Yes, Fatburger does offer lettuce wraps as a lower carb alternative to their signature burger buns. Customers can request any of Fatburger’s burgers to be served in a large leaf of iceberg lettuce in place of the standard bun. This allows burger lovers to enjoy the juicy patties and toppings of a Fatburger without the added carbs and calories of the bun.
Quick Answers
Does Fatburger have lettuce wrap options? Yes, Fatburger allows customers to substitute lettuce wraps for buns on all their burgers.
What types of lettuce does Fatburger use for lettuce wraps? Fatburger uses iceberg lettuce leaves for their lettuce wraps.
Is there an added cost for getting a lettuce wrap instead of a bun at Fatburger? No, there is no additional charge for substituting a lettuce wrap.
Can you get any burger as a lettuce wrap at Fatburger? Yes, Fatburger allows lettuce wraps instead of buns on all burgers.
Does Fatburger have low carb or keto menu options? Beyond lettuce wraps, Fatburger does not have specifically low carb menu items, but most burgers can be made into lettuce wrap versions.
The Origins of Fatburger
Fatburger first opened its doors in Los Angeles, California in 1947. Founded by Lovie Yancey, the chain was originally named “Mr. Fatburger” until Yancey bought out her business partners and shortened the name. Yancey created the “Fatburger” name to promote the large size and indulgent quality of the burgers. From the early days, customers could customize their massive burger orders with an array of toppings and preparation styles.
The Fatburger brand expanded over the next few decades, particularly across Southern California. The chain now has over 150 locations worldwide, including franchises in North America, Asia, and the Middle East. While the menu has grown over the years, the made-to-order, customized Fatburger experience remains the same. The restaurants still carry a vintage diner atmosphere in homage to the original Fatburger stand.
Fatburger’s Menu & Customization Options
Fatburger is known for its extensive menu featuring a variety of juicy burgers that can all be customized to each customer’s preferences. The chains’ original burger is the namesake Fatburger, consisting of a third pound patty with lettuce, tomato, onion, mustard, and relish.
Fatburger offers patties in third pound and half pound sizes in beef, turkey, or veggie options. Customers can build their own burger or try one of Fatburger’s signature recipes like the XXXL Fatburger with three half pound patties or the Kingburger with two half pound patties and bacon. Beyond burgers, options include sandwiches, wraps, salads, sides, milkshakes, and desserts.
Part of the appeal of Fatburger is the limitless customization for each order. Guests select their patty, bun, and toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, mustard, mayo, pickles, bacon, cheese, and more. For carb conscious customers, swapping out the bun for lettuce wrap is an easy option.
Nutrition Information for Fatburger’s Lettuce Wraps
Ordering a lettuce wrap instead of a bun significantly reduces the carb and calorie count of a Fatburger meal. A typical plain hamburger on a bun contains around 53g of carbohydrates and 600 calories. Opting for lettuce wrap cuts the carbs down to around 7g and the calories in half to 300 calories. Adding extra toppings will impact the totals, but the lettuce wrapped version will be lower carb.
Using lettuce leaves instead of buns is ideal for low carb, paleo, or keto diets. Iceberg lettuce only contains around 3g net carbs per large leaf, keeping options like a bacon cheeseburger wrapped in lettuce reasonably low in carbs. Lettuce wraps are also naturally gluten-free, since they avoid traditional hamburger buns.
| Burger Order | Calories with Bun | Calories with Lettuce Wrap |
|---|---|---|
| Plain Hamburger | 600 | 300 |
| Bacon Cheeseburger | 850 | 500 |
Tips for Ordering Low Carb at Fatburger
Here are some tips to create lower carb Fatburger orders by using lettuce wraps:
- Request any burger to be wrapped in lettuce instead of the bun
- Stick to mustard, mayo, or other low carb condiments instead of sugary ketchup
- Skip the o-rings side and opt for a side salad instead
- Order a burger as a lettuce wrap salad and skip the wraps and bread options
- Add extra veggies like tomato, onion, pickles for more flavor and fiber
- Choose a side like cottage cheese or hard-boiled egg for protein
- Order cheeses like cheddar, Swiss, pepperjack to up the fat content
While iceberg lettuce wrapped burgers will be lower in carbs than buns, the patties, bacon, sauces, and cheeses still increase the calorie totals. Portion control is important even when opting for lettuce wraps.
