How to Order Low Carb at Freddy's
For anyone following a low-carb diet like keto, enjoying a meal at a fast-food chain can feel challenging. However, Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers offers several accommodating options with a simple menu modification: ordering any sandwich as a lettuce wrap. This straightforward request eliminates the high-carb bun, allowing you to enjoy the savory flavors of their steakburgers, grilled chicken, and hot dogs while keeping your carb count in check. This approach is not only recognized but officially supported by the restaurant.
Customizable Low-Carb Main Courses
The most popular and versatile low-carb choices at Freddy's revolve around their protein offerings. The key to success is building your meal around a lettuce wrap and selecting your toppings wisely.
Lettuce-Wrapped Steakburgers Freddy's signature steakburgers are a perfect foundation for a low-carb meal. By swapping the bun for a crisp lettuce wrap, you can enjoy a hearty and flavorful burger with minimal carbohydrates. A single lettuce-wrapped steakburger with cheese contains roughly 3g net carbs. This makes it a filling and satisfying option. You can also opt for variations like the lettuce-wrapped Bacon Steakburger or the California-Style Steakburger, which only add a few net carbs per serving. For an even heartier meal, you can ask for a double or triple patty.
Lettuce-Wrapped Grilled Chicken Craving something other than beef? The lettuce-wrapped grilled chicken breast sandwich is an excellent lean and low-carb choice. With only about 3g net carbs, this option is high in protein and comes with juicy grilled chicken, lettuce, and tomato.
Bunless Hot Dogs For those who enjoy a classic American hot dog, you can simply order it without the bun. Freddy's serves all-beef hot dogs, which, when bunless and dressed with low-carb condiments like plain yellow mustard, are a safe bet for a low-carb meal. Avoid the chili cheese dog, even when bunless, as the chili and cheese can significantly increase the carb count.
Low-Carb Toppings and Condiments
Customizing your low-carb meal with the right toppings and condiments can elevate the flavor without adding unnecessary carbs. Here's a breakdown of the best choices:
- Zero Carb Options:
- Mustard
- Mayonnaise
- Bacon
- Pickles
- Sport Peppers
 
- Low Carb Options:
- American, Swiss, or Monterey-Cheddar Cheese (1g net carbs or less)
- Tomato (1g net carbs)
- Onions or Grilled Onions (2g net carbs)
- Jalapeños (1g net carbs)
- Hatch Green Chiles (2g net carbs)
 
Condiments like Freddy's Fry Sauce should be used sparingly as they contain a few carbs per ounce.
Low-Carb Side Dishes
Navigating the side dish menu requires careful consideration, as most options like fries and onion rings are high in carbs.
- Mott's Natural Applesauce: This is one of the only explicitly low-carb side dishes available, though it does contain some sugar.
- Baked Lay's: A bag of Baked Lay's contains 22g of carbs, making it a better option than the regular fries but still high in carbohydrates for a strict keto diet.
What to Avoid
To stay on track with your low-carb diet, it's crucial to avoid certain items and potential pitfalls:
- All Buns and Bread Products: The most important rule for ordering low-carb at Freddy's is to skip the bun. This includes all sandwiches and hot dogs. Always ask for a lettuce wrap or to have your order bunless.
- Fried Foods: The signature shoestring fries, cheese curds, and onion rings are all high in carbohydrates and fried in oil, which may contain gluten or other allergens depending on the location.
- Custard and Frozen Treats: Freddy's is famous for its frozen custard, but these desserts are high in sugar and carbs and should be avoided entirely on a low-carb diet.
- Crispy Chicken Sandwich: Even when ordered as a lettuce wrap, the crispy coating on the chicken adds a significant amount of carbs.
- Chili: While some components of the chili are low-carb, the entire dish contains too many carbohydrates for most keto diets.
Comparison of Freddy's Low-Carb Entrées
| Item (Lettuce Wrap) | Calories | Total Fat (g) | Net Carbs (g) | Protein (g) | Key Feature | 
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Steakburger w/ Cheese | 280 | 19 | 3 | 24 | Classic beef patty | 
| Grilled Chicken Breast | 170 | 3.5 | 3 | 31 | Leanest protein option | 
| Single Bacon Steakburger w/ Cheese | 350 | 24 | 3 | 29 | Adds smoky bacon flavor | 
| Hot Dog (Bunless) | 170 | 14 | 2 | 8 | Simple and classic | 
Conclusion
Freddy's proves that you don't have to sacrifice flavor for a low-carb lifestyle. By making a few simple substitutions, like opting for a lettuce wrap instead of a bun, you can turn many of their menu items into a satisfying, low-carb meal. Focusing on steakburgers, grilled chicken, and bunless hot dogs, along with careful selection of toppings, will allow you to enjoy your meal while staying on track. While the frozen treats are off-limits, the ability to customize your savory meal provides plenty of delicious options. For specific nutritional details on ingredients, always check the official Freddy's Nutrition and Allergens Page.