Jeffrey Salazar
Culver's, known for its ButterBurgers and frozen custard, might seem like an unlikely destination for those following a keto diet, but with a bit of creativity and careful menu navigation, it’s possible to enjoy a keto-friendly meal there. By focusing on low-carb options like the ButterBurger sans bun, lettuce-wrapped sandwiches, or grilled chicken entrées, and skipping high-carb sides like fries or onion rings in favor of salads or green vegetables, keto dieters can indulge in Culver's signature flavors without derailing their dietary goals. Additionally, customizing orders to exclude sugary sauces or toppings ensures a meal that aligns with keto principles, making Culver's a surprisingly viable option for those maintaining a low-carb lifestyle.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Menu Options | ButterBurger (no bun), salads (without croutons), grilled chicken sandwich (no bun), side salad, green beans, coleslaw, avocado, bacon, cheese curds (limited), unsweetened iced tea, diet soda, water, coffee (no sugar) |
| Customization Tips | Order burgers wrapped in lettuce, skip sugary sauces, avoid breaded items, opt for low-carb dressings (e.g., ranch, blue cheese) |
| Carb-Friendly Sides | Side salad, green beans, coleslaw (watch portion size) |
| Protein Choices | Beef patties, grilled chicken, bacon, cheese (e.g., cheddar, American) |
| Fats | Butter, mayonnaise, avocado, cheese, bacon |
| Drinks | Unsweetened iced tea, diet soda, water, black coffee |
| Items to Avoid | Buns, fries, onion rings, custard, milkshakes, breaded items, sugary sauces |
| Net Carbs (Approx.) | ButterBurger (no bun): 2g, side salad (no croutons): 3-5g, green beans: 4g, coleslaw: 5g |
| Macros Focus | High fat, moderate protein, very low carbs |
| Special Notes | Portion control is key; some items may have hidden carbs (e.g., sauces, dressings) |
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What You'll Learn
ButterBurgers without the bun
When following a keto diet at Culver's, one of the most popular and satisfying options is the ButterBurger without the bun. This choice allows you to enjoy the rich, buttery flavor of Culver's signature burger while keeping your carb intake low. To order, simply ask for any ButterBurger variety (Single, Double, or Triple) and request it bunless. Culver's is accommodating to keto customers, so don't hesitate to customize your order. The patty itself is made from fresh, never-frozen beef and is cooked to perfection, ensuring a juicy and flavorful experience. By skipping the bun, you eliminate the majority of carbs, making it a keto-friendly choice.
When ordering your ButterBurger without the bun, consider adding toppings that align with your keto goals. Culver's offers a variety of low-carb toppings, such as lettuce, cheese, bacon, avocado, and mayo. Cheese is a particularly great addition, as Culver's uses real American cheese that melts beautifully over the patty. Bacon adds a smoky, crunchy texture without extra carbs, and avocado provides healthy fats and creaminess. Be mindful of sauces, as some may contain added sugars. Stick to keto-friendly options like mustard or sugar-free ketchup if available. These toppings enhance the flavor while keeping the meal within keto macros.
Another tip for enjoying a ButterBurger without the bun is to treat it like a lettuce wrap or a salad. Culver's offers a side of lettuce, which you can use to wrap your patty and toppings for a handheld experience. Alternatively, you can eat it with a fork and knife, pairing it with a side of greens or a low-carb vegetable. This approach ensures you still get the satisfaction of a burger without the carb-heavy bun. If you're dining in, ask for extra lettuce or a side salad to complement your meal and increase your fiber intake.
Portion size is also important when ordering a ButterBurger without the bun on keto. Culver's ButterBurgers come in Single, Double, or Triple patty options. A Single ButterBurger is a great choice if you're watching your calorie intake, while a Double or Triple provides more protein and keeps you fuller longer. Remember, the keto diet focuses on high fat and moderate protein, so pairing your bunless burger with a side of cheese curds or a diet-friendly dressing can help balance your macros. Always check the nutritional information if you're tracking your intake closely.
Finally, don't forget to pair your ButterBurger without the bun with keto-friendly sides. Culver's offers several options, such as a side salad with ranch dressing, green beans, or just a plain side of pickles. Avoid the fries and onion rings, as they are high in carbs. If you're craving something creamy, opt for a side of sour cream or extra mayo. These sides ensure your meal remains low-carb while providing variety and satisfaction. With these tips, you can enjoy a delicious and keto-compliant meal at Culver's centered around their iconic ButterBurger.
