Carb Count Breakdown for Applebee's Burgers
The carbohydrate content of Applebee's burgers varies significantly depending on the specific burger, toppings, and whether side dishes like fries are included. The bun and side of fries are often the largest contributors to the total carb count, making customization an important strategy for managing your intake. The official nutrition information, as reported by sources like Verywell Fit and Nutritionix, provides detailed insights.
The Classic Burger
A standard Applebee's Classic Burger meal, which includes the brioche bun and a side of fries, has a total of around 90 grams of carbohydrates. However, if you order the burger alone, the carb count drops substantially. One source reports the Classic Burger without sides has about 45g of total carbohydrates. The difference highlights the impact of the side dish and bun on the final nutritional profile.
The Classic Cheeseburger
Adding cheese and potentially other condiments to the Classic Burger increases the carb total slightly. The Classic Cheeseburger with fries contains roughly 95 grams of carbohydrates. The cheese itself contributes a negligible amount of carbs, but the addition of fries and the bun drives the number up. Like its classic counterpart, ordering without the bun and fries will dramatically reduce the carb load.
The Bacon Cheddar Cheeseburger
This burger includes bacon and cheddar cheese, adding a bit more flavor and fat. Its total carb count, including the bun and fries, is approximately 51 grams. This may seem lower than the classic options, but variations exist based on how different sources calculate the meal components. Always check the most recent nutritional information on the Applebee's website or app. A bunless version drastically cuts down on the overall carb intake.
The Quesadilla Burger
This specialty burger is notoriously high in calories and carbs due to the tortillas and toppings. One Quesadilla Burger contains about 97 grams of carbohydrates. For low-carb diners, this is a burger to avoid unless completely deconstructed, opting for just the patty and select toppings. The flour tortillas, in particular, are packed with carbs.
Customizing Your Applebee's Burger for Lower Carbs
For those following a low-carb, keto, or other specific dietary plan, customization is key to enjoying an Applebee's burger without derailing your goals. Here are some simple hacks:
- Swap the bun: The most effective change is replacing the brioche bun with a lettuce cup. This can reduce a burger's carb count by over 40 grams.
- Change the side: Instead of the high-carb fries, opt for a side salad (with a low-carb dressing like ranch on the side), steamed broccoli, or grilled vegetables.
- Watch the sauces: Condiments and sauces can be hidden sources of sugar and carbs. Always ask for dressings and sauces on the side to control the amount, and choose low-sugar options like regular mustard over honey mustard.
- Avoid specialty sauces: While delicious, proprietary sauces like the Whisky Bacon sauce can be carb-heavy. Asking for plain toppings or controlling the amount used is a good strategy.
- Choose a grilled chicken patty: While not a traditional burger, swapping the beef patty for a grilled chicken breast patty can significantly lower the carb count.
Comparison of Applebee's Burger Carb Counts
To give you a clearer picture, here is a comparison of total carbohydrate counts for several popular Applebee's burgers, served with and without the standard bun and fries combo.
| Burger Type | Total Carbs (with bun & fries) | Estimated Carbs (without bun & fries) | Primary Carb Source(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Burger | ~90g | ~10g (lettuce wrap) | Brioche bun, fries |
| Classic Cheeseburger | ~95g | ~12g (lettuce wrap) | Brioche bun, fries |
| Bacon Cheddar Cheeseburger | ~51g | ~6g (lettuce wrap) | Brioche bun, bacon, sauces |
| Quesadilla Burger | ~97g | High (due to tortillas) | Flour tortillas |
| Whisky Bacon Burger | ~72g (without sides) | Varies (whisky sauce) | Brioche bun, whisky sauce |
Note: Estimates for bunless/fries-free options are based on standard nutritional data and may vary slightly based on preparation. Always consult the most recent information from the restaurant.
Conclusion: Making Informed Choices
While Applebee's burgers can be high in carbohydrates, particularly when paired with the traditional brioche bun and a side of fries, they don't have to be off-limits for those monitoring their intake. By understanding the specific carb contributions of different components and applying simple ordering strategies like swapping the bun for a lettuce wrap and opting for low-carb sides, you can significantly reduce the overall carbohydrate count of your meal. Being mindful of sauces and other additions will also help you stay on track with your dietary goals. The key is to be an active participant in your meal preparation by asking for simple modifications. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to Applebee's official nutrition menu.
