Five Guys Lettuce Wrap: Menu, Calories & Keto Hacks

Looking for a Five Guys lettuce wrap? You can order any burger, hot dog, or sandwich at Five Guys wrapped in fresh, crisp iceberg lettuce leaves instead of a traditional sesame seed bun. This bunless option is an official menu choice available at every location at no additional charge.

Swapping out the standard Five Guys bun is one of the most effective fast-food calorie and carbohydrate hacks available. The standard bun adds 240 calories, 39g of total carbohydrates, and 8g of sugar to your meal. By switching to a lettuce wrap, you reduce the bread carbs to virtually 0g net carbs, turning a heavy fast-food meal into a clean, protein-packed, keto-friendly option.

Five Guys Lettuce Wrap Price

One of the best things about ordering a lettuce wrap is that it usually doesn’t cost extra. In most Five Guys locations, employees simply replace the bun with lettuce instead of adding an additional charge.

That means the price generally stays the same as the standard burger you choose.

Burger	Typical Price*
Little Hamburger	$7–9
Little Cheeseburger	$8–10
Hamburger	$9–11
Cheeseburger	$10–12
Bacon Cheeseburger	$11–13

*Prices vary by restaurant location, taxes, and local operating costs.

If you add extra bacon, additional patties, or premium add-ons where available, your final price may increase.

What Is a Five Guys Lettuce Wrap?

A Five Guys Lettuce Wrap is simply any burger or sandwich ordered without the traditional bun.

Unlike some fast-food chains that provide a single, flimsy lettuce leaf, Five Guys builds their lettuce wraps using multiple layers of crisp, large iceberg lettuce leaves.

[Five Guys Lettuce Wrap Structure]
 ├── Outer Foil Wrap (Holds structural shape and traps juices)
 ├── Thick Outer Iceberg Lettuce Shell (2–4 large crisp leaves)
 ├── Freshly Grilled 100% Fresh Beef Patties
 ├── Melted American Cheese & Crispy Applewood Smoked Bacon
 └── Unlimited Free Toppings (Mushrooms, Grilled Onions, Pickles, etc.)

When the kitchen team prepares your order, they lay down heavy-duty aluminum foil, create a wide bed of fresh lettuce, place your freshly grilled beef patties and melted cheese in the center, add your requested toppings, and fold the lettuce over the top before tightly rolling the foil.

Quick Comparison: Bun vs. Lettuce Wrap vs. Burger Bowl

Serving Style	Typical Calories (Little Cheeseburger)	Total Carbs	Net Carbs	Best Used For
Standard Sesame Bun	550 kcal	40g	38g	Traditional burger experience
Iceberg Lettuce Wrap	310 kcal	1g	<1g	Handheld dining on the go
No-Bun Burger Bowl	310 kcal	1g	<1g

What Comes Inside a Lettuce Wrap?

The biggest advantage of ordering at Five Guys is customization.

Your burger starts with freshly grilled beef, and then you can choose from a wide selection of complimentary toppings.

Popular options include:

Lettuce
Tomatoes
Grilled onions
Raw onions
Pickles
Grilled mushrooms
Jalapeños
Green peppers
Relish
Mustard
Ketchup
Mayonnaise
Barbecue sauce
A1 Sauce
Hot Sauce

Because toppings are free, every customer can build a burger that fits their own preferences rather than ordering from a fixed menu.

Is the Lettuce Fresh?

Yes.

Five Guys is known for preparing many ingredients throughout the day instead of relying heavily on frozen vegetables.

The lettuce used for wraps is typically fresh iceberg lettuce because it provides:

Better crunch
Stronger leaves for wrapping
Neutral flavor
Better moisture balance
Easier handling while eating

Several overlapping lettuce leaves are usually used to hold the burger together.

Does It Actually Taste Good?

Many first-time customers expect a lettuce-wrapped burger to feel like a compromise, but that’s rarely the case.

