Five Guys is without a doubt, a beloved fast-food chain. Everywhere you go in the US, you’re likely to find one. However, if you’re concerned about calories and whether or not what you’re eating is good for you, then trying to figure out which menu items to order can be a challenge.
Don’t worry, all is not lost. You can still enjoy Five Guys burgers without the guilt by using this post as a guide on what to order and what to avoid.
Highest Protein Content
Bacon Cheeseburger: 52g protein, 62g Fat, 40g Carbs and 1,060 Calories
While not an optimal protein source, the bacon cheeseburger reigns supreme with 52 grams of protein, outpacing other items on the menu. If you seek a lower-calorie alternative still rich in protein, the Little Bacon Burger is a decent option with only 620 calories and 28g of protein.
Vegetarian Offerings at Five Guys
Veggie Sandwich: 280 Calories, 7g Protein, 15g Fat, 60g Carbs
Grilled Cheese: 470 Calories, 12g Protein, 26g Fat, 41g Carbs,
For non-meat eaters, the options at Five Guys are limited. Apart from fries or milkshakes, you can choose between the veggie sandwich or grilled cheese.
Low-Carb Options at Five Guys
Unlike other fast-food establishments with salads, Five Guys lacks similar alternatives. But you can order any burger or hot dog without the bun, instantly transforming it into a keto-friendly meal.
For instance, a bacon cheeseburger without the bun offers the following macros:
820 Calories, 53g Fat, 45g Protein, 1g Carbs
The bun is the sole source of carbs in the burgers or hot dogs, making a bunless order a carb-free choice.
Most Balanced Menu Item at Five Guys
For a relatively balanced option, the “little” burgers (single patty) serve as your best bet. While they may not be the epitome of macro-friendliness, there are worse alternatives available.
Little Hamburger: 540 Calories, 23g Protein, 26g Fat, 39g Carbs
Little Cheeseburger: 610 Calories, 27g Protein, 32g Fat, 40g Carbs
Five Guys Regular vs. Little Burger
By default, Five Guys serves their burgers with two patties. A regular hamburger, as is, already contains 840 calories without condiments or toppings. This larger portion size aligns with Five Guys’ emphasis on generous servings. If you go for a “little” burger, featuring a single patty, you avoid more than 300 calories.
Five Guys Toppings
While most toppings are low in calories, such as fresh vegetables tomatoes, mushrooms, lettuce and peppers, a couple of items stand out: mayo and BBQ sauce (100 to 200 calories).
Five Guys Fries & Milkshakes
The smallest option, “little fries,” weighs 227g. To put that in perspective, large fries from Burger King typically weigh around 173g. A large serving of Five Guys fries is equivalent to more or less 3.5 orders of Burger King’s large fries.
When it comes to milkshakes, it’s challenging to make them healthier, so they should be viewed as a treat. All Five Guys milkshakes begin with a vanilla base, which already accounts for 670 calories. Since only one size is offered, you can either share your shake with a friend or save half for later.
How to Order Healthy at Five Guys
Ordering healthy options at Five Guys can be challenging due to their limited menu. But not entirely impossible.
- Choose the “Little” Burgers: Opt for the “Little” burgers, which have a single patty instead of the standard two. This reduces calorie and fat intake while still allowing you to enjoy their delicious burgers.
- Go for the Veggie Sandwich or Grilled Cheese: If you’re looking for lower-calorie options or don’t eat meat, consider ordering the veggie sandwich or grilled cheese. These alternatives provide vegetarian options without the high calorie and fat content of their meat-based counterparts.
- Load Up on Fresh Veggies: Take advantage of the variety of fresh toppings available at Five Guys. Load your burger or sandwich with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, onions, mushrooms, and peppers. These toppings add flavor and nutrients without significantly increasing calorie intake.
- Skip High-Calorie Toppings: Avoid calorie-dense toppings like cheese, bacon, and mayonnaise. These toppings can quickly add up in terms of calories and fat. Instead, opt for mustard, which is virtually calorie-free, or other low-calorie condiments.
- Request Condiments on the Side: To have better control over the amount of sauce or condiments added to your meal, ask for them to be served on the side. This way, you can add a smaller amount or skip them altogether if you prefer.
- Choose Bunless Options: If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, consider ordering your burger or sandwich without the bun. Instead, ask for it to be served in a tray. This reduces the carbohydrate content of your meal.
- Share or Skip the Fries: Five Guys’ fries are delicious but high in calories and fat due to their large serving sizes. Consider sharing a portion with friends or skipping the fries altogether to reduce calorie intake. If you can’t resist, opt for the smaller size and practice portion control.
- Stay Hydrated with Water: Instead of sugary sodas or milkshakes, choose water as your beverage. Water is calorie-free and helps keep you hydrated without adding unnecessary calories.
- Practice Portion Control: Be mindful of portion sizes. It’s easy to overindulge at Five Guys due to their generous servings. Consider sharing a burger or sandwich with a friend or saving half for later.
- Enjoy in Moderation: Remember that indulging in your favorite fast food occasionally is perfectly fine. The key is to enjoy Five Guys in moderation as part of an overall balanced and healthy diet.
The definition of “healthy” food varies among individuals, so there is no definitive answer on the question, “Is Five Guys Healthy?”. The “Little Hamburger” provides the best low-calorie choice, with only 540 calories. In comparison, a single hamburger from McDonald’s contains only 250 calories and 8g of fat, while a Burger King hamburger has 240 calories and 10g of fat. It’s clear that Five Guys’ burgers have significantly higher calorie content.
Unlike Wendy’s and other fastfood restaurants, Five Guys does not offer salads or other “healthier” alternatives to their sandwiches. However, this doesn’t automatically categorize Five Guys as unhealthy.