What Exactly is the Standard Flying Dutchman?
At its core, the Flying Dutchman is a straightforward and minimalist offering from In-N-Out’s legendary secret menu. The item was supposedly named for and favored by In-N-Out's founder, Harry Snyder. Unlike a traditional burger, the standard Flying Dutchman is famously bun-less and condiment-free, placing the focus squarely on its most fundamental ingredients.
Its composition is simple and delicious for those who prefer pure, meaty flavor:
- Two hamburger patties grilled to perfection.
- Two slices of American cheese, melted between and on top of the patties.
This basic formula creates a high-protein, high-fat meal that is very low in carbohydrates, making it a favorite for those following keto, low-carb, or carnivore diets.
Ordering the Classic
To order this basic version, simply ask for the “Flying Dutchman.” Most In-N-Out employees are familiar with the term due to its popularity. The simplicity of this order ensures you receive just the meat and cheese, as originally intended.
Popular Variations and How They Impact Nutrition
While the original Flying Dutchman is minimalist, many customers customize it to add more flavor and texture. However, these additions significantly alter the nutritional impact.
The Onion-Wrapped Flying Dutchman
One of the most viral and popular variations replaces the traditional bun with thick, caramelized slices of grilled onion. This adds a new dimension of flavor but introduces some natural sugars and oils used in the grilling process.
- How to order: Ask specifically for an “Onion-Wrapped Flying Dutchman.” Due to social media trends, this is a very common request that employees will understand.
- Nutritional impact: The added onions will increase the carb and sugar content, though it remains relatively low compared to a bun. It also makes the meal much messier to eat and richer in flavor.
The Flying Dutchman, Animal Style
For those who crave the full In-N-Out experience without the bun, ordering a Flying Dutchman, Animal Style, is the perfect solution. This modification adds a range of flavor-packed ingredients.
- Ingredients added: The patties are mustard-fried, and the burger is topped with grilled onions, pickles, and In-N-Out’s signature spread.
- Nutritional impact: This is the least diet-friendly variation. The spread, in particular, adds significant calories and fat. One packet of spread can contain 80 calories and 9 grams of fat, substantially increasing the total energy content of the meal.
Nutritional Comparison: Flying Dutchman vs. Other In-N-Out Items
To put the Flying Dutchman's nutritional value into perspective, it helps to compare it to other popular items on the menu. This table highlights how the removal of the bun and condiments impacts the calorie and macronutrient counts.
| Item | Key Components | Approx. Calories | Protein (g) | Carbs (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flying Dutchman (Classic) | 2 Beef Patties, 2 Cheese Slices | 380 | 30 | 2 |
| Double-Double | 2 Patties, 2 Cheese Slices, Lettuce, Tomato, Spread, Bun | 670 | 37 | 39 |
| Flying Dutchman (Animal Style) | 2 Patties, 2 Cheese, Mustard, Grilled Onions, Spread, Pickles | ~460+ | 30+ | 5-10+ |
| Protein Style Burger | Patty, Cheese, Lettuce, Tomato, Spread (Lettuce Wrap) | ~450 | 20+ | 10+ |
Dietary Perspective: When to Choose a Flying Dutchman
Considering the Flying Dutchman from a nutritional standpoint involves looking at its macro composition and how it fits into your overall eating plan. It is not inherently a “healthy” choice in the traditional sense, but it serves a specific purpose for certain dietary needs.
Pros for Low-Carb and High-Fat Diets
- Eliminates Carbs: The most obvious advantage is the removal of the bun, which is the primary source of carbohydrates in a standard burger. This makes it ideal for keto and low-carb diets.
- High in Protein and Fat: The combination of two beef patties and cheese provides a substantial amount of protein and fat, promoting satiety and helping to control appetite.
- Customizable: The base allows for clean, low-carb additions like extra cheese or mustard, or more flavorful, higher-fat additions like the signature spread, as long as you account for the nutritional impact.
Cons for General Nutrition and Health
- High Saturated Fat: As a fast-food item, the Flying Dutchman is high in saturated fat and sodium. While suitable for specific diets, high intake of these components is not recommended for general heart health.
- Nutrient-Poor: The standard version lacks the vitamins, minerals, and fiber found in vegetables, which are often removed with the bun and other fixings. Including onions or opting for a Protein Style burger can help mitigate this.
- Calorie Density: While low-carb, the Flying Dutchman is still calorie-dense due to the fat content. Portion control is still important for weight management.
How to Optimize Your Flying Dutchman for Healthier Eating
If you want to enjoy the Flying Dutchman but aim for a slightly healthier profile, consider these tips:
- Add Vegetables: Include a side salad or add a tomato slice to your order. In-N-Out's Protein Style burger is another option that adds lettuce and tomato.
- Mind the Spread: Be mindful of the spread if you order it Animal Style. Ordering it on the side allows for portion control.
- Balance Your Meal: Don't treat the Flying Dutchman as a low-calorie item. Balance the high fat and protein content with a healthy meal later in the day. Pairing it with a side salad instead of fries is a smart choice.
Conclusion
For those on a low-carb or keto journey, the Flying Dutchman is a convenient and satisfying fast-food option. What does the Flying Dutchman from In-N-Out have? At its most basic, it's a simple, high-protein package of meat and cheese. The key to incorporating it into a balanced nutritional diet is understanding its core ingredients, recognizing how variations impact its macros, and managing your intake of fat and sodium. As a fun, customizable treat, it can certainly fit into a thoughtful diet plan, but it's important not to mistake its low-carb status for an all-out health food. Balancing it with other nutrient-dense foods will ensure you stay on track with your nutritional goals.
For more detailed nutritional information on In-N-Out menu items, you can consult a food tracking database like MyNetDiary.
