Quick Answer
In-N-Out’s Spread, also known as their “Secret Sauce”, is a top secret recipe that they do not disclose full nutrition info for. However, some sources estimate it contains around 2-3g of carbohydrates per packet. Given an average burger comes with 2 packets of Spread, that would equate to 4-6g of carbs from the sauce alone.
In-N-Out Burger is a popular fast food chain known for its simple, yet tasty burger options. However, one of the standout features of In-N-Out is their famous Spread sauce. This tangy, creamy condiment helps add a kick of flavor to any In-N-Out burger or sandwich order. Fans rave about the Spread, with some even attempting to replicate the recipe at home. But a question many health-conscious customers have is – how many carbohydrates are actually in the In-N-Out Spread? This article will examine what’s known about the nutrition facts of this secret sauce.
The Spread’s Mysterious Nutrition Facts
Unlike most fast food chains, In-N-Out does not provide full nutrition information for all of its menu items and ingredients. The company is quite protective over the signature Spread recipe. However, they do provide some basic stats. On the In-N-Out website nutrition page, the Spread is listed as having 45 calories, 4.5g fat, and 40mg sodium per packet. But the number of carbs is mysteriously absent.
Some sources have attempted to estimate the carb content based on limited information and comparisons to similar sauce recipes. But it’s important to note these are just guesses and not official nutrition facts. According to sources like MyFitnessPal and FastFoodNutrition.org, the In-N-Out Spread likely contains around:
- 2-3g carbs per packet
- 2-3g sugar per packet
Again, In-N-Out does not confirm if these estimates are accurate. The true carb and sugar content of the Spread remains a mystery.
Estimating Carbs Based on Serving Size
So if we assume the Spread has around 2-3g carbs per packet, how many carbs does that equate to in a full burger order?
On average, a standard In-N-Out burger or sandwich comes with 2 packets of Spread. Therefore, the estimated carb content would be:
- 2 packets of Spread
- 2-3g carbs per packet
- Total of 4-6g of carbs just from the Spread
Of course, this estimate only accounts for the sauce itself, and not the full nutrition info of the burger or fries. But it gives a rough idea of how many extra carbs the Spread contributes.
For perspective, here are some examples of full meal totals:
| Menu Item | Estimated Carbs from Spread | Total Meal Carbs* |
|---|---|---|
| Hamburger | 4-6g | 26-28g |
| Cheeseburger | 4-6g | 28-30g |
| Double-Double | 4-6g | 37-39g |
*Total Meal Carbs includes sandwich/burger, spread, and fries.
As you can see, while the Spread may only contribute 4-6g of carbs, this number gets larger when pairs with a full carb-heavy meal of burger and fries. So the sauce alone may not seem too high in carbs, but it does add up.
How Many Carbs in Other In-N-Out Menu Items?
It’s not just the burgers that contain hidden carbs from the Spread. This special sauce also comes on many other In-N-Out sandwiches and sides. Here are some examples with estimated carb totals:
| Menu Item | Estimated Carbs from Spread |
|---|---|
| Grilled Cheese Sandwich | 4-6g |
| Veggie Burger | 4-6g |
| Fries | 0g |
| Shakes | 0g |
As you can see, the carb numbers mainly come from sandwiches containing the Spread. Fries and shakes don’t have the sauce, so there are zero estimated carbs from Spread on those items.
Low-Carb Alternatives
If you’re trying to watch your carb intake at In-N-Out, there are some ways to reduce the amount of carbs from the Spread:
- Order a “Protein Style” burger or sandwich – this replaces the bun with lettuce wrap
- Request only 1 packet of Spread instead of 2
- Skip the Spread altogether
- Stick to lower carb menu items like shakes, sodas, and fries
Going protein style and skipping the Spread are your best options to significantly cut back on carbs. However, some may argue this ruins the full In-N-Out flavor experience. It’s up to you to decide if the extra carbs are worth it!
Should You Worry About the Carbs?
At the end of the day, does 4-6g of carbs from the In-N-Out Spread really make that big of a difference? For most people, the answer is probably no. The sauce likely won’t single-handedly spike your blood sugar or ruin your diet goals. The bun, fries, and other carb-heavy ingredients contribute far more carbs to an In-N-Out meal.
However, for those following very strict low-carb or keto diets, even those few grams of carbs may matter. In that case, requesting no Spread or only 1 packet can help trim some carbs off your order. But the Spread isn’t necessarily a high-carb villain on its own.
The Takeaway on In-N-Out Spread Carbs
So how many carbs are really in the famous In-N-Out Spread? The true nutrition facts remain a mystery. But based on estimates, the sauce likely contains around 2-3g carbs and sugar per packet. On an average double burger meal with 2 packets of Spread, that contributes an extra 4-6g carbs to the total carb count.
While the Spread does add some carbs, it’s likely not a huge concern for the average person. There are far more carbs coming from the bun and fries than this tangy sauce. However, those limiting carbs may want to consider low-carb ordering options. At the end of the day, the Spread probably won’t make or break your diet on its own. But it does have a non-zero amount of carbs that contribute to the overall meal.
