How to order a protein burger at In-N-Out

November 22, 2025 •

3 min read

Over one-third of American adults follow a diet at any given time, making low-carb options a priority for many fast-food customers. Knowing how to order a protein burger at In-N-Out allows you to enjoy their classic flavors while staying on track with your low-carb or keto dietary goals.

Quick Summary

Ordering a lettuce-wrapped burger at In-N-Out is simple by requesting 'Protein Style.' This guide covers the basic order, popular customizations like 'Animal Style,' and other bun-less options available from the secret menu.

Key Points

Start your order: Request "Protein Style" to replace the bun with a lettuce wrap for any standard burger like a Cheeseburger or Double-Double.
Consider 'Animal Style': Add extra flavor by asking for your 'Protein Style' burger 'Animal Style,' which includes a mustard-cooked patty, grilled onions, and extra spread.
Go for the 'Flying Dutchman': For an even lower-carb option, order the 'Flying Dutchman,' which is just two patties and two slices of cheese with no bun or toppings.
Customize your toppings: You can add grilled onions, chopped chilis, or ask for no spread to control the flavor and carbohydrate content.
Double-check your order: Always confirm your customizations with the cashier to ensure your order, including requests like "no spread," is correctly entered.
Don't miss a thing: Ensure your favorite extra like chopped chilis is in your order to give you that extra spice.

In-N-Out's "secret menu" is not-so-secret among fans, and the 'Protein Style' burger is one of its most popular and well-known offerings. It's a game-changer for anyone looking to reduce their carbohydrate intake or follow a gluten-free diet without sacrificing the signature taste of an In-N-Out burger. This style involves swapping the traditional toasted bun for a crisp, fresh lettuce wrap.

The Basic 'Protein Style' Order

Placing your order is straightforward. When you step up to the counter or the drive-thru speaker, simply state your burger of choice followed by "Protein Style." For example:

"I'll have a Cheeseburger, Protein Style."
"Can I get a Double-Double, Protein Style?" The Double-Double, with its two beef patties and two slices of American cheese, is an especially satisfying choice for those seeking a high-protein, low-carb meal. The staff is well-versed in this request and will prepare your burger with the standard toppings (spread, lettuce, tomato) wrapped tightly in large lettuce leaves.

Customizing Your Protein Burger

The true fun of ordering at In-N-Out lies in the customizations. You can modify your 'Protein Style' burger to create a flavor profile that is perfectly tailored to your liking.

Add grilled onions: Request 'grilled onions' for a sweeter, caramelized flavor, or go "Animal Style" to get a mustard-cooked patty with grilled onions, pickles, and extra special sauce.
Modify the spread: The famous In-N-Out spread adds flavor, but some on strict keto diets prefer to skip it to control their carbohydrate intake. You can also ask for mustard and ketchup instead.
Add chopped chilis: If you like a little heat, you can ask for chopped chilis to be added to your burger.
Go dairy-free: Simply ask for no cheese to create a dairy-free version of your 'Protein Style' burger.

Ordering for the Ultimate Low-Carb Experience

For the most hardcore low-carb followers, In-N-Out offers an even more minimalist option: the 'Flying Dutchman'. This item is simply two beef patties with two slices of cheese in between, and nothing else. You can still ask for extra toppings on the side to build your own creation.

Comparison: 'Protein Style' vs. 'Flying Dutchman'


Feature	'Protein Style' Burger	'Flying Dutchman'
Buns	Replaced with fresh iceberg lettuce wraps	No bun, patties act as bun
Toppings	Standard toppings (lettuce, tomato, spread) included	No standard toppings included
Convenience	Easier to hold and eat as a handheld burger	Messier, often requires a knife and fork or extra napkins
Carb Count	Low carb, with minimal carbs from toppings/spread	Extremely low carb, primarily protein and fat
Flavor	Balanced flavor from meat, cheese, veggies, and spread	Rich, meaty, and cheesy flavor profile

Putting Your Order Together

Here is a step-by-step example of how to build a fully customized, delicious protein burger:

Start with your base: Choose the burger size you want. A Double-Double is a popular and hearty option.
Request 'Protein Style': Clearly state "Protein Style" to ensure the bun is replaced with lettuce.
Specify your extras: Decide on additional toppings. Do you want grilled onions? Chopped chilis? State these clearly.
Consider 'Animal Style': If you want the full-flavor treatment, ask for it 'Animal Style' (mustard-cooked patties, grilled onions, pickles, and extra sauce). Remember that the sauce adds some carbs, so some prefer to skip it.
Confirm your order: Before paying, always listen carefully as the cashier repeats your order to ensure all customizations, such as "no spread" or "grilled onions," have been included.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Custom Creation

Whether you are a devoted low-carb enthusiast or just trying a healthier option, ordering a protein burger at In-N-Out is a simple and rewarding experience. The secret menu offers incredible flexibility, allowing you to tailor your meal to your exact dietary needs and taste preferences. With just a few key phrases, you can unlock a world of bun-less burgers that don't compromise on flavor. For more information on In-N-Out's dietary options, consult their official website or dietary guides from reputable sources.

**Click here to view In-N-Out's official nutrition information.**

Frequently Asked Questions

'Protein Style' is a secret menu option at In-N-Out where the traditional hamburger bun is replaced with a wrap made of large, crisp lettuce leaves.

Yes, you can request almost any burger on the standard menu to be made 'Protein Style,' including the Hamburger, Cheeseburger, and Double-Double.

The 'Protein Style' is a lettuce-wrapped burger that includes all the standard toppings, while the 'Flying Dutchman' is simply two beef patties and two slices of cheese with no bun or vegetables.

Yes, you can combine these secret menu options. Ordering a burger 'Protein Style, Animal Style' will get you a lettuce-wrapped burger with a mustard-cooked patty, grilled onions, pickles, and extra spread.

The In-N-Out spread does contain some carbohydrates, so some individuals on strict keto diets may choose to omit it or ask for a packet on the side to control the portion. You can also ask for mustard and ketchup as alternatives.

To get grilled onions, simply ask for "grilled onions" or specify if you want them chopped or a whole slice. If you want the full 'Animal Style' treatment, that includes grilled onions as well.

No, there is typically no additional charge for ordering a burger 'Protein Style.' The price will depend on the size and customizations of your specific burger.