Without the bun, the grilled beef becomes the main focus. The melted cheese feels richer, grilled onions become sweeter, and fresh vegetables add more crunch. Every bite tastes slightly cleaner because there’s less bread competing with the burger’s flavor.

The texture is different rather than worse.

A toasted bun adds softness and sweetness, while crisp lettuce creates a refreshing contrast against the juicy beef.

Customers who enjoy bold toppings such as grilled mushrooms, jalapeños, bacon, or barbecue sauce often find that these flavors stand out even more in a lettuce wrap.

The only downside is that it can become messy, especially if you choose lots of sauces or double patties. Fortunately, Five Guys serves it wrapped securely in foil, making it easier to eat than many people expect.

Who Should Order a Lettuce Wrap?

A lettuce wrap isn’t designed for just one type of customer. It works well for several eating styles and personal preferences.

Why Customers Skip the Bun

Different customers choose lettuce wraps for different reasons.

Some want to reduce refined carbohydrates.

Others are trying to lower their calorie intake without giving up burgers entirely.

Some people simply enjoy the fresher taste and lighter texture.

Common reasons include:

Following a keto diet
Low-carb eating
Watching calorie intake
Reducing processed bread
Personal preference
Lighter lunch option
Better balance between protein and vegetables

While a lettuce wrap changes the eating experience, it doesn’t change the freshly cooked burger that Five Guys is famous for.

Five Guys Lettuce Wrap Calories and Nutrition

One of the biggest reasons people order a lettuce-wrapped burger is to reduce calories and carbohydrates without giving up the fresh taste of a made-to-order burger.

The exact nutrition depends on the burger you choose, whether you add cheese or bacon, and how many toppings you select. Replacing the bun mainly removes the calories and carbohydrates that come from bread while keeping the protein and most of the fat from the beef.

Below are estimated nutrition values for popular lettuce-wrapped burgers.

Menu Item	Estimated Calories	Protein	Carbs
Little Hamburger Lettuce Wrap	250–320	18–20g	3–6g
Little Cheeseburger Lettuce Wrap	330–390	22–25g	3–6g
Hamburger Lettuce Wrap	470–560	34–38g	4–7g
Cheeseburger Lettuce Wrap	550–650	38–42g	4–8g
Bacon Cheeseburger Lettuce Wrap	650–760	42–48g	5–8g

These values are estimates because every burger is made to order. Adding sauces, extra cheese, bacon, or additional patties will increase the total calories.

For customers watching their daily intake, removing the bun usually saves well over a hundred calories while cutting a significant amount of carbohydrates.

Is a Five Guys Lettuce Wrap Healthy?

A lettuce wrap can be a healthier choice than a traditional burger, but “healthy” depends on your overall diet and what you order.

Replacing the bun increases the proportion of protein and vegetables while reducing refined carbohydrates. The fresh lettuce also adds a crisp texture without adding many calories.

However, it’s important to remember that the beef patties, cheese, bacon, and sauces still contribute saturated fat and sodium. A double cheeseburger loaded with bacon may be lower in carbs than the regular version, but it can still be high in calories.

For many people, a lettuce wrap offers a better nutritional balance because it focuses more on protein and fresh toppings instead of bread.

If your goal is to build a lighter meal, choose vegetables as toppings and use sauces in moderation.

How Many Calories Does the Bun Save?

Many customers are surprised by how much difference removing the bun can make.

A traditional hamburger bun contributes approximately:

120–180 calories
Around 30 grams of carbohydrates
Several grams of sugar
Additional sodium

When that bun is replaced with fresh lettuce, the burger immediately becomes a much lower-carb meal while keeping nearly all of its protein.

This is one of the main reasons lettuce wraps are popular among people following keto, low-carb, diabetic-friendly meal plans, or anyone trying to reduce processed bread.

