What fast food does protein style?

October 7, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2025 report, demand for healthier fast-food options continues to rise, leading many chains to accommodate specific dietary needs like low-carb and high-protein. For those wondering what fast food does protein style, the answer extends far beyond just one restaurant, with options available at burger joints, sandwich shops, and even Mexican-inspired eateries.

Quick Summary

Several fast-food chains now offer customizable, low-carb 'protein style' options, replacing high-carb items like buns and tortillas with lettuce wraps or bowls. This guide details where to find these menu hacks, from famous burger joints to other popular drive-thrus, making it easier to stick to your dietary plan on the go. Many chains offer this option, and it's also a common 'secret menu' order.

Key Points

In-N-Out is the originator: The classic 'Protein Style' comes from In-N-Out Burger, where any burger is served in a lettuce wrap instead of a bun.
Many burger chains offer it: Beyond In-N-Out, chains like Five Guys, Wendy's, and Burger King also offer burgers without the bun upon request, sometimes served in a bowl or foil wrap.
Beyond burgers, too: The concept extends to other types of fast food, such as Subway's 'No Bready Bowls' and Chipotle's burrito bowls without rice and beans.
Check your condiments: To keep your meal low-carb, be mindful of condiments like ketchup and BBQ sauce, which are often high in sugar.
Ordering is easy: For non-menu items, a simple and clear request for a 'lettuce wrap' or 'no bun' is usually all that's needed to get a protein-style meal.
Nutritional benefits: Opting for protein style significantly reduces calorie and carb intake, making fast food a more viable option for low-carb, keto, and gluten-free diets.

Protein Style: What It Means and Why It's Popular

The term "protein style" was famously popularized by In-N-Out Burger, where it refers to a burger with the bun replaced by a lettuce wrap. However, the concept has spread far beyond one chain, with many fast-food restaurants now offering or being willing to create low-carb alternatives. For health-conscious diners, this trend offers a simple way to significantly reduce carbohydrate and calorie intake while still enjoying a quick and satisfying meal. It's especially appealing for those following specific dietary plans, such as keto or gluten-free diets.

The Original: In-N-Out Burger

As the originator of the term, In-N-Out is the classic example of a restaurant that offers a protein-style menu. Any of their burgers, including the iconic Double-Double, can be ordered "Protein Style," meaning it will come wrapped in large, crisp lettuce leaves instead of a bun. This hack allows customers to enjoy the same beef patties, cheese, sauce, and fresh toppings with a fraction of the carbs. For instance, a regular cheeseburger has 39g of carbs, while the protein-style version has only 11g. The secret menu extends to other customizations, like grilled onions and extra spread, all compatible with the lettuce wrap.

Expanding Beyond the West Coast: Nationwide Options

While In-N-Out holds the trademark for the phrase, many national chains offer similar bunless options. At Five Guys, you can request any burger be served without a bun, which they will then place in a foil wrap or a bowl. This makes it a highly customizable option, as you can load up on a variety of toppings like grilled mushrooms, onions, and jalapenos without worry. Similarly, Wendy's has been promoting its low-carb customization for years, noting on their blog that any burger can be ordered without a bun. Simply ask for a Dave's Single, Baconator, or another favorite wrapped in a lettuce leaf for a keto-friendly meal. Burger King's famous Whopper can also be ordered this way, reducing the overall carb and calorie count while keeping the flame-grilled flavor. Even Sonic Drive-In offers grilled chicken and burger options that can be ordered bunless, often with a side of steamed veggies.

Beyond the Burger: Other Protein-Style Meals

The protein style concept isn't limited to just burgers. Other types of fast-food chains have embraced the idea of creating low-carb, protein-heavy meals. For example, Subway offers "No Bready Bowls," which are essentially their famous subs with all the toppings served in a bowl instead of on bread. This allows customers to choose from a variety of proteins, cheeses, and vegetables to create a satisfying and fresh meal. Chipotle offers pre-designed Keto Bowls but also allows complete customization, letting you skip the rice and beans in favor of extra meat, veggies, and guacamole. For chicken lovers, Chick-fil-A offers grilled nuggets, which provide a substantial protein boost with very few carbs. When ordering, opt for a side salad with a low-carb dressing instead of fries.

Comparison of Fast Food 'Protein Style' Options


Feature	In-N-Out	Five Guys	Wendy's	Subway	Chipotle
Ordering Name	"Protein Style"	Bunless/in a bowl	Bunless/lettuce wrap	"No Bready Bowl"	Keto Bowl/salad
Carb Source Eliminated	Burger Bun	Burger Bun	Burger Bun	Bread	Rice, Beans, Tortilla
Wrap/Container	Lettuce Wrap	Foil wrap or bowl	Lettuce Wrap	Bowl	Bowl
Customization	Secret menu adds (grilled onions, chiles).	Extensive free toppings (grilled mushrooms, jalapenos).	Wide range of cheese and bacon options.	All sub toppings available.	Build-your-own or pre-set options.
Availability	West Coast, SW, TX.	Nationwide.	Nationwide.	Nationwide.	Nationwide.

Ordering Smart: Tips for Success

To ensure your protein style order is a success, remember these key tips. First, be clear and direct when ordering, especially if the term "protein style" isn't officially on the menu. A simple request like, "Can I get the burger without the bun, wrapped in lettuce?" will do the trick. Second, watch out for high-carb condiments and sauces. Ketchup, BBQ sauce, and sweetened dressings can quickly add unwanted sugar and carbs back into your meal. Opt for low-carb alternatives like mustard, mayo, or vinegar-based dressings. Finally, customize your meal with fresh veggies, cheese, and other low-carb toppings to add flavor and nutritional value without compromising your dietary goals.

Conclusion: A Widespread Low-Carb Option

For anyone on a low-carb or keto diet, fast food is no longer off-limits. The popularity of In-N-Out's original "Protein Style" burger has paved the way for a wide variety of similar options across the industry. From burger joints serving bunless classics to sandwich shops offering their fillings in bowls, the ability to find a protein-heavy, carb-light meal on the go has never been easier. By knowing which chains are accommodating and how to customize your order, you can enjoy a quick and satisfying meal that aligns with your dietary needs, proving that fast food can be both fast and a smart choice.

Here is some additional information on eating keto at fast food restaurants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Protein style is a term for ordering a fast-food item, typically a burger or sandwich, with the bread or bun replaced by a lettuce wrap. It's a popular option for those on low-carb, keto, or gluten-free diets.

In-N-Out Burger is famous for its 'Protein Style' secret menu option. Many other burger chains, including Five Guys, Wendy's, and Burger King, also accommodate requests for bunless burgers, which are served in lettuce wraps or bowls.

Yes, you can order any burger at Five Guys without a bun. The restaurant will wrap it in foil or serve it in a bowl, allowing you to load it with their extensive range of toppings.

Yes, many non-burger fast-food chains have low-carb alternatives. Subway offers 'No Bready Bowls,' Chipotle and Taco Bell have burrito bowls that can be customized to skip rice and beans, and Chick-fil-A offers grilled chicken nuggets.

Watch out for high-carb condiments and sauces, which can contain hidden sugars. Common offenders include ketchup, BBQ sauce, and some salad dressings. Stick to mustard, mayo, or low-sugar options.

Yes, for individuals looking to reduce carbs, calories, or gluten, a protein style meal is generally a healthier choice compared to its traditional counterpart with a bun or wrap. However, fat and overall calories from meat and cheese may still be significant.

Simply ask the cashier for your desired item without the bun and either in a lettuce wrap or a bowl. Most fast-food restaurants are accustomed to these kinds of requests and are happy to accommodate.