Should You Order a Lettuce Wrap at Fatburger?
Ordering lettuce wraps instead of buns is a smart strategy for low carb, paleo, or keto diners enjoying Fatburger. The fresh, cold crunch of iceberg lettuce complements the hot juicy burgers for a satisfying taste and texture. Ditching the bun reduces the carb content substantially while still allowing you to enjoy your favorite Fatburger toppings.
Some downsides could include the messy hands involved in eating a lettuce wrapped burger and potentially increased cost if your location charges extra. The wraps also lower the calorie count but do not make the meal entirely healthy, so be mindful of overdoing it on toppings or multiple patties.
Overall, lettuce wraps are fantastic options for customizing lower carb meals at Fatburger while still enjoying the signature burgers. Just be thoughtful in the rest of your order to create a balanced, diet-appropriate meal.
Other Options for Low Carb at Fatburger
In addition to lettuce wrapping burgers, there are some other ways to reduce carbs in your Fatburger meal:
- Order a burger as a salad instead of with a bun or wrap
- Choose one of their side salads like garden salad, Caesar salad, or chicken salad
- Add extra veggies as toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles
- Select a side of cottage cheese or hard-boiled egg for protein
- Stick to low carb condiments like mustard, mayo, avocado
- Drink a low carb beverage like unsweetened tea, water, diet soda
While lettuce wraps are the most direct substitution to reduce carbs, building your meal around salads, vegetables, and proteins can also create a lower carb option at Fatburger. Just be careful with high calorie add-ons like bacon, avocado, and cheese.
Ordering Low Carb at Other Burger Chains
Most burger chains are accommodating of low carb requests, here are some options at popular spots:
- In-N-Out – Protein style burgers wrapped in lettuce
- Five Guys – Burgers wrapped in lettuce
- Shake Shack – Lettuce wrapped burgers
- Wendy’s – Burgers without the bun
- McDonald’s – Burgers wrapped in lettuce
The availability of lettuce wraps varies by location, so check ahead to confirm low carb ordering options. Nutrition info may also be available on request to determine the best selections.
Creating a Custom Keto Fast Food Meal
When doing keto or a very low carb diet, fast food chains can actually be a tasty and convenient option. Here are some tips for ordering keto-friendly meals at fast food spots:
- Choose grilled chicken or burger patties
- Request lettuce wraps instead of buns
- Load up on fresh veggies for toppings
- Add cheese like cheddar or Swiss
- Use olive oil, mustard, or avocado instead of sugary sauces
- Select a side salad with oil and vinegar dressing
- Stick to water, unsweetened tea, black coffee for drinks
- Avoid fries, shakes, sodas, desserts
Building the meal around lettuce wraps, veggies, proteins, healthy fats, and low carb sauces can satisfy fast food cravings while sticking to keto guidelines. Just watch calories from add-ons like bacon and cheese.
Potential Drawbacks of Lettuce Wrapped Burgers
While lettuce wraps help substantially cut carbs, there are a few drawbacks to consider:
- Messier to eat – Lettuce may tear and ingredients slide out
- Won’t contain juices and sauces as well as a bun
- Could cost extra – Some locations charge $1-2 more for lettuce wraps
- Nutritionally imbalanced since buns provide carbohydrates
- Higher in calories than bun or lettuce salad options
- May wilt and get soggy quickly before you can eat it
It takes some finesse to keep all the burger components together and prevent spillage when picking up a lettuce wrapped sandwich. Having plenty of napkins on hand can help manage the mess!
Conclusion
Fatburger stands out for its extensive customizable options, allowing customers to easily swap buns for lettuce wraps. While lettuce wraps are higher in calories than salads, they’re ideal for keeping carb counts low while enjoying a satisfying burger. Overall, ordering lettuce wraps is one of the best choices at Fatburger for customers limiting carbs or following diets like paleo, keto, or gluten-free.
