Your Bunless Guide to the Lowest Carbs at Arby's
For anyone on a low-carb, keto, or other carbohydrate-restricted diet, navigating a fast-food menu can feel like a minefield. The good news is that Arby's, with its focus on slow-roasted meats, offers several excellent options, provided you know how to order strategically. The number one rule for keeping carbs at bay is to eliminate the bread entirely. Arby's offers a variety of protein-packed items that, once stripped of their carb-heavy buns, breading, and sugary sauces, become perfectly viable for a low-carb lifestyle.
The Lowest Carb Items at a Glance
When aiming for the lowest possible carb count, your best bets are the meat and a side salad. While a standard sandwich is loaded with carbs from the bun, the meat and cheese are typically very low in carbohydrates. This is why a simple customization can make all the difference.
- Classic Roast Beef (No Bun): When the bun and high-sugar sauces are removed, the protein-rich roast beef offers an exceptionally low carb count. Some reports show a bunless version with as little as 1g net carb.
- Jalapeño Roast Beef Slider (No Bun): Just like the full-size sandwiches, ordering this slider bunless provides a small, flavorful, and incredibly low-carb snack or meal component.
- Roast Chicken Entrée Salad (No Dressing): With 5g net carbs, this salad is another great low-carb option, as long as you skip the high-carb dressings. It provides protein from the roast chicken and fiber from the vegetables.
- Side Salad (No Dressing): At just 3g net carbs, this is the lowest carb side option available, offering a simple way to add some greens to your meal.
Mastering the Bunless Strategy
The most effective method for drastically reducing carbs at Arby's is to go bunless. Simply ask for your sandwich without the bread. Most locations are accustomed to this request and will serve the fillings in a container. You can then use the included vegetables or lettuce to create your own wrap-style meal. This strategy applies to virtually any sandwich on the menu, transforming high-carb meals into keto-friendly alternatives.
A Low-Carb Order for Popular Sandwiches
- Classic Beef 'N Cheddar: Ask for a Classic Beef 'N Cheddar without the onion roll and without the Red Ranch sauce. Enjoy the meat and melted cheese in a cup.
- Smokehouse Brisket: Order the Smokehouse Brisket without the bun, onion strings, and BBQ sauce. Enjoy the savory brisket itself.
- Roast Turkey: The Roast Turkey sandwich can also be made low-carb by forgoing the bread. Just be mindful of the dressings used, as some ranch variants contain sugar.
Navigating Salads and Sides for Minimal Carbs
While salads seem like a healthy choice, they can be surprisingly high in carbs due to sugary dressings and toppings. To keep your salad low-carb, follow these guidelines:
- Choose the Right Salad: Stick to the Roast Chicken Entrée Salad or the Side Salad.
- Skip High-Carb Dressings: Avoid buttermilk ranch or other creamy, sugary dressings. Instead, consider bringing your own low-carb dressing or asking for a simple oil and vinegar mix. Always check the official nutrition guide for dressing carb counts.
- Be Aware of Toppings: Some toppings, like croutons, are obvious carb sources. Ensure your salad is ordered without them.
Comparison Table: Standard vs. Low-Carb Order
| Item | Standard Carbs (with bun) | Low-Carb Carbs (no bun) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Roast Beef | 37g | Approx. 1g | 36g |
| Classic Beef 'N Cheddar | 45g | Approx. 1-2g | 43g |
| Jalapeño Roast Beef Slider | 21g | Approx. 1g | 20g |
| Roast Chicken Entrée Salad | N/A (sold as salad) | Approx. 5g (no dressing) | N/A |
Low-Carb Sauces, Drinks, and What to Avoid
Condiments can quickly add hidden carbs. Here is a quick breakdown to help you choose wisely:
- Low-Carb Sauces: Arby's Sauce and Horsey Sauce add small amounts of carbs (3g per packet) and can be used sparingly. Yellow mustard is also a safe choice.
- High-Carb Sauces to Avoid: Red Ranch sauce (5g carbs) and BBQ sauce are typically high in sugar and should be avoided.
- Low-Carb Drinks: Stick to water, unsweetened iced tea, or Diet Coke products to prevent added sugars and carbs.
- High-Carb Drinks to Avoid: Milkshakes and regular sodas are high in sugar and should be avoided.
Creating a Satisfying Low-Carb Meal
By following the 'bunless' rule and making smart choices, you can build a satisfying meal. A bunless Classic Roast Beef with a side salad (no dressing) provides a balanced combination of protein and fiber without the excess carbohydrates. You can also mix things up by having a bunless Jalapeño Roast Beef Slider as a smaller portion. The key is to think of the menu in terms of its individual components—the meat, cheese, and vegetables—and build your meal from there.
Conclusion: Making Smart Choices at Arby's
In conclusion, the lowest-carb items at Arby's are the bunless sandwiches and salads with no dressing. By understanding which components to avoid—namely, the bread, sugary sauces, and high-carb sides—you can easily create a low-carb, high-protein meal. A bunless Classic Roast Beef is arguably the single lowest-carb main dish, but with careful modifications, many of the menu's signature items can be enjoyed. The flexibility of ordering without the bun is your most powerful tool for staying on track with your dietary goals while enjoying a quick meal on the go.
