What is a Flying Dutchman?
Before diving into the carb specifics, it's essential to understand what the Flying Dutchman is. It is a legendary secret menu item at the fast-food chain In-N-Out, known for its simplicity and low-carb nature. Unlike a standard burger, it consists solely of two beef patties with two slices of American cheese melted between them, and no bun or vegetables. Its bare-bones construction is what makes it a particularly attractive option for dieters watching their carbohydrate intake.
The nutritional breakdown
The minimal ingredients translate to a remarkably low carb count. The primary sources of carbohydrates in the standard In-N-Out menu are the bun and the spread. By stripping these away, the Flying Dutchman drastically reduces the carb load. The small carbohydrate amount that remains comes from the cheese itself, which contains a trace of lactose, a type of sugar found in dairy. The rest of the meal is primarily comprised of protein from the beef and fat from both the beef and cheese.
Customizing your Flying Dutchman and its carb impact
While the classic Flying Dutchman is very low in carbs, many people choose to customize it with other secret menu additions. These additions can significantly alter the final carbohydrate count. It's important to be mindful of these changes, especially if you are tracking your macros closely for a ketogenic or low-carb diet. Below is a list of popular customizations and how they impact the carb count:
- Animal Style: This popular modification adds a generous amount of their signature Thousand Island-style spread, grilled onions, and pickles to the patties. The spread is the main source of extra carbs and can add between 2 to 6 grams of net carbs, depending on the amount used. The grilled onions also contribute a small amount of sugar as they caramelize.
- Onion-Wrapped: A variation of the Flying Dutchman that has gone viral on social media uses thick slices of grilled onion to replace the beef patties as the "buns". The amount of carbs added depends on the size of the onion and the degree of caramelization, but a medium onion can add around 5 grams of carbs.
- Side of Spread: Even if you don't order it Animal Style, requesting extra packets of spread to dip your Flying Dutchman into will increase the overall carb and calorie count. A single packet of In-N-Out spread can add approximately 9 grams of fat and additional calories.
Standard Flying Dutchman vs. Customizable Variations
To illustrate how modifications can impact the nutrition, here is a comparison table:
| Item | Carbs (approx.) | Calories (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Flying Dutchman | 2g net carbs | 380 | Contains two patties and two slices of cheese only. |
| Flying Dutchman Animal Style | ~5-8g+ net carbs | ~460+ | Includes spread and grilled onions, which adds carbs and calories. |
| Onion-Wrapped Flying Dutchman | ~5g+ net carbs | Varies | Uses grilled onions as the "bun", adding more carbs and potential grease. |
| Flying Dutchman with Side of Spread | ~5-8g+ net carbs | ~460+ | Adds significant carbs and fat from the spread packets. |
How to calculate net carbs for bunless burgers
For those on strict low-carb diets, understanding how to calculate net carbs is crucial when customizing fast-food orders. Net carbs are the total carbohydrates minus fiber and half of the sugar alcohols. In the case of a Flying Dutchman, the carb count is already very low, and there is no fiber to subtract. This means that the total carb count is essentially the net carb count. However, for modified versions, you need to account for all added ingredients that may contain carbs, such as grilled onions or sauces. To maintain a low carb intake, it's safest to stick to the basic two patties and two slices of cheese.
The ketogenic perspective on the Flying Dutchman
The Flying Dutchman is often heralded as a keto-friendly fast-food option due to its high protein and fat content and very low carbohydrate level. A standard Flying Dutchman fits perfectly within the macros of a ketogenic diet, which typically restricts daily carb intake to 20-50 grams. However, keto dieters must be cautious with customizations like the Animal Style version, as the sugar in the spread can quickly push the carb count above their daily limit. The grilled onions, while a popular and tasty addition, also contain more carbs than fresh onions due to the cooking process, which releases sugars. To learn more about keto-friendly fast food options, consider visiting a reputable resource like Healthline or Diet Doctor.
Ordering for specific dietary needs
If you have specific dietary needs beyond just low-carb, the Flying Dutchman offers a customizable base. For those with a gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, the bun-free meal is a safe bet, as long as it's not cross-contaminated with other ingredients like the buns or fries. For those managing sodium intake, it's worth noting that the standard Flying Dutchman is relatively high in sodium due to the cheese and beef, so it's best consumed in moderation.
Conclusion
In summary, the standard In-N-Out Flying Dutchman is an excellent low-carb option, containing only about 2 grams of net carbs. This makes it a popular choice for people on ketogenic diets or those simply looking to reduce their carb intake. However, any additions, particularly the popular Animal Style spread or grilled onions, will increase the carbohydrate count. For the lowest carb count, it is best to stick to the basic combination of two beef patties and two slices of cheese. Understanding these nutritional details allows you to enjoy this secret menu item while staying on track with your health goals.