Why More People Are Choosing a Lettuce-Wrapped Burger

Five Guys Lettuce Wrap & Best Combinations

Over the past few years, many customers have started looking beyond traditional fast-food meals. Some are following keto or low-carb eating plans, while others simply want a lighter lunch that doesn’t leave them feeling overly full.

A lettuce wrap solves several problems at once.

Instead of removing the bun after ordering, the kitchen prepares the burger correctly from the beginning. Fresh lettuce acts as the outer layer, giving the burger structure while adding a crisp texture that balances the richness of the beef.

Many regular customers also prefer the cleaner flavor profile. Without bread, the taste of the grilled beef, melted cheese, fresh vegetables, and signature toppings becomes much more noticeable.

Best Toppings for a Lettuce Wrap

Without a bun, toppings become even more important because they’re responsible for much of the burger’s texture and flavor.

Some combinations work especially well.

Classic Combination

Grilled onions
Pickles
Tomato
Mustard
Lettuce

This combination delivers a balanced burger with plenty of crunch.

Keto Favorite

Cheese
Bacon
Grilled mushrooms
Jalapeños
Mayonnaise

High in protein and fat while keeping carbohydrates very low.

Fresh Garden Style

Tomatoes
Green peppers
Raw onions
Pickles
Mustard

Perfect for customers looking for a lighter, fresher burger.

Bold Flavor Combination

Barbecue Sauce
Bacon
Grilled onions
Jalapeños
Cheese

A richer burger with smoky and spicy flavors.

Is It Keto Friendly?

Yes.

A Five Guys lettuce wrap is considered one of the better fast-food options for people following a ketogenic lifestyle.

The lettuce replaces the carbohydrate-heavy bun while preserving the burger’s protein and fat content.

For an even more keto-friendly meal:

Skip ketchup because it contains added sugar.
Choose mustard or mayonnaise instead.
Add cheese for extra fat and protein.
Include grilled mushrooms and onions if they fit your carbohydrate goals.
Avoid fries and sugary drinks.

Many keto customers pair their burger with bottled water or unsweetened beverages instead of soda.

Is It Gluten-Free?

Ordering a lettuce wrap removes the wheat bun, making it a better option for customers avoiding gluten.

However, Five Guys kitchens prepare many menu items in the same environment.

Because of shared preparation areas, cross-contact with gluten-containing ingredients is still possible.

If you have celiac disease or a medically diagnosed gluten allergy, always inform the staff before ordering so they can follow their allergy procedures as closely as possible.

How to Order a Five Guys Lettuce Wrap

[In-Store Ordering Workflow]
 ├── Step 1: Choose Size ──► "Little" (1 Patty) or "Regular" (2 Patties)
 ├── Step 2: Choose Protein Style ──► Hamburger, Cheeseburger, or Bacon Cheeseburger
 ├── Step 3: Specify Wrap ──► "As a Lettuce Wrap" (or "In a Bowl")
 └── Step 4: Pick Toppings ──► List free toppings (e.g., Mayo, Pickles, Grilled Mushrooms)

Ordering In-Person at the Counter

When you step up to the register, order using this clear sequence:

“I’d like a Bacon Cheeseburger, but can I get that as a lettuce wrap?”
State your toppings clearly: “For toppings, I’d like grilled onions, grilled mushrooms, pickles, and mayo.”
If you want extra structural support so the wrap doesn’t tear, add: “Could you please make it with extra lettuce?”

Ordering via the Five Guys App or Website

Select your burger (e.g., Cheeseburger or Little Bacon Cheeseburger).
Under the “Choose Your Bread” or “Sandwich Style” section, select the Lettuce Wrap radio button (or choose Bowl).
Check the boxes for your desired free toppings.
Add to cart and complete checkout.

Top 3 Custom Secret Menu Lettuce Wrap Builds

1. The Classic Keto Bacon Cheeseburger Wrap

The go-to balanced meal for anyone tracking high fats and moderate protein with zero bread:

Base: Regular Bacon Cheeseburger (2 beef patties, 2 slices American cheese, crispy bacon).
Vessel: Lettuce Wrap (with extra lettuce).
Toppings: Mayo, Yellow Mustard, Pickles, and Grilled Mushrooms.
Nutrition: ~790 Calories | 64g Fat | 2g Net Carbs | 44g Protein.

