Deciphering the Flying Dutchman Order
First, it's important to clarify what a Flying Dutchman is. A standard Flying Dutchman at In-N-Out consists of two beef patties with two slices of melted American cheese in between, and no bun. It is part of the restaurant's famous 'secret menu' and is a popular choice for those following low-carb or keto diets. Because it lacks a bun and vegetable toppings, it is primarily composed of protein and fat, which is where its calorie count comes from.
The Standard Flying Dutchman: A Baseline
According to nutritional information aggregators, a standard, bunless Flying Dutchman (two patties, two cheese slices) contains roughly 380 calories. This figure provides a solid foundation for estimating the nutritional impact of a larger, custom version.
Estimating the 3x3 Flying Dutchman Calories
Since a "3x3 Flying Dutchman" is a modification of a secret menu item, In-N-Out does not provide an official calorie count. To estimate the calories, we can use the known figures for the components. A single beef patty with a slice of cheese is estimated to contain about 190 calories. Therefore, a 3x3 Flying Dutchman, composed of three patties and three cheese slices, would be calculated as follows:
- Patty + Cheese (1x1): ~190 calories
- Flying Dutchman (2x2): ~380 calories
- Estimated 3x3 Flying Dutchman (3 patties + 3 cheese): 190 calories × 3 = ~570 calories
This is a solid estimate based on the nutritional data of the individual components. The actual value may vary slightly depending on how the patties and cheese are cooked, but this gives a very accurate picture for someone tracking their intake. This is a substantial increase over the standard version but remains a relatively low-carb option.
The Impact of Customizations
While the base 3x3 Flying Dutchman is ~570 calories, this number can change with added toppings. For example, adding grilled onions, a popular customization for the Flying Dutchman, will introduce more calories. Similarly, ordering it "Animal Style"—which includes a mustard-cooked patty, extra sauce, and grilled onions—would increase the calorie and fat count significantly due to the addition of the spread. A single packet of In-N-Out spread contains 80 calories and nine grams of fat, so adding this would notably change the final nutrition facts.
Macronutrient Breakdown
For those on specific diets like keto, the macronutrient profile of the 3x3 Flying Dutchman is as important as the total calories. Since the item contains three beef patties and three slices of cheese, its profile is primarily protein and fat, with minimal carbohydrates.
High in Protein and Fat
With three beef patties and three slices of cheese, a 3x3 Flying Dutchman is exceptionally high in protein and fat. The extra protein is beneficial for muscle building and satiety, which can help with weight management by keeping you full longer. However, the high fat content, including saturated fat and cholesterol, should be considered for those monitoring cardiovascular health.
Low in Carbohydrates
By definition, the Flying Dutchman is a low-carb menu item because the bun is removed. For those on a keto diet, this makes it a suitable fast-food choice. The small amount of carbohydrates present would come from the trace elements in the cheese and the beef itself. Added ingredients like grilled onions would introduce a minimal amount of additional carbs.
Comparison: 3x3 Flying Dutchman vs. Other In-N-Out Burgers
To put the 3x3 Flying Dutchman's nutritional information into perspective, here is a comparison with other common menu items.
| Item | Estimated Calories | Total Fat | Carbohydrates | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3x3 Flying Dutchman | ~570 cal | ~42g | <5g | ~45g |
| Standard Flying Dutchman (2x2) | 380 cal | ~28g | <2g | ~30g |
| Regular 3x3 Burger | 860 cal | ~55g | ~39g | ~52g |
As the table shows, the 3x3 Flying Dutchman provides a significant caloric and protein boost compared to the standard Flying Dutchman, but without the substantial carbohydrate load of a regular 3x3 burger due to the absence of the bun.
Conclusion: Making Informed Nutritional Choices
Knowing how many calories are in a 3x3 flying Dutchman is the first step toward making a mindful dietary choice. The estimated 570-calorie count highlights its value as a high-protein, low-carb meal. However, its high fat and sodium content mean it should be enjoyed in moderation, especially for those with specific health concerns. For a fast-food meal, it offers a way to satisfy a craving while adhering to a low-carb diet plan. Customizing your order by adding grilled onions or other toppings will adjust the nutritional totals, so always account for these additions. Overall, the 3x3 Flying Dutchman can fit into a balanced diet when viewed in the context of your total daily calorie and macronutrient goals.
