How many calories are in an In-N-Out cheeseburger protein style?

Quick Answer

An In-N-Out cheeseburger protein style contains 290 calories. This is based on an In-N-Out double-double cheeseburger with no bun and no spread. The protein style burger includes two beef patties, two slices of cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onions. By omitting the bun and spread, the calorie count is significantly reduced compared to a traditional cheeseburger.

In-N-Out Burger Nutrition Facts

In-N-Out Burger is a popular fast food chain located in the western United States. Here are some key nutrition facts about their menu items:

  • In-N-Out Hamburger: 340 calories
  • Cheeseburger: 350 calories
  • Double-Double (2 patties and 2 cheese slices): 440 calories
  • Protein Style (no bun): 290 calories
  • French fries (small): 230 calories
  • Milkshake (small): 510 calories

As you can see, the protein style option significantly reduces the calorie count by omitting the bun.

Detailed Nutrition Info on the Protein Style Cheeseburger

Here is a more detailed breakdown of the nutrition facts for an In-N-Out cheeseburger protein style:

Calories: 290

This is the total calorie count for the protein style cheeseburger. With two patties and two slices of cheese, it would typically have around 440 calories with the bun. By omitting the bun, it reduces to 290 calories.

Total Fat: 18g

The majority of the fat comes from the two beef patties and two cheese slices. Each patty contains 9g of fat and each cheese slice contains about 2.5g of fat.

Saturated Fat: 8g

About half of the total fat is saturated fat. Saturated fat should be limited to less than 20g per day according to recommendations.

Trans Fat: 1g

There is a small amount of trans fat in the protein style cheeseburger. Trans fats are considered the unhealthiest type of fat and intake should be minimized.

Cholesterol: 85mg

The cholesterol comes exclusively from the beef patties and cheese. The recommended daily limit for cholesterol is 300mg, so this burger contains over a quarter of the recommended daily amount.

Sodium: 880mg

With no bun and spread, the sodium is lower than a traditional cheeseburger. Still, at 880mg it accounts for over a third of the daily 2300mg sodium limit.

Total Carbohydrates: 8g

With no bun, the carb content is very low. The minimal carbs come from the vegetables and condiments. This makes it a very low carb option.

Dietary Fiber: 2g

The lettuce and tomato provide a small amount of fiber. The bun would add substantially more fiber to make it a more balanced meal.

Sugar: 3g

The small amount of sugar is found naturally in the tomato and onion. There is no added sugar.

Protein: 29g

The protein comes exclusively from the two beef patties. Each patty provides about 14g of protein. Protein helps you feel full and satisfied after a meal.

How Protein Style Affects the Nutrition Content

Ordering protein style has the following effects on the nutrition content compared to a normal cheeseburger:

  • Greatly reduces calories and carbs by omitting the bun
  • Lowers fiber content without the bun
  • Sodium is lower due to no spread, but still high from the beef patties
  • Protein and fat remain high coming from the beef patties and cheese
  • Provides a very low carb meal for low carb and keto diets

Overall, protein style is a effective way to reduce the carb and calorie count. However, it also removes an important source of fiber from the bun. It also can be high in saturated fat and sodium if more than one patty or cheese slice is added.

How It Compares to a Typical Burger

Comparing an In-N-Out protein style cheeseburger to a typical burger with a bun:

Burger Type Calories Fat (g) Carbs (g) Protein (g)
In-N-Out Protein Style Cheeseburger 290 18 8 29
Typical Burger with Bun 500-600 25-30 40-50 25-30

As shown, ordering protein style drastically reduces the calorie, carb, and fat content compared to a typical burger. It also increases the protein ratio. However, it provides less fiber and nutrients from the whole grain bun.

How to Order Low Calorie at In-N-Out

Here are some tips for ordering a low calorie meal at In-N-Out:

  • Order burgers protein style without the bun to reduce carbs and calories
  • Opt for single patty burgers to limit fat and calories
  • Request no spread or light spread to reduce sodium and calories
  • Skip the fries and opt for a side salad instead
  • Choose unsweetened ice tea or water instead of sodas and shakes
  • Ask for extra vegetables and pickles for more fiber

Following these guidelines can help you easily reduce the calories at In-N-Out by 50% or more. Be mindful of saturated fat and sodium content when customizing protein style burgers.

Nutrition Tips for Protein Style Burgers

Here are some tips to make your protein style burger more nutritious:

  • Add extra lettuce and tomato for more fiber and nutrients
  • Use just 1 slice of cheese to limit saturated fat
  • Ask for light spread or mustard instead of regular spread to reduce sodium
  • Add grilled onions and peppers for extra nutrients and fiber
  • Pair it with a side salad instead of fries for a healthier combo
  • Use bunless burger wraps or lettuce wraps for more portability

With some simple customizations and side swaps, you can make a protein style burger a fairly well-balanced meal. Just keep an eye on the overall calories, sodium, saturated fat, and fiber content based on your specific dietary needs.

Is Protein Style Healthier?

Ordering protein style is healthier in some ways but not others:

Pros

  • Greatly reduces calories, carbs, and blood sugar impact
  • Higher in protein compared to a burger with a bun
  • Allows you to eat at In-N-Out on a low carb or keto diet
  • Removes empty calories from the refined white bun

Cons

  • Misses out on important fiber from the whole grain bun
  • Higher in saturated fat and sodium without the bun
  • Less balanced nutrition overall without veggies from bun
  • Portion control can be tricky with double patties and cheese

Overall, protein style can be a healthier option for people limiting carbs and calories. But it shouldn’t be treated as a free pass for extra large burgers. Be mindful of overdoing patties, cheese, and sodium without the bun to balance it out.

Should You Go Protein Style?

Here are some factors to consider when deciding to go protein style:

  • Dietary restrictions – Protein style is great for low carb, keto, gluten-free, and paleo diets.
  • Weight loss goals – Removing the bun can help reduce overall calories.
  • Diabetes concerns – Limits carbs that can spike blood sugar levels.
  • Nutrition priorities – Adds more protein, but less fiber without the bun.
  • Satiety needs – The extra protein can help you feel fuller longer.
  • Taste preferences – Some people enjoy the flavor without the bun.

Pay attention to how you feel in terms of fullness, energy levels, gut health, and overall well-being. Protein style may be a better option for some people but not others. Try it out and see how it works for your individual needs.

Conclusion

An In-N-Out protein style cheeseburger contains approximately 290 calories by omitting the bun. This greatly reduces carbs while increasing the protein ratio. It can fit into low carb, keto, gluten-free, or paleo eating plans. However, it misses out on valuable fiber, vitamins, and balanced nutrition from the whole grain bun. Be mindful of portion sizes, sodium content, and saturated fat when customizing a protein style burger. With the right side swaps and toppings, it can be a healthier and more balanced option. Pay attention to your own body and needs to determine if going protein style is the right choice for you.

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