2. The Spicy Jalapeño Popper Smash Wrap

A spicy, savory combination with crunch:

Base: Regular Cheeseburger.
Vessel: Lettuce Wrap.
Toppings: Fresh Sliced Jalapeños, Hot Sauce, Grilled Onions, Mayo, and Bacon.
Nutrition: ~710 Calories | 56g Fat | 3g Net Carbs | 44g Protein.

3. The BLT Protein Wrap

If you aren’t in the mood for a heavy beef patty:

Base: Five Guys BLT.
Vessel: Lettuce Wrap.
Toppings: Extra crispy bacon (6+ strips), extra tomatoes, mayo, and pickles.
Nutrition: ~320 Calories | 26g Fat | 2g Net Carbs | 12g Protein.

What About the Fries? (The Low-Carb Reality)

A common mistake is ordering a healthy lettuce wrap and pairing it with a side of Five Guys fries.

While Five Guys fresh-cuts their potatoes in-house and cooks them in pure, unhydrogenated peanut oil, potatoes are dense in starchy carbohydrates:

Little Style Fries: 526 Calories | 23g Fat | 72g Carbs (64g Net Carbs) | 8g Protein
Regular Style Fries: 953 Calories | 41g Fat | 131g Carbs (116g Net Carbs) | 15g Protein
Large Style Fries: 1,314 Calories | 57g Fat | 181g Carbs (160g Net Carbs) | 20g Protein

Better Alternative: Skip the french fries entirely. If you want a crunchy snack while waiting for your order, grab a small dish of the complimentary in-shell roasted peanuts in the dining room. One ounce of peanuts contains 170 calories, 14g fat, 5g total carbs, and 3g fiber (only 2g Net Carbs).

Five Guys Lettuce Wrap Review: Is It Worth Trying?

For many customers, the answer is yes.

The burger still delivers the juicy beef, generous toppings, and made-to-order quality that Five Guys is known for. The biggest difference is the eating experience.

Instead of soft bread, every bite includes crisp lettuce that adds freshness without overpowering the meat.

Some people actually prefer this version because the beef becomes the star of the meal, while others still enjoy the traditional bun for its texture.

The main drawback is that lettuce wraps can be messier, especially when loaded with sauces or multiple toppings. Fortunately, the foil wrapping helps keep everything together until you’re ready to eat.

Overall, if you’re looking for a lighter burger without giving up flavor, the lettuce wrap is one of the best customizations available on the menu.

Lettuce Wrap vs Traditional Bun: Which One Should You Choose?

There’s no universal winner because the better choice depends on what matters most to you.

If your priority is the classic Five Guys experience, the toasted bun adds a familiar texture and slightly sweet flavor that many customers love. On the other hand, if you’re focused on reducing carbohydrates or simply prefer a lighter meal, the lettuce wrap is an excellent alternative.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Feature	Lettuce Wrap	Traditional Bun
Calories	Lower	Higher
Carbohydrates	Much Lower	Higher
Protein	Similar	Similar
Freshness	Excellent	Good
Filling	Moderate	More Filling
Keto Friendly	Yes	No
Gluten-Free Bun Alternative	Better Option*	No

*Cross-contact with gluten is still possible in a shared kitchen.

For many people, the lettuce wrap isn’t about replacing the original burger—it’s simply another way to enjoy the same fresh ingredients while matching different dietary preferences.

Tips to Make Your Lettuce Wrap Even Better

A few small choices can make a noticeable difference in both flavor and texture.

Choose Fresh Vegetable Toppings

Tomatoes, pickles, grilled onions, mushrooms, and jalapeños add moisture and crunch that pair naturally with crisp lettuce.

