.
- No Spread: Since the spread contains added sugars, opting for mustard and ketchup instead further reduces the carb count. Mustard-grilled patties are also a popular choice for enhancing flavor without adding carbs.
- Flying Dutchman: For the most extreme low-carb option, order the Flying Dutchman Animal Style. This consists of just two beef patties, two slices of cheese, and grilled onions, eliminating the bun, lettuce, and tomato entirely.
Standard vs. Low-Carb Double-Double Animal Style
To illustrate the nutritional difference, here is a comparison table of a standard Double-Double Animal Style versus a Protein Style version. These figures are approximate, as preparation can slightly vary.
| Nutritional Aspect | Standard Double-Double Animal Style | Protein Style Double-Double Animal Style | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Carbohydrates | ~39 grams | ~11 grams | Significant reduction |
| Net Carbohydrates | ~36 grams | ~8 grams | Significant reduction |
| Dietary Fiber | ~3 grams | ~3 grams | Minimal change |
| Protein | ~37 grams | ~33 grams | Slight decrease |
| Total Fat | ~41 grams | ~39 grams | Minimal change |
| Calories | ~670 calories | ~520 calories | ~150 calorie reduction |
Navigating Low-Carb Options at In-N-Out
While the Double-Double Animal Style is the main focus, other options exist for those watching their carb intake. The Protein Style and Flying Dutchman can be applied to any burger on the menu. For instance, a regular cheeseburger can be ordered Protein Style for a lower-carb meal. However, those adhering to very strict keto protocols should be aware of the carb content in the grilled onions and spread and may want to opt for mustard instead. For more detailed nutritional information and menu item breakdowns, you can visit In-N-Out Burger's official website.
Conclusion
The standard Double-Double Animal Style burger contains approximately 39 grams of carbohydrates, mostly from the bun. However, savvy customers can significantly reduce this total by ordering it Protein Style, which replaces the bun with a lettuce wrap, lowering the carb count to roughly 11 grams. Further customization, such as holding the spread and opting for mustard, can minimize the carbohydrate load even more. This flexibility makes it possible for diners with different dietary needs to enjoy the beloved menu item with informed choices.
Final Recommendations
- For a moderate-carb meal: Enjoy the classic Double-Double Animal Style with all its components, keeping the higher carb count in mind.
- For a low-carb alternative: Opt for the Protein Style version, trading the bun for a lettuce wrap. This dramatically lowers total and net carbs.
- For a very low-carb meal: Order a Flying Dutchman with grilled onions, which consists solely of meat, cheese, and caramelized onions, with minimal added carbs.
- For specific restrictions: Be aware of the spread's sugar content and ask for mustard instead. For more detail, check the In-N-Out website's nutrition information.