Your Low Carb Guide to In-N-Out's Secret Menu
For those seeking a low-carb alternative at In-N-Out, understanding the secret menu is key. The most popular bun-free option is the "Protein Style" burger, but it's not the only one available. You can also order the famously simple "Flying Dutchman" or customize your meal with various low-carb toppings and modifications. By knowing how to navigate these choices, you can enjoy a satisfying fast-food experience that aligns with your dietary needs.
The Protein Style Burger: What It Is and How to Order
In-N-Out's "Protein Style" burger is a straightforward concept: any standard burger is made with large, crisp lettuce leaves replacing the traditional bun. This simple substitution dramatically reduces the carbohydrate content while preserving the classic flavor. You can order any burger, from a simple Hamburger to a massive 4x4, "Protein Style". The lettuce wrap provides a refreshing crunch and keeps the burger together surprisingly well.
To order, simply ask for your desired burger "Protein Style." For example, "One cheeseburger, Protein Style" or "A Double-Double, Protein Style". For a truly keto-friendly meal, be mindful of the spread, which contains some sugar. To minimize carbs further, you can order it with no spread, adding mustard and ketchup instead, or ask for a packet of spread on the side to control the portion.
Flying Dutchman: The Ultimate Keto Purist's Choice
The "Flying Dutchman" is another secret menu option that is inherently low-carb. It consists of two beef patties with two slices of cheese melted between them, with no bun or vegetables whatsoever. It's a simple, high-protein, and satisfying option perfect for those on a ketogenic diet. While it's a departure from a traditional burger experience, many find it delicious in its simplicity.
For those who find the plain Flying Dutchman too bare, you can add mustard, grilled onions, or pickles for extra flavor. A popular modification is to order it "mustard-fried," where the patties are grilled with mustard for a zesty kick, and then have grilled onions added.
Customizing Your Low-Carb Order
Personalizing your low-carb In-N-Out burger is easy and allows for more variety. Consider these options to enhance your meal:
- Add grilled onions: Request "add grilled onions" to your Protein Style or Flying Dutchman for a sweeter, more caramelized flavor.
- Animal Style without the bun: You can request any burger be made "Animal Style" and "Protein Style." This adds pickles, extra spread, and mustard-fried patties with grilled onions, all wrapped in lettuce.
- Mustard-fried patties: For a savory boost, ask for your patties to be "mustard-fried" when ordering either Protein Style or Flying Dutchman.
- Swap the spread: The traditional spread has some carbs. Ask for mustard, ketchup, or packets of spread on the side to control your intake.
- Peppers: Some locations offer yellow chili peppers upon request, adding a spicy kick to your low-carb burger.
Nutritional Comparison: Protein Style vs. Traditional
By forgoing the bun, the nutritional profile of an In-N-Out burger changes significantly. The table below illustrates the approximate difference between a standard Double-Double and its Protein Style counterpart, based on company nutritional info and estimations.
| Feature | Double-Double (Standard) | Double-Double (Protein Style) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | Approx. 39g | Approx. 11g | Significant Reduction |
| Calories | Approx. 670 kcal | Approx. 520 kcal | ~22% Reduction |
| Fat | Approx. 41g | Approx. 39g | Slight Reduction |
| Protein | Approx. 37g | Approx. 33g | Slight Reduction |
| Serving Size | On bun | Lettuce wrap | Format Change |
It is clear that switching to the Protein Style option provides a substantial reduction in carbohydrates and calories, making it a much more suitable choice for low-carb diets.
A Simple Guide to Your Next Low-Carb In-N-Out Order
- Choose your base: Decide if you want a burger (Hamburger, Cheeseburger, Double-Double) or a Flying Dutchman.
- Specify "Protein Style" or "Flying Dutchman": Clearly state your order to ensure the bun is omitted and it's wrapped in lettuce.
- Add flavor modifiers: Request options like "mustard-fried" patties or "add grilled onions".
- Consider Animal Style customization: If you want the full Animal Style experience without the bun, make sure to specify both "Animal Style" and "Protein Style".
- Be mindful of the spread: Request no spread or a packet on the side if you are strict on carbs.
Conclusion
In-N-Out makes adhering to a low-carb diet straightforward with its accommodating and well-known secret menu options. The "Protein Style" burger, a lettuce-wrapped version of their standard fare, offers a flavorful and crunch-filled alternative to the traditional bun. For the carb-conscious purist, the "Flying Dutchman" provides a direct meat-and-cheese fix. By leveraging these options and the various customizations like grilled onions and mustard-fried patties, diners can enjoy a classic In-N-Out experience without derailing their dietary goals. It’s a testament to the chain's flexibility that a tasty and satisfying low-carb meal is always within reach. For more details, consult the official In-N-Out nutrition information on their website.
Customizing Your Order for Ultimate Flavor
Beyond the basic Protein Style, here's how to elevate your low-carb burger experience at In-N-Out:
- Mustard-Fried: Get that tangy, savory flavor cooked right into your beef patty by asking for it to be "mustard-fried." This simple tweak dramatically enhances the taste.
- Grilled Onions: Sweet, caramelized onions add depth to any burger. Request "add grilled onions" to your lettuce-wrapped creation.
- Extra Toppings: Don't forget the pickles and tomatoes. These are standard with a Protein Style order but can be adjusted to your liking.
- Chili Peppers: For a spicy kick, ask for chopped yellow chili peppers. They are available at many locations and can be a game-changer.
Note: For those with strict dietary requirements, always specify "no spread" as the special sauce contains sugar. Using mustard and ketchup as alternatives or requesting spread on the side is the safest bet.
