Your Healthiest Five Guys Order is a Customized One
Five Guys is renowned for its delicious, customizable burgers, fries, and milkshakes, but this customization also allows for healthier choices. The key is understanding how each component impacts the overall nutritional profile. While you won't find a traditional 'health food' menu here, you can build a meal that aligns better with your dietary goals by swapping high-calorie components for lighter options.
The Healthiest Menu Bases
The foundation of a healthier Five Guys meal starts with the base. Instead of automatically choosing a double-patty burger on a bun, consider these alternatives.
The Veggie Sandwich: The Lowest-Calorie Base
The Veggie Sandwich is arguably the single healthiest item on the menu, starting at just 280 calories before customization. It includes grilled onions, mushrooms, green peppers, lettuce, and tomatoes on a standard bun. For an even lighter version, you can order it without cheese or mayonnaise. This option is perfect for vegetarians and anyone looking for a fresh, lower-calorie meal that still feels substantial. Loading it with extra vegetables adds volume and nutrients with minimal caloric impact.
Bunless Burgers: The Keto-Friendly Choice
For those seeking a low-carb, high-protein meal, the "burger bowl" or a lettuce-wrapped burger is the best strategy. By asking for your burger without a bun, you save approximately 240 calories and 39 grams of carbohydrates from the bread alone.
- Bunless Little Hamburger: With just one patty, this bunless option is the leanest burger, starting around 220 calories. It provides a solid 16 grams of protein for a satisfying, low-calorie meal. Adding plenty of low-cal toppings makes it more filling.
- Burger Bowl: You can order any burger, dog, or sandwich as a bowl, served in an aluminum container with your chosen toppings. This makes a keto-friendly meal easy and mess-free. You can customize a Little Cheeseburger bowl for around 290 calories, plus toppings.
Strategic Topping Choices
Five Guys offers an array of free toppings, allowing you to control the calories and enhance the flavor of your meal. The right toppings can turn a simple patty into a delicious and nutritious dish.
Best Low-Calorie Toppings
- Vegetables: Load up on fresh, hand-cut vegetables like lettuce (3 cal), tomatoes (10 cal), and raw onions (10 cal). Grilled onions (10 cal), grilled mushrooms (20 cal), green peppers (5 cal), and fresh jalapeños (5 cal) add flavor without many calories.
- Condiments: Choose zero-calorie condiments like mustard and hot sauce to add a kick without the calorie cost.
Toppings to Use Sparingly or Avoid
- Mayonnaise: Adds 110 calories per serving.
- Cheese: One slice adds 70 calories.
- Bacon: Two strips add 70 calories.
- Relish & Ketchup: While not as high in calories, these contain added sugar.
Menu Items to Avoid for Calorie Management
For most people watching their calorie intake, some menu items should be skipped entirely. The notoriously generous portions of fries and high-sugar milkshakes are the primary culprits. A single large milkshake can contain over 1,000 calories with mix-ins, and even a 'Little Fries' order has over 500 calories. Sharing a small portion of fries is the most sensible approach if you must have them.
The Healthiest Five Guys Options: A Comparison
Here’s a look at how different menu choices stack up nutritionally, illustrating the impact of strategic ordering. Values are approximate and may vary.
| Menu Item | Calories | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bunless Little Hamburger | ~220 | 17 | 0 | 16 |
| Veggie Sandwich (no cheese/mayo) | ~280 | 15 | 60 | 16 |
| Bunless Little Cheeseburger | ~290 | 23 | 1 | 20 |
| Standard Hamburger (on bun) | ~540 | 26 | 39 | 23 |
| Regular Bacon Cheeseburger | >1000 | >60 | >40 | >40 |
This table clearly shows that ordering a bunless or veggie option is the most effective way to manage calories and carbs.
Conclusion: Savor the Flavor, Not the Calories
It is entirely possible to enjoy a satisfying meal at Five Guys without consuming an entire day's worth of calories. The healthiest thing to get at Five Guys is a customized bunless burger or the Veggie Sandwich. By forgoing the bun, skipping the fries, and loading up on fresh vegetable toppings, you can enjoy the quality ingredients Five Guys is known for while staying on track with your health goals. A little planning goes a long way toward making a smart, guilt-free fast-food choice.
For more detailed nutritional information, check out the official Five Guys nutrition and allergen guide.