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Low-carb salad options
When dining at Culver's while following a keto diet, low-carb salad options are a smart choice to stay within your macros. Culver's offers several customizable salads that can be tailored to fit your keto needs. Start with the Garden Fresco Salad, which features a mix of fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions. To keep it keto-friendly, skip the croutons and opt for a high-fat dressing like the Bleu Cheese or Ranch. Adding grilled chicken or bacon can boost your protein and fat intake without adding carbs.
Another excellent option is the Side Salad, which is a smaller portion of mixed greens. This base is perfect for customization—add avocado for healthy fats, shredded cheese for flavor, and a protein like grilled chicken or turkey. Be mindful of the dressings; avoid sugary options like Honey Mustard and instead choose oil-based or creamy dressings with minimal carbs. You can also ask for extra olive oil and vinegar on the side for a simple, carb-free dressing.
If you're craving something heartier, consider the Beef Pot Roast Dinner Salad, but request it without the potatoes and carrots to reduce the carb count. This salad typically includes slow-roasted beef, greens, and other low-carb vegetables. Pair it with a side of buttered broccoli or a plain side salad to keep it keto-compliant. Always double-check with the staff to ensure no hidden sugars or high-carb ingredients are included.
For those who enjoy seafood, the North Atlantic Cod Filet can be ordered as a topping for a side salad. Simply ask for the cod to be served over greens instead of as a sandwich. Add cheese, bacon, and a creamy dressing to make it more filling and keto-friendly. This option provides a good balance of protein and fats while keeping carbs minimal.
Lastly, don’t forget to utilize Culver's customization options. Most salads can be modified to remove high-carb ingredients like croutons, tortilla strips, or sugary toppings. Always opt for grilled proteins over breaded options, and choose full-fat dressings over light or fat-free versions. By being mindful of these adjustments, you can enjoy a satisfying and keto-compliant meal at Culver's.
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Keto-friendly side dishes
When dining at Culver's while following a keto diet, it's essential to focus on low-carb, high-fat options. Fortunately, Culver's offers several side dishes that can fit into your keto lifestyle with a few modifications. One of the best keto-friendly side dishes at Culver's is the Green Side Salad. This simple yet refreshing option typically includes lettuce, spinach, and other low-carb vegetables. To keep it keto, skip the croutons and opt for a high-fat dressing like ranch or blue cheese. These dressings are not only flavorful but also align with your macronutrient goals.
Another excellent choice is the Steamed Broccoli. Broccoli is a nutrient-dense vegetable that is naturally low in carbs and high in fiber, making it an ideal keto side. You can ask for it plain or request a pat of butter to add healthy fats and enhance the flavor. Avoid any sugary sauces or toppings that might be offered, as they can quickly derail your keto efforts. Steamed broccoli pairs well with Culver's butter burgers (ordered lettuce-wrapped) for a satisfying and balanced meal.
If you're craving something creamy and comforting, consider the Side of Cheese Curds but in moderation. While cheese curds are higher in fat and protein, they do contain some carbs due to the breading. To make this option more keto-friendly, scrape off as much of the breading as possible or ask if they can be served unbreaded. Cheese itself is keto-approved, so enjoying a small portion of cheese curds can be a tasty treat without kicking you out of ketosis.
For a lighter option, the Pickle Slices are a great keto-friendly side dish. Pickles are low in carbs and calories, making them a perfect snack or accompaniment to your main meal. Just ensure they are plain pickles without added sugars or sweeteners. Pairing pickle slices with a bunless burger or a side of grilled chicken can add a tangy crunch to your keto meal at Culver's.
Lastly, don't overlook the Side of Bacon as a keto-friendly option. Bacon is high in fat and protein, with minimal carbs, making it an excellent choice for those on a ketogenic diet. Culver's bacon is typically crispy and flavorful, adding a satisfying texture to your meal. Pair it with a side salad or steamed broccoli for a well-rounded keto side dish. By focusing on these options and making mindful modifications, you can enjoy a delicious and keto-compliant meal at Culver's.
