How to Order Low Carb at Sonic Drive-In

November 23, 2025 •

3 min read

Over half of American adults have tried dieting to lose weight, and many find navigating fast-food menus challenging. However, staying on track is possible even at your favorite drive-in. Here is how to order low carb at Sonic by making simple swaps and customizations to their popular menu items.

Quick Summary

A comprehensive guide on making healthier, low-carb food and drink choices at Sonic. Explanations cover how to modify burgers, hot dogs, and breakfast items to fit a keto or low-carb lifestyle by removing high-carb ingredients and selecting diet-friendly beverages.

Key Points

Bunless Burgers: Order any burger without the bun and without ketchup to create a low-carb alternative served in a convenient tray or boat.
Breakfast Bowls: Turn a Bacon Breakfast Burrito into a low-carb meal by ordering the eggs, cheese, and bacon in a bowl instead of a tortilla.
Modified Hot Dogs: Ask for any hot dog bunless and without high-carb condiments like ketchup or relish, opting for mustard and onions instead.
Sugar-Free Drinks: Enjoy custom diet limeades or flavor-enhanced diet sodas and unsweetened teas using Sonic's sugar-free flavor shots.
Be Specific with Staff: Clearly state your customizations (e.g., 'no bun', 'in a boat', 'sugar-free flavor') to ensure your order is prepared correctly.
Ask for Extra Veggies: Add more lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles to your bunless orders for extra fiber and nutrients.

Building Your Bunless Burger

One of the easiest ways to order low carb at Sonic is by customizing a burger. The key is to request no bun and no ketchup, as both are sources of hidden sugars and carbs.

Sonic Bacon Double Cheeseburger: Ask for this bunless and in a 'boat' or tray for easy eating. Be sure to hold the ketchup and request extra pickles and mustard for added flavor.
Quarter Pound Double Cheeseburger: Similar to the bacon double, order it without the bun and hold the ketchup. The double patties provide a satisfying dose of protein and fat to keep you full longer.
Customization is Key: Don't be afraid to request specific toppings. Consider adding extra mayo, mustard, onions, pickles, or even lettuce to your bunless burger. A lettuce-wrapped burger can also be an alternative if you prefer to hold it.

Sonic's Low-Carb Breakfast Options

Sonic's all-day breakfast menu offers excellent low-carb potential if you know what to ask for.

Breakfast Burrito in a Bowl: Request the Bacon Breakfast Burrito but ask for it to be served in a bowl instead of a tortilla. This gives you a satisfying mix of eggs, bacon, and cheese with minimal carbs.
Sonic Breakfast Combo Hack: Ask for a scrambled egg platter with bacon or sausage. It's a simple, high-protein meal that bypasses all the carbs from biscuits and tortillas.

Hot Dogs and Wraps (with Modifications)

With a little creativity, you can enjoy Sonic's hot dogs and wraps while keeping carbs in check.

All-American Hot Dog: Order a plain hot dog with no bun, no relish, and no ketchup. This leaves you with the hot dog and mustard, but you can add onions for extra flavor. You can eat it with a fork or as a deconstructed bowl.
Chili Cheese Coney: A hot dog with chili and cheese is still an option. Just ask for it without the bun. However, be mindful that the chili may contain some carbs. Ask for it in a bowl to enjoy with a fork.
Grilled Chicken Wrap: Request a grilled chicken wrap with no tortilla. It comes with grilled chicken, lettuce, and tomatoes. Add extra ranch dressing for fat and flavor, but be sure to check the nutritional information for the dressing if counting strictly.

Navigating Sonic's Drink Menu

Drinks can be a hidden source of massive sugar and carb intake. Fortunately, Sonic offers plenty of customizable, low-carb options.

Diet Limeades: Sonic's famous limeades can be made low-carb by ordering a diet limeade with a sugar-free flavor shot. A small Diet Cherry Limeade has very few carbs, but be aware that carbs increase with size.
Sugar-Free Flavor Shots: You can add sugar-free flavor shots to any Diet Coke, Sprite Zero, or Unsweetened Iced Tea for a flavorful beverage with zero sugar. Options like sugar-free mango, cherry, or blackberry can add a tropical twist.
Plain and Simple: For the safest bet, stick with unsweetened iced tea, diet soda, or plain black coffee. These are all zero-carb options.

Low-Carb Fast Food Comparison: Sonic vs. Competitors


Fast Food Chain	Burger Options	Breakfast Options	Drink Customization	Noteworthy Low-Carb Hack
Sonic	Bunless burgers (ask for a 'boat')	Eggs and bacon in a bowl	Diet sodas with sugar-free flavors	Ask for breakfast burrito contents in a bowl.
Wendy's	Bunless burgers (served in a plastic container)	Baconator breakfast sandwich (no bun)	Diet sodas, unsweetened iced tea	Cobb salad with grilled chicken and low-carb dressing.
Hardee's	Any burger as a 'low carb' lettuce wrap	Low-Carb Breakfast Bowl with bacon	Diet sodas, unsweetened iced tea	They automatically know to lettuce wrap when you say 'low carb'.
Taco Bell	Power Menu Bowl (no rice, no beans)	Cheesy toasted breakfast burrito (no tortilla, in a bowl)	Diet sodas, water	Power Bowl with extra lettuce and no rice/beans.

Conclusion: Savoring Sonic Low-Carb Style

Following a low-carb lifestyle doesn't mean you have to sacrifice the convenience and nostalgic fun of a Sonic run. By mastering a few simple ordering hacks—like holding the buns, tortillas, and syrupy drinks—you can enjoy a satisfying and delicious meal that fits your dietary goals. The key is to be proactive and specific with your order, utilizing the flexibility of Sonic's menu to your advantage. A little preparation and knowledge can make all the difference in turning a high-carb meal into a low-carb success.

Optional Outbound Link

For more detailed nutritional information on Sonic's standard menu, visit their official website at: Sonic Drive-In Nutrition Information

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can order any burger without a bun at Sonic. Simply ask for it bunless or in a 'boat' to receive your burger patty, cheese, and toppings in a tray.

Yes, you can order the contents of a breakfast burrito in a bowl, which includes eggs, bacon, and cheese, minus the high-carb tortilla.

For low-carb drinks, choose unsweetened iced tea, diet soda, or plain black coffee. You can also ask for sugar-free flavor shots to be added to diet sodas like Diet Coke or Sprite Zero for a flavored option.

You can have a hot dog by ordering it without the bun and avoiding high-sugar condiments like ketchup. Stick with mustard and onions for a low-carb meal.

Mustard and mayonnaise are generally low-carb. Avoid ketchup and barbecue sauces, which typically contain high amounts of sugar. Always double-check with the staff or consult nutritional information for the latest details.

Yes, you can order the Classic Grilled Chicken Sandwich without the bun. This gives you a lean protein source with lettuce and tomatoes.

To stay low-carb, you should avoid all buns, tortillas, crispy/breaded items (like crispy chicken or tots), slushes, shakes, and any regular soda or sweetened drink.