What has the most calories at Five Guys?

December 5, 2025 •

4 min read

Five Guys is famous for its massive burgers and generous portions of fries, and with that, a high-calorie count often follows. A single Large Fry, for example, can contain over 1,300 calories, making it a serious contender for the most caloric item on the menu.

Quick Summary

The highest single-item calorie count at Five Guys belongs to the Large Fries, which significantly exceeds the standard Bacon Cheeseburger. Menu customizations, like adding multiple milkshake mix-ins, can push other items even higher, but the fries stand out as the base winner.

Key Points

The Largest Fries are the highest calorie single item: With around 1,314 calories, the Large Fries often contain more calories than a standard Bacon Cheeseburger.
Toppings increase the calorie count significantly: Items with free toppings can become extremely high in calories, especially when adding fatty sauces like mayonnaise or extra cheese.
Customized Milkshakes are also high in calories: While the base shake is already high, adding mix-ins like peanut butter and Oreos can push a shake's total to over 1,000 calories.
Cooking method affects calorie density: The use of peanut oil to cook the fries adds a substantial amount of fat and calories.
Portion size is a key factor: The generous servings, especially for fries, are a major contributor to the overall high caloric content.
Lighter options are available: You can make healthier choices by ordering 'Little' versions, opting for bunless items, and choosing veggie toppings.

The Surprising Calorie King

When thinking about the highest-calorie item at Five Guys, most people's minds go straight to the loaded Bacon Cheeseburger. However, a look at the nutritional information reveals a different, more surprising truth. The Large Fries, served in a cup and featuring a 'topper' overflowing into the bag, holds the title for the most caloric single item on the menu.

The Large Fries: A Calorie Giant

Five Guys' fries are cooked in pure peanut oil, which contributes significantly to their high fat and calorie content. The calorie count for a standard Large Fries is 1,314, based on various nutritional data aggregators. This number is for the basic 'Five Guys Style' fries and can vary slightly based on the amount of salt and oil absorbed. The Cajun-style large fries are also comparably high in calories. The sheer volume of potatoes and the cooking method combine to create a calorie powerhouse that can rival an entire main course at many other restaurants.

Burgers and Shakes: Not Far Behind

While the Large Fries takes the top spot for a single menu item, many customizable options offer the potential for an even higher calorie count. The standard Bacon Cheeseburger comes with two patties, cheese, and bacon, totaling around 1,060 calories without any extra toppings. But customers can add unlimited, free toppings. High-calorie options like mayonnaise add 100 calories per serving, pushing the burger's total even higher. Similarly, the Five Guys Milkshake base starts at around 670 calories and can be customized with various mix-ins. Adding options like peanut butter (322 calories) or Oreo® cookies (120 calories) can quickly push a shake's total well over 1,000 calories.

Calorie Comparison: Highest-Ranking Items

To put these numbers into perspective, here is a comparison table of some of the highest-calorie menu items at Five Guys:


Menu Item	Base Calories	Notes on Customization
Large Fries	~1,314	Calories are for the standard size; Cajun style is similar.
Bacon Cheeseburger	~1,060	Add-ons like mayonnaise, extra cheese, and bacon increase this significantly.
Milkshake (Customized)	670+	The base is 670 calories, with mix-ins potentially adding hundreds more.
Cheeseburger	~980	Two patties and cheese, plus free toppings.
Bacon Burger	~920	Two patties and bacon, plus free toppings.

Deconstructing the Calorie Count

Several factors contribute to Five Guys' notoriously high calorie counts. Understanding these can help in making more informed choices.

Why are the Fries so High in Calories?

Portion Size: Five Guys is known for its generous portions. A 'Large' is genuinely large, with a significant amount of fries spilling into the bag.
Cooking Method: The fries are cooked in peanut oil, which, while lending a distinctive flavor, adds a substantial amount of fat and calories to the final product.
Surface Area: The smaller, crispy pieces of fries absorb more oil during the cooking process, increasing their caloric density.

How Toppings Multiply Calories

Five Guys' 'unlimited toppings' policy is part of its appeal but also a key reason for high calorie customization. Adding multiple high-fat sauces like mayonnaise, extra cheese, or a third bacon strip can balloon the calorie and saturated fat content of a burger. For instance, a single serving of mayonnaise can add over 100 calories, and with unlimited options, it's easy to add several hundred extra calories to your meal without realizing it.

How to Enjoy Five Guys with Fewer Calories

It is possible to enjoy a Five Guys meal while managing calorie intake. Consider the following tips:

Opt for a 'Little' item: The 'Little Hamburger' has a single patty and is a far less caloric option than its double-patty counterparts.
Share the fries: Given their high calorie count, splitting an order of fries with a friend is an excellent way to reduce your intake.
Choose lower-calorie toppings: Load up on fresh veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, and grilled onions instead of mayonnaise or extra cheese.
Consider a bunless option: All Five Guys burgers and dogs can be served bunless, which significantly reduces the carbohydrate and calorie content.
Be selective with shake mix-ins: The milkshake base is already high in calories. Adding a single mix-in is a better option than several high-calorie additions.

Conclusion

While the Bacon Cheeseburger is certainly a high-calorie menu item, the honor for the most caloric single item goes to the Large Fries. A combination of large portion sizes and cooking techniques drives the exceptionally high calorie counts for many Five Guys products. By being mindful of your choices, opting for smaller portions, and using lower-calorie toppings, you can still enjoy the Five Guys experience without overindulging. For precise nutritional information and customized meals, a nutrition calculator can be a helpful tool.

An official Five Guys nutrition calculator can provide an even more specific breakdown for your customized order, helping you to make the most informed choices during your next visit Five Guys nutrition calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

The highest calorie single item on the Five Guys menu is typically the Large Fries, which contains approximately 1,314 calories.

A standard Five Guys Bacon Cheeseburger contains around 1,060 calories, though this can increase with additional toppings.

Yes, it is possible for a highly customized Five Guys milkshake with several high-calorie mix-ins, like peanut butter and Oreo® cookies, to surpass the calorie count of some burgers.

A large order of fries at Five Guys is higher in calories than most of the standard burgers, including the Bacon Cheeseburger.

The high calorie counts are largely due to generous portion sizes, especially for the fries, and the cooking method that uses peanut oil.

For a lower-calorie burger, you can choose the 'Little Hamburger' with a single patty, or opt for any burger served bunless.

To significantly reduce calories, avoid high-fat and high-sugar toppings such as mayonnaise, extra cheese, and additional bacon. Stick with vegetable-based toppings instead.