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Sugar-free drink choices
When dining at Culver's while following a keto diet, it's essential to choose beverages that align with your low-carb goals. Fortunately, Culver's offers several sugar-free drink options that can complement your meal without derailing your macros. One of the most straightforward choices is unsweetened iced tea. By opting for unsweetened tea, you avoid added sugars while still enjoying a refreshing beverage. You can also request a splash of lemon or lime to add flavor without extra carbs.
Another excellent sugar-free option at Culver's is diet soda. Most locations offer popular diet soda brands, which are sweetened with zero-calorie sugar substitutes like aspartame or sucralose. These drinks provide the fizziness and flavor of regular soda without the sugar or carbs, making them a keto-friendly choice. Just be mindful of any potential sensitivity to artificial sweeteners if you’re strict about your keto ingredients.
If you prefer something more natural, unsweetened iced coffee is a great alternative. Culver's iced coffee can be ordered without sugar or flavored syrups, keeping it carb-free. You can customize it with heavy cream or almond milk for added richness while staying within keto guidelines. This option is not only sugar-free but also provides a caffeine boost to keep you energized.
For those who enjoy dairy, unsweetened milk options like whole milk or heavy cream can be added to coffee or tea without introducing sugar. While milk does contain some natural sugars (lactose), opting for smaller portions or choosing heavy cream, which has minimal carbs, ensures your drink remains keto-friendly. Always ask for these additions on the side to control the amount you use.
Lastly, water is the ultimate sugar-free and carb-free beverage choice. Culver's offers plain water, sparkling water, or water with lemon or lime wedges. Adding a slice of citrus can enhance the flavor without adding carbs. Staying hydrated with water is not only keto-friendly but also supports overall health and digestion, especially when consuming higher-fat meals typical of the keto diet. By focusing on these sugar-free drink options, you can enjoy your Culver's experience while staying true to your keto lifestyle.
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Customizable keto meals
When dining at Culver's while following a keto diet, the key is to focus on low-carb, high-fat options and customize your order to fit your macros. Culver's offers several customizable keto-friendly meals by allowing you to modify their standard menu items. For instance, ButterBurgers are a great starting point. Order any ButterBurger and ask for it to be served lettuce-wrapped instead of on a bun. This simple swap eliminates the high-carb bun while keeping the flavorful buttered beef patty, cheese, and toppings like bacon, mayo, or mustard. Add extra toppings like avocado or a fried egg for healthy fats and protein.
Another customizable keto option is Culver's salads. Start with a base like the Garden Fresco Salad, which includes mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and cheddar cheese. Skip the croutons and opt for a high-fat dressing like ranch or bleu cheese. Add grilled chicken, bacon, or a hamburger patty (no bun) to increase protein and satiety. You can also request extra cheese, avocado, or a side of butter to keep the meal keto-friendly and flavorful.
For a heartier meal, consider Culver's deli sandwiches but customize them to fit keto. Order a sandwich like the Turkey Cordon Bleu or Corned Beef and ask for it to be bunless and served on a bed of lettuce or in a lettuce wrap. Keep the cheese and mayo but skip any sugary sauces or breaded ingredients. Pair it with a side of green beans (if available) or a plain side salad with high-fat dressing.
If you're craving something warm and comforting, Culver's soup options can be keto-friendly when paired with the right sides. For example, order a bowl of broccoli cheese soup (check for carb content first) and pair it with a side of bacon or sauteed mushrooms. Avoid the crackers or bread that typically come with the soup. Alternatively, ask for a side of butter or sour cream to add healthy fats to your meal.
Finally, don't forget about snack packs and sides for lighter keto options. Culver's pickles are a crunchy, low-carb snack, and their deviled eggs (if available) are a great keto-friendly choice. You can also order a side of bacon or sausage links for a quick protein and fat boost. Just be mindful of any added sugars or breading in sides like onion rings or fries, which are not keto-friendly. By customizing these options, you can enjoy a satisfying keto meal at Culver's without compromising your diet.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can order a ButterBurger without the bun to keep it keto-friendly. Skip the ketchup and opt for sugar-free condiments like mustard or mayo.
Yes, Culver's salads like the Garden Fresco Salad can be keto-friendly if you skip the croutons and choose a low-carb dressing like ranch or blue cheese.
Unfortunately, Culver's custard and shakes are high in sugar and carbs, making them unsuitable for a keto diet. Stick to unsweetened iced tea or water instead.
