Keto at Five Guys: Can You Enjoy Burgers Without breaking Ketosis?
Everyone loves burgers and when it comes to fast food, Five Guys are pretty much the top of the quality food chain. But how easy is it to be keto at Five Guys? After all, the chain is famous for their delicious French fries and milkshakes which are obviously a no-go. So, if you want to enjoy your burgers this weekend then here’s how you can eat keto at Five Guys.
Before Eating at Five Guys
If you’re planning to enjoy a keto-friendly meal at Five Guys, there are a few important things to keep in mind before you go. Sticking to a ketogenic diet means consuming low-carb, high-fat foods to stay in ketosis, and Five Guys offers several options to help you maintain your diet while enjoying their famous burgers and hot dogs.
Firstly, avoid the high-carb burger buns, which can contain up to 37 grams of net carbs per serving. Instead, opt for a bunless burger or hot dog to keep the carbohydrate count in check. Many of their toppings and ingredients are keto-friendly, so you won’t have to sacrifice flavor.
Here are some popular keto items at Five Guys to consider:
- Cheeseburger (No Bun)
- Bacon Cheeseburger (No Bun)
- Hot Dog (No Bun)
- Hamburger (No Bun)
- Cheese Dog (No Bun)
- Bacon Hot Dog (No Bun)
In addition to selecting keto-friendly main courses, be mindful of the sauces and toppings you choose. Mustard, mayo, and salsa are good options, while ketchup can be higher in carbs due to added sugars. Similarly, opt for non-starchy vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles to complete your meal.
Lastly, be aware of the beverage options available at Five Guys. Stick to water, unsweetened iced tea, or diet soda to ensure your drink doesn’t interfere with your keto goals.
Five Guys Menu Overview
Five Guys is a popular fast food chain that offers a variety of burgers, hot dogs, and sandwiches on their menu. Despite being a fast food restaurant, they are quite accommodating to those following a keto diet. With a few modifications, you can easily enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal at Five Guys while staying within your low-carb, keto lifestyle.
Their menu is built around simplicity, making it easy to customize your order to your dietary preferences. One of the key aspects of ordering keto at Five Guys is opting for a bunless burger or hot dog. You can either ask for a lettuce wrap or request a burger bowl, which includes all of your desired toppings in a bowl without the bun.
Keto-Friendly Options at Five Guys
Burger Bowls
One of the best things Five Guys have done for their keto customers is offer the burger bowl. Essentially, these are deconstructed burgers without the bun and I really hope other burger joints adopt this menu option.
- Hamburger (no bun)
- Cheeseburger (no bun)
- Bacon Burger (no bun)
- Bacon Cheeseburger (no bun)
- Hot dog (no bun)
- BLT without bread
Lettuce Wraps
Another way to enjoy keto-friendly burgers at Five Guys is by ordering a lettuce wrap. The lettuce acts as a substitute for the bun, and you can still enjoy your favorite burger toppings. Again, this goes for both their burgers and hot dogs.
Toppings
Customize your burger bowl or lettuce wrap with keto-friendly toppings. Five Guys offers various choices, such as:
- Grilled onions
- Grilled mushrooms
- Jalapeno peppers
- Green peppers
- A1 sauce
These options are in addition to the standard bacon and cheese that come with most of their burgers. Just remember to avoid topping options that are high in carbs, such as ketchup and some of the sauces.
Avoiding Keto-Unfriendly Ingredients
While customizing your Five Guys meal, it’s crucial to steer clear of ingredients that may throw you off your keto diet. Ingredients to avoid include:
- Ketchup (contains added sugar)
- BBQ sauce (contains added sugar)
- Fried onions (breading is high in carbs)
- French fries (high in carbs)
This should probably be obvious but as good as their milkshakes are, they are super high in sugar and will definitely be off limits for all keto eaters… sorry!
Keto Beverages
Staying keto-friendly at Five Guys also means keeping track of suitable beverage and side options. While the restaurant is known for its fries, they aren’t suited for a keto diet. However, there are alternative choices to maintain low carb intake.
When it comes to beverages, sticking to water, unsweetened iced tea, or Diet Coke products is highly recommended. Keep an eye out for “sugar-free” labels, but make sure to check the nutrition guide to confirm their compatibility with your keto diet.
Sides
For sides, ditching the fries might leave you searching for other options. Here are a few low-carb side suggestions at Five Guys:
- Green Peppers: 1g net carb
- Grilled Mushrooms: 1g net carb
- Jalapenos: less than 1g net carb
Adding these options to your bunless burger or hotdog can enhance the flavor and make your meal more enjoyable. Remember to always ask for nutrition information when in doubt about any particular item.
If you’re willing to splash out, then maybe double up on the proteins and get another burger or hotdog!
Summary: Eating Keto at Five Guys
Burgers can definitely be a tough ask for keto dieters. Buns, fries and milkshakes are all very high in carbs so you simply can’t have them. But if you think a little outside the box, you can enjoy yourself whilst eating keto at Five Guys!
