Five Guys Lettuce Wrap: Calories, Nutrition, Price & Guide

Choosing a burger without a bun used to mean sacrificing flavor. Today, that’s no longer true. The Five Guys Lettuce Wrap has become one of the most popular menu customizations for people following a low-carb lifestyle, reducing calories, or simply preferring a lighter meal. Instead of a toasted bun, your burger is wrapped in fresh, crisp iceberg lettuce while keeping the same hand-formed beef patty and generous selection of toppings.

The Five Guys Lettuce Wrap delivers the classic Five Guys experience with fewer refined carbohydrates and a fresher bite. Whether you’re counting macros, following keto, avoiding bread, or just looking for a different way to enjoy your favorite burger, the Five Guys Lettuce Wrap offers one of the easiest customizations available on the menu.

Unlike many fast-food chains that limit customization, Five Guys builds every burger fresh to order. That means your lettuce-wrapped burger can be customized with more than a dozen complimentary toppings, allowing you to create a meal that matches your taste and dietary preferences without paying extra for most vegetables.

This option has also gained popularity among fitness enthusiasts, people with gluten sensitivities (though cross-contact is still possible), and customers who simply enjoy a lighter burger without losing the juicy flavor Five Guys is known for.

Whether you’re wondering about calories, nutrition, price, ingredients, ordering tips, or whether it’s actually worth skipping the bun, this guide covers everything you need to know before placing your next order.

Quick Answer

Yes. Five Guys lets customers replace the traditional burger bun with fresh hand-leafed iceberg lettuce at no additional charge in most locations. A lettuce wrap significantly reduces carbohydrates and calories from the bun while keeping the same beef patty, cheese, and toppings. Because every burger is made fresh, you can customize nearly every ingredient to match your dietary goals.

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.

What Is a Five Guys Lettuce Wrap?

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

Instead of bread, employees carefully wrap the burger using several layers of crisp iceberg lettuce. The result is a burger that’s easier to fit into low-carb meal plans while still delivering the same fresh ingredients Five Guys is known for.

You can order nearly every burger this way, including:

Hamburger
Cheeseburger
Bacon Burger
Bacon Cheeseburger
Little Hamburger
Little Cheeseburger
Little Bacon Burger
Little Bacon Cheeseburger

The beef patties, cheese, bacon, grilled vegetables, sauces, and free toppings remain the same. Only the bun is replaced.

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.

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.

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.

What Makes Five Guys Different From Other Fast-Food Lettuce Wraps?

Many restaurants treat lettuce wraps as a limited or hidden option. Five Guys takes a different approach because every burger is prepared fresh after you order.

That means your meal isn’t assembled from pre-made sandwiches. The kitchen builds it exactly as requested, making it easier to remove the bun without affecting the quality of the burger.

Another advantage is the brand’s generous topping selection. Since most vegetable toppings are complimentary, you can create countless flavor combinations without increasing the cost. This level of customization is one reason lettuce-wrapped burgers have become a favorite among repeat customers who want variety while sticking to their dietary goals.

The fresh preparation, hand-formed beef patties, and made-to-order approach also help the burger maintain its quality even without the traditional bun.

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.

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.

Typical menu prices are approximately:

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.

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.

Can You Customize Everything?

Customization is one of the biggest reasons people choose Five Guys over many other burger chains.

Almost every burger is assembled after you order, giving you the freedom to personalize nearly every ingredient.

You can usually customize:

Beef patties
Cheese
Bacon
Vegetable toppings
Sauces
Number of patties
Bun replacement with lettuce

This flexibility allows customers to create meals that suit keto, low-carb, higher-protein, or personal taste preferences.

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 Lettuce Wrap

Ordering is simple whether you’re dining in, using the app, or placing an online order.

Just tell the cashier:

“I’d like my burger wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun.”

You can then choose your preferred toppings exactly as you would with a regular burger.

Before confirming your order, double-check:

Cheese
Bacon
Patty size
Sauces
Vegetable toppings

Since every burger is prepared fresh, it’s easy to customize before it reaches the grill.

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.

Can You Make a Similar Burger at Home?

Many people search for a Five Guys lettuce wrap recipe after trying one for the first time.

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.

Although the taste won’t be identical, using fresh ingredients and simple seasoning comes surprisingly close to the style that has made Five Guys so popular.

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.

What Customers Like Most About the Five Guys Lettuce Wrap

Customer feedback consistently highlights several strengths.

Many people appreciate that the burger still feels satisfying even without the bun. The fresh lettuce provides a crisp texture, while the juicy beef and generous toppings remain the main attraction.

What Online Communities Say

People searching online often look for Five Guys lettuce wrap Reddit discussions to learn from real customer experiences before ordering.

Across food forums and community conversations, several opinions appear repeatedly:

Many low-carb and keto eaters recommend it as one of the better fast-food burger options.
Customers frequently praise the freshness of the lettuce and the generous portion sizes.
Several users mention that it’s more filling than expected because the burger itself remains unchanged.
Some recommend using fewer sauces to make the wrap easier to eat.
Others suggest pairing it with a side of peanuts instead of fries if you’re reducing carbohydrates.

While individual opinions vary, the overall community response is generally positive, especially among people looking for a bun-free burger without sacrificing flavor.

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 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.

Final Thoughts

A great burger isn’t defined by its bun—it’s defined by the quality of its ingredients. That’s exactly why the Five Guys Lettuce Wrap continues to grow in popularity among customers who want something lighter without giving up the flavor that made the restaurant famous.

By replacing the bun with crisp iceberg lettuce, you still enjoy fresh beef, unlimited topping choices, and the made-to-order experience that sets Five Guys apart. Whether you’re following a low-carb lifestyle, watching your calorie intake, reducing processed foods, or simply trying something different, this customization proves that convenience and taste can go hand in hand.

The best part is its flexibility. You can build a burger that’s simple and fresh or fully loaded with your favorite toppings, creating a meal that matches your personal preferences rather than settling for a one-size-fits-all menu item.

If you’ve never ordered a lettuce-wrapped burger before, it’s an easy way to experience a different side of the Five Guys menu while still enjoying the same quality ingredients that have made the brand a favorite for decades.

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.