Your Top Options for Protein-Style Fast Food
Navigating the fast-food landscape while following a low-carb or keto diet has become easier than ever. The concept of a protein-style burger, or simply a lettuce-wrapped burger, is a popular customization that removes the high-carb bun without sacrificing flavor. Here’s a detailed look at the fast-food joints that offer this convenient option.
In-N-Out Burger
Perhaps the most famous for this offering, In-N-Out Burger has long had a "secret menu" item called the 'Protein Style' burger. The standard burger or the famous Double-Double is served wrapped in a large leaf of crisp iceberg lettuce instead of a bun. This makes it an excellent choice for those on a ketogenic diet or avoiding gluten. You can also ask for it 'Animal Style' which includes mustard fried into the patty, pickles, and grilled onions.
- How to order: Simply say "Protein Style" when you order any burger.
- Customization: Add grilled onions, chopped chiles, or extra patties to your liking.
Five Guys
Known for their fresh, customizable burgers, Five Guys openly offers the option to replace the bun with a lettuce wrap. This is a great choice because their menu is built around customization, allowing you to load up on a variety of free toppings like grilled mushrooms, onions, and jalapeños. For those who prefer a fork and knife, they can also serve the burger in a bowl, allowing you to enjoy the patty and toppings as a salad.
- How to order: Request a "lettuce wrap" when placing your burger order.
- Customization: Choose from their wide selection of fresh toppings for a personalized, low-carb experience.
Shake Shack
Shake Shack is another popular chain that accommodates low-carb diets by offering bunless burgers. You can request any burger, including their classic ShackBurger or the SmokeShack with bacon, to be served wrapped in lettuce. Just like with other chains, opting for a lettuce wrap or going bunless significantly reduces the carbohydrate count, making it a viable keto choice. Be sure to specify a lettuce wrap, as some locations may offer gluten-free buns instead.
- How to order: Ask for a "lettuce wrap" or "no bun" with your burger.
- Customization: Load up on cheese, bacon, and other low-carb toppings. Avoid the 'Shroom Burger and veggie patties, as they contain high-carb fillers.
Wendy's
Wendy's makes it easy to stick to a low-carb diet by offering a "no bun" option for any of their sandwiches or burgers. Your order will be served in a bowl with a fork, or you can request it as a lettuce wrap. This is particularly useful for enjoying their signature items, like the Baconator or Dave's Double, in a low-carb format.
- How to order: Request "no bun" or a "lettuce wrap" for your burger.
- Customization: Add bacon, cheese, or avocado to boost fat content for a keto-friendly meal.
Carl's Jr. / Hardee's
Known for their substantial burgers, Carl's Jr. and its sister chain Hardee's offer a low-carb option, often referred to as a 'low-carb' or lettuce-wrapped burger. You can order any of their signature Angus burgers wrapped in fresh lettuce. This allows you to enjoy their chargrilled beef patty with all the toppings without the carbs.
- How to order: Ask for your burger "lettuce wrapped" or the "low-carb" version.
Sonic Drive-In
Sonic is another chain where it is possible to get a bunless burger. While not officially called 'protein style', asking for a bunless version of their burgers, like the Sonic Bacon Double Cheeseburger, is a recognized and accommodating request. For those who want more than just a patty, you can also get their breakfast burrito ingredients in a bowl without the tortilla.
- How to order: Request "no bun" for any burger or sandwich.
Fatburger
Fatburger explicitly mentions their "Lettuce Wrap Your Burger" option, making it a straightforward choice for those seeking low-carb alternatives. All of their beef and chicken sandwiches can be ordered this way, offering a gluten-free and bun-free meal that is high in protein.
- How to order: Ask to "Lettuce Wrap Your Burger".
Comparison of Protein-Style Fast Food Burgers
To help you decide where to get your next bun-free burger, here’s a comparison of the top fast-food chains.
| Restaurant | Ordering Method | Customization Level | Bun Replacement | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-N-Out | Ask for "Protein Style" | High (secret menu options) | Lettuce wrap | Well-known secret menu item, delicious grilled onions |
| Five Guys | Ask for "lettuce wrap" or "in a bowl" | Very High (extensive free toppings) | Lettuce wrap or bowl | Excellent fresh toppings, peanuts available |
| Shake Shack | Ask for "lettuce wrap" or "no bun" | High (add cheese, bacon, sauce) | Lettuce wrap or served bunless | Offers great signature sauce, high-quality beef |
| Wendy's | Ask for "no bun" or "lettuce wrap" | High (add toppings) | Lettuce wrap or in a bowl | Fresh, never frozen beef, classic options available bunless |
| Carl's Jr. | Ask for "low-carb" or "lettuce wrap" | Moderate | Lettuce wrap | Chargrilled Angus beef patties |
| Sonic | Ask for "no bun" | Moderate | In a container/bowl | Accommodates bunless requests across menu |
Tips for Ordering a Great Protein-Style Burger
- Ask for extra lettuce: Sometimes a single lettuce wrap can be flimsy. Asking for extra large leaves or a double-wrap can make your burger easier to hold and eat.
- Be specific: While "Protein Style" is widely understood at In-N-Out, using specific phrasing like "no bun, please, and can you wrap it in lettuce?" is helpful at other chains.
- Watch the sauce: Some sauces, like ketchup, are high in sugar. Be mindful and opt for low-carb alternatives like mustard, mayo, or a side of extra bacon or cheese to increase flavor without the carbs.
- Add toppings: Maximize your flavor by adding extra keto-friendly toppings like cheese, bacon, pickles, and grilled onions.
Conclusion: Finding the Right Protein-Style Burger for You
Whether you're following a specific low-carb plan or simply trying to cut down on your carbohydrate intake, knowing what fast food places do protein style burgers is a fantastic tool for healthier dining on the go. From In-N-Out's iconic 'Protein Style' to Wendy's versatile 'no bun' option, there are plenty of satisfying choices available. Simply remember to ask for your burger without the bun and customize it with fresh, low-carb friendly toppings for a delicious and guilt-free fast food meal. It's a simple hack that proves you don't have to compromise your nutritional goals just because you're in a hurry.
For more nutritional information on making healthier fast food choices, consider exploring resources from reputable sources like the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