Don’t Overload the Sauces

Extra sauce can make any lettuce-wrapped burger difficult to hold. Choosing one or two sauces usually creates a better balance.

Add Cheese for Better Structure

Melted cheese helps hold the beef patty and toppings together, making every bite easier to eat.

Eat It Fresh

Lettuce is at its crispiest immediately after the burger is prepared. Waiting too long can soften the leaves because of the burger’s heat and juices.

Keep the Foil Around the Burger

Five Guys wraps every burger in foil for a reason. Instead of removing it completely, peel it back gradually while eating to help keep everything together.

Common Mistakes First-Time Customers Make

If you’re ordering a lettuce wrap for the first time, avoiding these common mistakes can improve your experience.

Choosing Too Many Wet Toppings

Adding every available sauce may sound appealing, but it often makes the burger harder to hold.

Expecting It to Taste Exactly Like a Bun

A lettuce wrap delivers a different texture, not an inferior one. The beef and toppings become more noticeable because there’s no bread.

Forgetting to Customize

Five Guys is famous for customization. Many first-time visitors miss the opportunity to build a burger that perfectly matches their taste.

Assuming It’s Automatically Low-Calorie

Removing the bun lowers calories and carbs, but adding multiple patties, bacon, cheese, and extra sauces can still create a high-calorie meal.

Five Guys Lettuce Wrap Pros and Cons

Like any menu customization, choosing a lettuce wrap comes with both advantages and trade-offs. Understanding these can help you decide whether it’s the right option for your next visit.

Pros	Cons
Lower in carbohydrates than a traditional burger	Can be messier to eat
Reduces calories by removing the bun	May feel less filling for some people
Suitable for many low-carb and keto lifestyles	Lettuce doesn’t provide the same texture as a toasted bun
Fresh, crisp taste that highlights the beef and toppings	Shared kitchen means it isn’t guaranteed gluten-free
Same fresh patties and free toppings as a regular burger	Large burgers with multiple toppings can still be high in calories

For many customers, the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, especially if reducing carbohydrates or avoiding bread is a priority. Those who enjoy the classic taste and texture of a toasted bun may still prefer the traditional version, while others find the lettuce wrap becomes their new favorite way to order.

Is the Five Guys Lettuce Wrap Worth Ordering?

If your goal is to reduce carbohydrates, avoid bread, or enjoy a lighter burger, the answer is yes.

The lettuce wrap keeps everything that makes Five Guys popular—fresh beef, generous toppings, and made-to-order preparation—while removing one of the meal’s largest sources of carbohydrates.

It’s also one of the easiest menu customizations because no special ingredients are required. The kitchen simply swaps the bun for fresh iceberg lettuce.

Although it may be slightly messier than the traditional version, most customers quickly adjust and appreciate the fresher texture.

For anyone following a keto lifestyle, reducing processed bread, or simply wanting a different burger experience, the lettuce wrap is an option worth trying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Five Guys charge extra for a lettuce wrap?

No. Choosing a lettuce wrap or a burger bowl is completely free. Your order costs the exact same as a standard bun burger.

How many net carbs are in a plain Five Guys lettuce wrap?

A plain hamburger patty in a lettuce wrap contains 0g net carbs. If you add American cheese, each slice adds approximately 0.5g to 1g of carbs.

How do I prevent my lettuce wrap from getting soggy?

To keep your wrap firm and crunchy, avoid ordering wet sauces (like ketchup, extra hot sauce, or excess mayo) inside the wrap. Instead, ask for condiments on the side in small dipping cups and dip each bite as you eat.

Can you get hot dogs as a lettuce wrap?

Yes. Five Guys will slice an all-beef hot dog lengthwise, grill it, and wrap it inside crisp iceberg lettuce leaves with your choice of toppings or serve it inside a tin bowl.

Is the cheese at Five Guys keto-friendly?

