Understanding the Arby's No Bun Option
The Arby's "no bun" option refers to the practice of ordering any sandwich on their menu without the bread, making it a low-carb and keto-friendly meal. This simple modification allows diners to enjoy the flavorful meats and toppings that Arby's is famous for while avoiding the high-carbohydrate content of the bun. The key is to be specific when ordering, and most locations are accustomed to this type of request. This is particularly helpful for individuals on the ketogenic diet, which requires a very low daily carbohydrate intake, or for those with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity.
How to Successfully Order No Bun at Arby's
Ordering an Arby's meal without the bun is a straightforward process, but a few tips can ensure a seamless experience:
- State your request clearly: When placing your order, simply say, “I’ll have the [Sandwich Name] without the bun.” For example, “I’ll have the Half Pound Roast Beef without the bun.”
- Specify serving style: Sometimes, the meat and toppings will be placed in a bowl or a platter. You can also ask for the meal to be served in a lettuce wrap, though this is not always a standard offering. The best practice is to order and bring your own lettuce or simply use a fork.
- Request a box or bowl: A box is a great way to keep the components of your bunless sandwich contained, especially for saucier items like the Beef 'N Cheddar. Alternatively, ask for a side salad bowl to serve as a base.
- Be mindful of sauces: While the bun is the primary carb source, some sauces contain added sugar. For low-carb eating, it is best to stick to classic Arby's and Horsey sauces, but always check the nutritional information if you are strict on your carb count. Many low-carb eaters suggest skipping the sweet Red Ranch on the Beef 'N Cheddar.
Great Arby's Menu Items for No Bun Ordering
Not all sandwiches are created equal for the "no bun" experience. Here are some of the best choices for a successful low-carb meal:
- Classic Roast Beef: A simple, solid choice. The thinly sliced roast beef is the star, and it pairs well with Horsey or Arby's sauce.
- Double Beef 'N Cheddar: By ditching the onion roll and Red Ranch, you can enjoy a hearty, savory meal of roast beef and cheddar cheese sauce.
- Smokehouse Brisket: The tender brisket is packed with flavor, and without the bun, it becomes a perfect high-protein, low-carb main dish.
- Half Pound Roast Beef: For a bigger meal, the half-pound version provides even more of Arby's signature roast beef.
- Roast Chicken Entrée Salad (no dressing): While not a traditional sandwich, this is another excellent option. You can add the meat from a bunless sandwich to it for a more substantial meal.
A Comparison of Popular No-Bun Options
| Arby's Item | Carbs (Approx., Bun Excluded) | Recommended Sauces | Best Accompanied With |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Roast Beef | Very Low | Arby's Sauce, Horsey Sauce | Side Salad (No Dressing) |
| Double Beef 'N Cheddar | Medium (Cheddar Sauce) | Skip Red Ranch | Extra Cheese Sauce (Mindful of carbs) |
| Half Pound Roast Beef | Very Low | Arby's Sauce, Horsey Sauce | Side Salad or by itself |
| Smokehouse Brisket | Low | BBQ Sauce (Check carbs) | Side Salad |
| Roast Chicken Salad | Low (Before dressing) | Arby's Sauce | Extra Roast Chicken |
What to Avoid with a No Bun Order
While almost any sandwich can be modified, some items require more scrutiny. Stay away from breaded items like the Crispy Chicken, and be cautious with sauces that contain high sugar content. Also, avoid all bun-related sides like fries and potato cakes. The Greek Gyro can be ordered without the pita, but be aware of the carb content in the tzatziki sauce.
Making Your Arby's No Bun Meal More Exciting
Removing the bun doesn't mean your meal has to be boring. Here are some ways to enhance your no-bun Arby's experience:
- Add Extra Toppings: Ask for extra lettuce, tomato, or onions to add more texture and volume to your meal. You can even request a side of Arby's sauce to drizzle over the top.
- Use it as a salad topper: A creative and delicious option is to order your favorite meat without the bun and place it on top of a side salad. This adds a substantial protein boost to an otherwise light side dish.
- DIY Lettuce Wraps: If your local Arby's doesn't offer lettuce wraps, you can bring your own large lettuce leaves (like iceberg or romaine) to wrap the meat and toppings yourself.
- Order Multiple Sliders: The sliders, such as the Jalapeño Roast Beef Slider, are naturally smaller portions. Ordering several bun-less sliders can create a more substantial and varied low-carb meal.
Conclusion
The Arby's "no bun" option is a simple yet effective way for diners to customize their fast-food experience to align with their dietary needs, whether for low-carb, keto, or gluten-free lifestyles. By understanding which menu items work best and how to order them, you can enjoy a satisfying and delicious meal without the bread. Remember to be specific with your order, check the nutritional information for sauces if you are being extra careful, and don't be afraid to get creative with your meal to make it more exciting. With a little knowledge, you can enjoy the famous meats at Arby's without compromising your health goals. For more detailed nutrition information, always consult the official Arby's nutritional guide available on their website.
What is the Arby's no bun option?
Heading: Customizing your Arby's order for dietary needs.
Heading: Simply request any sandwich without the bread.
Heading: Great for low-carb, keto, or gluten-free diets.
Heading: Order meats like roast beef or brisket bun-less.
Heading: Consider pairing with a side salad or creating lettuce wraps.
Heading: Watch out for sugary sauces; stick with classic options.
Heading: Most Arby's are familiar with and accommodate these requests.
FAQs
question: How do I order a sandwich without a bun at Arby's? answer: Simply state your request clearly to the cashier or drive-thru operator by saying, "I'll have the [Sandwich Name] without the bun." For example, "I'll have the Classic Roast Beef without the bun."
question: Is the Arby's no bun option suitable for a keto diet? answer: Yes, the Arby's no bun option is highly suitable for a keto diet, as it eliminates the main source of carbohydrates. You should also be mindful of sugary sauces to maintain a low-carb count.
question: What are the best no-bun items to order at Arby's? answer: The best items include any of the roast beef sandwiches (like the Classic or Half Pound), the Smokehouse Brisket, and the Roast Chicken Entrée Salad (without dressing). The Beef 'N Cheddar is also a popular choice, though you may want to skip the red ranch sauce.
question: Will Arby's serve my no-bun sandwich in a bowl? answer: In most cases, yes. Most Arby's locations will serve the meat and toppings in a container or on a platter, making it easy to eat with a fork. You can also specifically ask for a bowl or a side salad bowl.
question: Does Arby's offer lettuce wraps for no-bun sandwiches? answer: Offering lettuce wraps is not a standard service across all locations, so it's best to check with your specific restaurant. However, bringing your own lettuce leaves to create a wrap is a common and easy workaround.
question: Are all sauces keto-friendly with the no-bun option? answer: Not all sauces are keto-friendly, as some contain added sugars. Horsey Sauce and classic Arby's Sauce are generally fine, but for items like the Beef 'N Cheddar, it is often recommended to skip the sweet Red Ranch sauce to minimize carbs.
question: Does it cost less to order a sandwich without a bun at Arby's? answer: It's unlikely you will be charged less for removing the bun. The price is typically determined by the sandwich as a whole, and customizations like removing the bun do not affect the base price.
question: Can I get the gyro meat at Arby's without the pita? answer: Yes, you can order the gyro meat without the pita. However, be aware that the tzatziki sauce contains carbs, so you may need to check the nutritional information or ask for it on the side to manage your intake.
