Understanding How Many Carbs are in a McDonald's without Bun?

October 28, 2025 •

2 min read

For those on a low-carb diet like keto, a trip to McDonald's doesn't have to mean breaking the rules. Simply removing the bun can slash dozens of grams of carbohydrates, transforming your meal into a viable, low-carb option. But exactly how many carbs are in a McDonald's without bun for various menu items?

Quick Summary

This guide provides an in-depth look at the carb content of McDonald's menu items when the bun is removed, offering a practical resource for low-carb and keto diners.

Key Points

Bun Removal: Removing the bun is key to significantly reducing carbs.
Basic Burger Carbs: Bunless burgers have very low carb counts.
Cheese Impact: Adding cheese contributes a small amount of carbs.
Breakfast Options: Bunless breakfast items like McMuffins and biscuits are low-carb choices.
Condiment Awareness: Avoid high-sugar condiments like ketchup.
Keto-Friendly Toppings: Stick to mustard, mayonnaise, and pickles.

The Surprising Truth About Fast Food Carbs

Most fast-food burgers and sandwiches derive the bulk of their carbohydrate content from the bun. For example, a single hamburger bun can contribute 15-30 grams of carbs or more, which can quickly exceed a daily allowance for many low-carb and keto dieters. By requesting your order without the bun, you can dramatically lower your meal's carbohydrate count and make it fit within your dietary plan. However, it's essential to be mindful of hidden carbs found in condiments and toppings, which can also add up.

Carb Counts for Bunless McDonald's Burgers

Removing the bun significantly reduces the carb count of McDonald's beef burgers. The remaining carbs primarily come from cheese, sauces, and pickles. For approximate carb counts for various bunless McDonald's items, including burgers and breakfast options like Sausage McMuffin with Egg, Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Biscuit, and Sausage McMuffin, refer to {Link: Ketogenic.com https://ketogenic.com/keto-mcdonalds-guide-what-to-order-at-fast-food-restaurants/}.

Navigating Condiments and Toppings

Some toppings and sauces are low-carb, while others are not. Acceptable choices typically include mustard, mayonnaise, and pickles, which are generally low in carbs. Condiments like ketchup and other sweet sauces are high in sugar and should generally be avoided. Big Mac sauce has a few grams but may fit into a low-carb plan.

How to Order Your Bunless Meal

Ordering a low-carb meal is straightforward. Specify the menu item and clearly state "no bun." You can ask for a side of leaf lettuce to wrap your burger or request a tray. It's recommended to omit high-carb sauces like ketchup and choose a low-carb drink like water or diet soda.

Comparison of Bunless McDonald's Items

A comparison of various bunless McDonald's items, including their approximate bun and bunless carb counts, can be found on {Link: Ketogenic.com https://ketogenic.com/keto-mcdonalds-guide-what-to-order-at-fast-food-restaurants/}. This resource lists items such as Hamburger, Cheeseburger, McDouble/Double Cheeseburger, Quarter Pounder with Cheese, Big Mac, Sausage McMuffin with Egg, and Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Biscuit.

Low-Carb Ordering Tips

Low-carb ordering tips include requesting no ketchup to avoid added sugar and carbs, asking for extra pickles and onions for flavor, using leaf lettuce as a wrapper, choosing water or diet soda over sugary drinks, and considering a side salad (without croutons and with a keto-friendly dressing). A more detailed list of tips is available on {Link: Ketogenic.com https://ketogenic.com/keto-mcdonalds-guide-what-to-order-at-fast-food-restaurants/}.

Conclusion

Eating at McDonald's while following a low-carb diet is possible by removing the bun. The main ingredients like beef patties, cheese, eggs, and sausage are naturally low in carbs. By being mindful of condiments and avoiding sugary options, you can enjoy a fast-food meal that fits your dietary needs. Understanding how many carbs are in a McDonald's without bun helps you make informed choices while eating out.

Frequently Asked Questions

A plain McDonald's hamburger patty without the bun and condiments contains approximately 3 grams of carbs.

A cheeseburger with the bun removed is typically around 2-4 grams of carbs, with the cheese contributing about 2 of those grams.

Yes, Big Mac sauce does contain a small amount of carbs. When ordering a bunless Big Mac, the special sauce adds to the total carb count, which is around 7 grams without the bun.

Order a Sausage McMuffin with Egg or Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Biscuit, but request it without the muffin or biscuit. You can ask for a tray and a fork to eat it.

Yes, condiments like ketchup and sweet sauces can be high in sugar and should be avoided on a low-carb diet. Opt for mustard or mayonnaise instead.

A McDonald's Big Breakfast without the biscuit or hash browns can be a low-carb option, providing eggs and sausage.

Yes, an Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich without the bun is a great low-carb option, as the grilled chicken itself contains no carbs.