Yes. Five Guys uses real American cheese slices sourced from quality dairy suppliers, containing roughly 70 calories, 6g fat, and less than 1g of carbohydrates per slice.

Does 5 Guys do a Lettuce Wrap?

Yes. Five Guys allows customers to replace the traditional burger bun with fresh iceberg lettuce. This customization is available for most burgers and is commonly requested by people following low-carb or keto eating plans.

Is a 5 Guys Lettuce Wrap healthy?

Compared with the regular bun version, a lettuce wrap reduces carbohydrates and calories from the bread while keeping the same protein-rich beef patty and fresh toppings. The overall healthiness still depends on the amount of cheese, bacon, sauces, and other ingredients you choose.

What is the healthiest thing to order at Five Guys?

One of the healthiest options is a lettuce-wrapped burger with plenty of fresh vegetable toppings and lighter condiments. Choosing a single patty, limiting high-calorie sauces, and skipping fries can create a more balanced meal.

How many calories are in a Five Guys lettuce wrapped burger?

The calorie count varies depending on the burger and toppings. Most lettuce-wrapped burgers range from approximately 250 to over 700 calories, with larger double-patty burgers containing more calories than Little Burgers.

Does a lettuce wrap change the taste of the burger?

Yes, but in a positive way for many people. Without the bun, the flavor of the grilled beef, cheese, and fresh toppings becomes more noticeable, while the lettuce adds a crisp, refreshing texture.

Can I order any burger as a lettuce wrap?

In most locations, yes. Customers can request that nearly any burger be served wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun.

Is the lettuce wrap suitable for keto diets?

Generally, yes. Since the bun is removed, the burger contains far fewer carbohydrates, making it one of the more keto-friendly fast-food options. Choosing low-sugar condiments can reduce carbohydrates even further.

Where did Five Guys Burgers and Fries start?

Five Guys Burgers and Fries began in Arlington, Virginia, in 1986. Founded by the Murrell family, the brand started as a single neighborhood burger restaurant and gradually expanded into an international chain known for fresh, made-to-order burgers, hand-cut fries, and extensive customization options.

Can You Make a Similar Burger at Home?

While the restaurant doesn’t publish its exact preparation method, recreating a similar burger at home is fairly straightforward.

Start with fresh ground beef and season it lightly with salt and pepper. Cook the patties on a hot flat-top griddle or cast-iron skillet to develop a flavorful crust while keeping the inside juicy. Use crisp iceberg lettuce leaves large enough to wrap the burger securely.

Top the burger with American cheese, grilled onions, mushrooms, tomatoes, pickles, jalapeños, or your favorite sauces. Wrapping the finished burger in foil for a minute before serving can help hold everything together, much like the restaurant’s presentation.

Final Thoughts

The Five Guys lettuce wrap is one of the most practical and satisfying low-carb fast-food options available. By removing the high-calorie, 39-gram carb bun, you get 100% fresh beef, melted cheese, and customizable toppings without derailing your nutritional goals.

For a cleaner handheld meal on the go, order your favorite burger as a lettuce wrap with extra lettuce. If you prefer heavy grilled toppings and extra sauces, order it in a burger bowl and enjoy it with a fork.

Editorial Standards

This guide is written to help customers make informed dining decisions using publicly available menu information, nutrition references, and general restaurant practices. Because menu items, preparation methods, prices, and ingredient availability may vary by location, information should be considered a general guide rather than a guarantee. Readers with food allergies or medical dietary requirements should always confirm the latest ingredient and allergen information with their local Five Guys restaurant before ordering.

Sources & Research

This article is based on a combination of:

Official Five Guys menu and restaurant information
Published nutrition resources
Restaurant ordering practices
Customer dining experiences
Community discussions and frequently asked questions
General nutrition and low-carbohydrate dietary guidance

The content has been carefully summarized, organized, and expanded to provide a practical, easy-to-understand resource that prioritizes accuracy, readability, and real user intent over unnecessary repetition.