What is a Flying Dutchman at In-N-Out?
To understand the Flying Dutchman's calorie count, it's essential to know what this secret menu item entails. The classic version is a minimalist's dream, consisting of just two freshly grilled beef patties with two slices of melted American cheese in between. There is no bun, no lettuce, no tomato, and no signature In-N-Out spread on the standard order. This barebones approach is precisely why its macronutrient profile is so distinct from other burgers on the menu.
The Standard Flying Dutchman: A Nutritional Breakdown
The core of the Flying Dutchman's nutrition comes from its two primary components: the beef patties and the cheese. Here is a closer look at the approximate breakdown based on available data:
- Calories: 380
- Fat: 28g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Cholesterol: 120mg
The most striking aspect of this nutritional profile is the extremely low carbohydrate count, making it a viable option for those following ketogenic or other low-carb diets. The high protein content also makes it a filling and satisfying meal despite its simplicity.
Customizing Your Flying Dutchman: How Calories Increase
The base calorie count of 380 is for the standard, unadorned version. Many fans, however, opt to customize their Flying Dutchman, which can significantly alter its nutritional information. Here are some of the most popular variations and how they impact the total calorie count:
- With Grilled Onions: The addition of whole grilled onion slices, which serve as a makeshift bun, is a popular customization. This adds a sweet, savory flavor and a few extra calories. According to some estimates, adding grilled onions increases the total by about 20 calories, bringing the new total to around 400 calories.
- Animal Style: Ordering your Flying Dutchman "Animal Style" adds a layer of flavor but also extra calories and fat. Animal Style includes extra spread, grilled onions, and a mustard glaze. A standard packet of In-N-Out spread contains approximately 80 calories and 9 grams of fat. A Flying Dutchman Animal Style is estimated to contain around 450 calories, though this can vary depending on how much extra spread is used.
- Roadkill Fries: For the truly indulgent, the "Roadkill Fries" option adds a Flying Dutchman on top of a pile of Animal Style fries. This takes the calorie count far beyond the standard, turning a low-carb snack into a full, high-calorie meal.
Flying Dutchman vs. Other In-N-Out Menu Items
To put the Flying Dutchman's calories into perspective, let's compare it to some of In-N-Out's standard menu offerings. This table highlights how the bun-less secret item stacks up against its bun-filled counterparts based on official and estimated nutritional data.
| Menu Item | Calories | Total Fat (g) | Protein (g) | Total Carbs (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flying Dutchman (Standard) | 380 | 28 | 30 | 2 |
| Flying Dutchman (Animal Style) | ~450 | ~30 | ~30 | ~4 |
| Cheeseburger | 480 | 27 | 22 | 39 |
| Double-Double | 670 | 39 | 37 | 41 |
| Double-Double (Protein Style) | 520 | 39 | 33 | 11 |
This comparison clearly illustrates the Flying Dutchman's position as a low-carb leader on the In-N-Out menu. It offers a higher protein-to-calorie ratio than the Cheeseburger and a significantly lower carb count than any of the options with a bun. Even the Protein Style Double-Double, which substitutes lettuce for a bun, has a higher carb count than the Flying Dutchman due to other standard ingredients like spread and tomato.
How to Eat Your Flying Dutchman
Because the Flying Dutchman has no bun, eating it requires a bit of strategy. Some customers prefer to eat it with a knife and fork, treating it more like a steak and cheese entree. Others hold it with a thick napkin or wrap it in lettuce, mimicking a more traditional burger experience. The grilled onions option provides a more stable, handheld option, though it can still be messy. Ultimately, the best way to eat it depends on your personal preference and tolerance for a bit of mess.
Conclusion
In summary, the standard Flying Dutchman at In-N-Out is a low-carb, high-protein option with approximately 380 calories. Its nutritional profile, primarily consisting of beef patties and cheese, makes it a popular choice for those on specific diets or simply looking for a bun-free burger. However, customizations like adding grilled onions or ordering it Animal Style will increase the total calorie count. For those keeping a close eye on their nutrition, sticking to the standard version is best. For others, the added flavor of an Animal Style preparation is a worthy indulgence. Knowing the exact calorie count empowers you to make an informed decision and enjoy your In-N-Out experience exactly how you like it.
For more official nutrition information, refer to the In-N-Out Burger® Nutrition Facts PDF.
