How many carbs in an Arby's ham and cheese sandwich?

November 26, 2025 •

3 min read

With 22 grams of total carbohydrates, the Arby's Ham 'n Cheese Slider is a smaller, but still significant, source of carbs. Understanding precisely how many carbs are in an Arby's ham and cheese sandwich is crucial for anyone monitoring their nutritional intake, especially those on a low-carb or keto diet.

Quick Summary

The carb count for Arby's ham and cheese sandwiches varies by product, with the slider having fewer total carbs than the larger melt. The bun is the main contributor, and customizations can significantly lower the carbohydrate content.

Key Points

Slider Carbs: The Ham 'n Cheese Slider has 22g of total carbohydrates.
Hot Ham n' Cheese Carbs: The larger Hot Ham n' Cheese contains 35g of total carbohydrates.
Net Carbs Matter: For keto diets, the net carb count (total carbs minus fiber) is the key figure; the slider has 21g net carbs.
Bun is the Culprit: The majority of the carbohydrates in any Arby's sandwich come from the bun.
Order Bunless for Keto: To make a ham and cheese sandwich keto-friendly, you must order it without the bun.
Check Other Varieties: Other versions like the Ham & Swiss Melt may have even higher carb counts due to different bread and components.

Arby's Ham and Cheese Options: A Carbohydrate Comparison

Arby's offers a few different takes on the classic ham and cheese, and their nutritional profiles vary considerably. For anyone tracking macros, it's important to know the difference between the smaller Ham 'n Cheese Slider and other variations like the Hot Ham n' Cheese or the Ham & Swiss Melt, which may be available depending on location. The most significant factor influencing the carb count is the bread, followed by any sauces or dressings that are added.

The Ham 'n Cheese Slider

For a quick and inexpensive snack, the Ham 'n Cheese Slider is a popular choice. It's also the lowest-carb option among the ham and cheese varieties. According to nutritional data, the slider features thinly sliced ham and melted Swiss on a soft slider bun. The specific breakdown for a single slider is:

Total Carbohydrates: 22g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 3g
Net Carbs: 21g

At 21g of net carbs, this item is not typically considered keto-friendly but may be manageable for those on a less strict low-carb diet. For keto enthusiasts, skipping the bun is a necessity.

The Hot Ham n' Cheese Sandwich

Historically, Arby's has featured a larger Hot Ham n' Cheese sandwich. This sandwich packs a significantly higher carb count due to its larger bun and additional ingredients. For instance, some past nutritional information lists the Hot Ham n' Cheese with:

Total Carbohydrates: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Net Carbs: 34g

This makes it a much less viable option for low-carb diets without extensive modifications.

The Ham & Swiss Melt

A full-sized Ham & Swiss Melt is another sandwich variation that has appeared on the menu. A nutrition breakdown for this item shows even more carbs than the Hot Ham n' Cheese, largely due to its components.

Total Carbohydrates: 37g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 6g

The different bread and larger portion size result in a substantially higher carbohydrate load.

Customizing Your Arby's Order to Reduce Carbs

For those on a ketogenic or very low-carb diet, eliminating the bun is the most impactful way to reduce carbs. You can easily order the Ham 'n Cheese Slider or other sandwiches served in a bowl or in a lettuce wrap, a common practice at many fast-food restaurants.

Here are some tips for a lower-carb Arby's order:

Skip the bun: The biggest source of carbs comes from the bread. Removing it immediately slashes the carb count to just a few grams, mostly from the cheese and any sauce.
Opt for mustard: Standard yellow mustard has fewer carbs than many other condiments. Avoid sugary sauces like Arby's Sauce or Honey Mustard.
Say no to extra toppings: While ham and cheese are low-carb, some other toppings can add hidden sugars. Stick to the basics.
Add a side salad: To boost fiber and nutrients, order a side salad without croutons or high-sugar dressing.

Comparison Table: Arby's Ham & Cheese Sandwiches


Item	Total Carbs (g)	Dietary Fiber (g)	Net Carbs (g)	Key Carb Source
Ham 'n Cheese Slider	22	1	21	Slider bun
Hot Ham n' Cheese	35	1	34	Larger bun, sauce
Ham & Swiss Melt	37	2	35	Larger bread, sauce
Ham 'n Cheese (no bun)	approx. 2-5	~0-1	<5	Cheese and sauce

Making an Informed Choice

Choosing a ham and cheese sandwich at Arby's with a specific dietary goal in mind requires a bit of foresight. The pre-made versions, especially those with larger buns and sweet sauces, contain a considerable amount of carbohydrates. However, with simple customizations like ordering it bunless, the meal becomes a much more manageable, high-protein, and low-carb option. The Ham 'n Cheese Slider is the most practical choice for those looking for the lowest carb version straight off the menu, but for strict keto followers, removing the bun from any sandwich is the best approach.

Remember to verify the most up-to-date nutritional information directly from the source, as menu items and recipes can change. Arby's Official Nutrition Info

Conclusion

In summary, the number of carbs in an Arby's ham and cheese sandwich is not a fixed number and varies significantly depending on the specific menu item ordered. The small Ham 'n Cheese Slider has 22g of total carbs, while larger sandwiches like the Hot Ham n' Cheese or Ham & Swiss Melt can have over 35g. The primary source of these carbs is the bread, and removing the bun is the most effective way to drastically lower the carb count. By making smart adjustments, it's possible to enjoy a ham and cheese at Arby's while sticking to your dietary plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Arby's Ham 'n Cheese Slider contains 21 grams of net carbs, which is calculated by subtracting its 1 gram of dietary fiber from the 22 grams of total carbohydrates.

For individuals following a strict low-carb or ketogenic diet, the slider is not a low-carb option because it contains 21 grams of net carbs. To make it low-carb, you would need to order it without the bun.

To make an Arby's ham and cheese sandwich keto-friendly, order it without the bun and any high-sugar sauces. Request it in a bowl or lettuce wrap instead. This significantly reduces the carbohydrate count, leaving mostly protein and fat from the meat and cheese.

The carb counts vary by sandwich type. The Ham 'n Cheese Slider has 22g of total carbs, while larger sandwiches like the Hot Ham n' Cheese have 35g, and the Ham & Swiss Melt has 37g. The size and type of bread are the main factors in this difference.

Yes, you can eat at Arby's while on a low-carb diet, but you must choose carefully and be prepared to customize. Options like bunless roast beef sandwiches or side salads (without croutons or sugary dressing) are potential choices.

The primary source of carbohydrates in all Arby's ham and cheese sandwiches is the bread or bun. Secondary sources include the cheese and any sugary condiments.

Arby's does not offer a low-carb bun option. The most effective strategy for reducing carb intake is to remove the standard bun from your order and consume the sandwich fillings on their own.