Your Smartest Order: The Little Cheeseburger
When seeking the healthiest cheeseburger at Five Guys, the Little Cheeseburger is your non-negotiable starting point. This is because a standard Five Guys cheeseburger comes with two patties, whereas the "little" version has only one. This single decision immediately cuts a substantial number of calories, fat, and sodium from your meal. But don't stop there. The real health upgrade comes from customizing your order with the free toppings provided.
The Importance of Customizing Your Toppings
Five Guys offers a plethora of free toppings, ranging from calorie-dense mayonnaise to fresh, crisp vegetables. The key to creating a healthy burger is to lean heavily on the veggie options while avoiding the high-fat and high-sugar condiments. Fresh veggies like lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and green peppers add bulk and nutrients with minimal calories. Grilled mushrooms and onions also provide great flavor for a small caloric cost. Conversely, a single serving of mayonnaise can add over 100 calories, and barbecue sauce adds unnecessary sugar.
Bunless vs. Standard Bun
For those on a keto or low-carb diet, or simply looking to cut even more calories, ordering a bunless cheeseburger is the way to go. Five Guys offers a lettuce wrap or a bowl for this purpose. A Little Cheeseburger served bunless reduces the carb and calorie count even further. A bunless Little Cheeseburger contains approximately 290 calories, a significant drop from the 550 calories of the standard version with a bun. This is an effective strategy for keeping your meal light and nutrient-focused.
Comparison Table: Standard vs. Healthy Five Guys Cheeseburger
| Feature | Standard Cheeseburger (with default toppings)* | Healthiest Cheeseburger Option (customized) |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Two beef patties on a bun | One beef patty (Little Cheeseburger) in a lettuce wrap |
| Calories | ~840 calories | ~290 calories |
| Fat | ~55g | ~23g |
| Saturated Fat | High (not specified) | Lower (not specified) |
| Sodium | ~1050mg | ~360mg |
| Toppings | Mayonnaise, Ketchup, Lettuce, Tomato, Pickles, Grilled Onions, Grilled Mushrooms | Lettuce, Tomatoes, Onions, Pickles, Jalapeño Peppers, Hot Sauce, Mustard |
*Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific toppings selected.
Actionable Steps for a Healthier Order
- Start Small: Always choose the “little” version of any burger to get a single patty instead of two.
- Go Bunless: Swap the bun for a fresh lettuce wrap to reduce carbs and calories significantly.
- Embrace the Veggies: Load up on fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, onions, green peppers, and jalapeños. These add volume, texture, and flavor with very few calories.
- Watch the Sauces: Be mindful of high-calorie and high-sugar condiments like mayonnaise, ketchup, and barbecue sauce. Stick to mustard or hot sauce for a lower-calorie flavor boost.
- Skip the Fries and Shakes: While delicious, Five Guys fries are cooked in peanut oil and are very high in calories and fat. Milkshakes are also extremely calorie-dense. Choose water or a diet soda instead.
Conclusion
By making a few strategic modifications, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying cheeseburger at Five Guys without completely derailing your dietary goals. The foundation of a healthy Five Guys cheeseburger is the Little Cheeseburger, customized with a lettuce wrap and fresh vegetable toppings. This approach gives you all the flavor of the hand-formed patty while dramatically cutting down on calories, fat, and sodium. It proves that with smart choices, you can navigate the fast-food landscape and make it work for a healthier lifestyle.
Here is a link to Five Guys' official allergen and nutrition guide.
Healthy Cheeseburger Customization Tips
To build the healthiest cheeseburger at Five Guys, start with the smallest option and modify your toppings wisely. This list provides some of the lowest-calorie and most flavorful toppings you can add to your Little Cheeseburger:
- Lettuce: Adds crunch and volume for only 5 calories.
- Tomatoes: Fresh and juicy, adding just 10 calories.
- Onions (raw): Provides a sharp flavor for only 10 calories.
- Grilled Onions: Sweet and savory, also just 10 calories.
- Jalapeño Peppers: Adds a spicy kick with very few calories.
- Green Peppers: A fresh, crunchy addition for just 5 calories.
- Mushrooms: Sautéed for a savory, meaty flavor for 20 calories.
- Mustard: A flavorful, zero-calorie condiment option.
- Hot Sauce: Another low-calorie way to add heat and flavor.
