In-N-Out Protein Style 2026 — What It Is, Calories & How to Order

In-N-Out Protein Style means the bun is replaced with a fresh iceberg lettuce wrap — same beef, same toppings, same spread, just no bread. It’s available on every burger at no extra charge. This page covers what Protein Style actually is, every burger available in Protein Style with official calories and carbs sourced directly from in-n-out.com, how to order it, and how to combine it with Animal Style. Last verified: August 2026.

In-N-Out Protein Style Menu With Prices 2026

Hamburger, Cheeseburger, and Double-Double Protein Style figures are sourced directly from in-n-out.com/menu/nutrition-info (January 2026). In-N-Out does not publish official nutrition for 3×3, 4×4, or Flying Dutchman builds.

What Is In-N-Out Protein Style?

Protein Style replaces the toasted bun with a large leaf of fresh iceberg lettuce. Everything else stays the same — the beef patty, American cheese (if applicable), tomato, onion, and In-N-Out spread are all included unless you specify otherwise.

The lettuce is a full outer leaf — not shredded, not limp. It holds the burger together reasonably well for most of the meal. On a Double-Double or larger build, it gets messier. Eat it over the wrapper.

In-N-Out lists Protein Style on their official “Not So Secret Menu” page at in-n-out.com — every associate knows it by name without any explanation needed.

Protein Style Calories & Nutrition — Official Data

All three figures below come directly from in-n-out.com/menu/nutrition-info, updated January 2026:

What changes when you go Protein Style:

Removing the bun consistently saves 150 calories and ~28–30g of carbs across all three burger builds. The protein content stays the same — the bun removal doesn’t affect protein.

Is Protein Style a Low-Carb Option?

With 9–12g of carbs depending on the burger, Protein Style is one of the lower-carb options available at any fast food chain. The remaining carbs come primarily from the spread, tomato, and onion — not the lettuce.

To reduce carbs further:

• No spread — removes the egg-based sauce which contains sugar and corn syrup
• No onion — onions contribute a small amount of carbs
• No tomato — removes a few additional grams

For reference, the Flying Dutchman (two patties, two cheese slices, no bun, no toppings) has no official calorie listing from In-N-Out, but contains the fewest ingredients of any burger build — patty and cheese only. See the secret menu page for more off-menu builds.

How to Order Protein Style at In-N-Out

At the counter or drive-thru, add “Protein Style” to any burger:

Animal Style + Protein Style: You can combine both. The patty gets mustard-grilled, grilled onions and extra spread are added, and the whole burger is wrapped in lettuce. Say “Double-Double Animal Style Protein Style” — associates know this combination immediately.

Practical tip: Protein Style on a 4×4 is tall and unstable. Ask for it cut in half — much easier to handle.

At the drive-thru: Same as the counter. Protein Style is one of the most common orders at In-N-Out — no explanation needed at any location.

Protein Style vs Regular Burger — What Changes

Is Protein Style Gluten-Free?

By ingredients, yes. The bun is the only gluten-containing item in a standard In-N-Out burger. Removing it with Protein Style removes the only source of wheat/gluten from the build.

However, In-N-Out’s official statement on their website is clear:

“Please be advised that our food is prepared in kitchen spaces where cross-contact with allergens may occur.”

The grill and prep surfaces are shared. For gluten sensitivity, Protein Style is a practical option. For celiac disease, the cross-contact risk should be taken seriously — speak with the location manager before ordering. See the allergen menu page for full guidance.

In-N-Out Protein Style FAQ

For the full In-N-Out menu with prices, see the homepage. For Animal Style and other customizations, see the secret menu page.