How Many Calories In A Five Guys Little Cheeseburger? Quick Answer + Details
The other day, I was on a mission. A noble quest, if you will, fueled by a rumbling in my stomach and a deep-seated craving for something… well, something undeniably good. You know the feeling, right? The one where only a juicy, perfectly cooked burger will do. I found myself staring at the iconic red-and-white sign of Five Guys, my brain already doing a little happy dance at the thought of those fresh-cut fries and, of course, their legendary burgers. But then, the nagging voice of reason (or maybe just my slightly tighter jeans) piped up: "Alright, but how much are we talking, calorie-wise?"
It’s a question I bet a lot of you have pondered, maybe even whispered to yourself as you’re scrolling through the menu or waiting in line, a delightful mix of anticipation and slight apprehension. Because let's be real, while Five Guys is pure burger bliss, it's not exactly known for being a diet food. And when you’re faced with options like the “Little” burger and the regular, the decision can feel like a mini moral dilemma. So, I decided to do a little digging, a bit of investigative journalism for the sake of our collective burger-loving souls.
The Burning Question: How Many Calories in a Five Guys Little Cheeseburger?
Alright, let's get straight to the point. For those of you who appreciate a quick answer (because who has time to read a whole article when your stomach is growling?), here it is:
A standard
Yep, 550. Now, before you clutch your pearls or start doing mental gymnastics, let’s break down what that actually means and why it’s that number. Because context, my friends, is everything, especially when it comes to delicious, cheesy goodness.
Deconstructing the Little Cheeseburger
So, what exactly goes into that little package of joy that racks up those calories? Let’s peel back the layers, shall we?
The Patty: This is where a significant chunk of the calories comes from. Five Guys uses 100% fresh, never frozen, ground beef. And their patties are not exactly dainty. Even the "little" burger patty is substantial. They’re known for their generous portions, and that translates into calories. The fat content in the beef is a major contributor here. While they don’t disclose the exact fat percentage, it’s generally understood to be around an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio, which is standard for a flavorful burger. This fat is crucial for that incredible juiciness and taste, so it’s a trade-off we often make, right?
The Bun: The bun itself adds a decent amount of calories. It’s a soft, slightly sweet white bun. While not as calorie-dense as, say, a brioche bun on steroids, it still contributes. We’re talking in the ballpark of 150-200 calories for the bun alone, depending on its exact size and composition. It's the perfect vehicle for all that beefy goodness, and it’s gotta hold up!
The Cheese: Ah, the cheese. For a cheeseburger, this is a non-negotiable for many of us. A standard slice of American cheese, which is what Five Guys typically uses, adds around 100 calories. So, that beautiful melty layer is definitely doing its part to boost the calorie count. And let’s be honest, would it really be a Five Guys cheeseburger without that gooey, cheesy embrace?
Putting it all together: Patty (around 250-300 calories) + Bun (150-200 calories) + Cheese (100 calories) = roughly 500-600 calories. So, 550 feels like a pretty solid, central estimate.
The "Little" vs. The Regular: What's the Difference?
You might be wondering, "Why 'little' if it's still 550 calories?" That’s a fair question. The "little" burger at Five Guys is essentially a single patty burger, whereas their regular burger is a double patty. So, the difference is literally one less patty. That’s it. This means the regular burger will be roughly double the calories of the little one (around 1100 calories, give or take). So, if you’re feeling particularly ravenous and eyeing the regular, just know you’re doubling down. The "little" is their way of offering a single-patty option, which, comparatively, is the smaller of their two main burger offerings.
The Toppings: Where Things Can Get Really Interesting (Calorie-Wise)
Now, here’s where the real fun (and potential calorie explosion) begins. The 550-calorie number is for a plain little cheeseburger. But who eats a plain burger at Five Guys? It's like going to an all-you-can-eat buffet and only having a single lettuce leaf. The magic of Five Guys is in the customization, the endless array of toppings they offer for free.
Let’s talk about some of the popular additions and what they might add:
- Bacon: Oh, glorious bacon. A couple of strips of their thick-cut, perfectly cooked bacon can easily add 100-150 calories. So, if you're going for a bacon cheeseburger, you're already pushing 700+ calories.
- Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add a lovely umami flavor and some moisture. They're relatively low in calories, maybe adding 20-30 calories.
- Onions (Grilled or Raw): Grilled onions are caramelized and sweet, adding a delicious depth. Raw onions are sharper. Both are pretty low in calories, probably around 10-20 calories.
- Lettuce, Tomatoes, Pickles, Jalapeños: These are your low-calorie champs. Think 5-15 calories each, depending on how much you load up. They add freshness, crunch, and a bit of zing.
- Sauces: This is where it gets tricky. Ketchup and mustard are relatively low (around 10-20 calories per serving). However, options like their
Cajun Mayo or their BBQ Sauce can add significantly more. A couple of tablespoons of a creamy sauce can easily tack on 50-100 calories.
So, picture this: a little cheeseburger, with bacon, grilled onions, and a drizzle of cajun mayo. You’re looking at an easy 800-900 calories, and that's still being relatively restrained!
The Fries Factor: A Whole Other Ballgame
Okay, I know this article is about the burger, but let’s be honest, you rarely go to Five Guys for just the burger, right? Those fries are legendary. They fill your bag, they’re perfectly crispy, and they’re… well, they’re a calorie bomb waiting to happen.
A small order of Five Guys fries can be around 450-500 calories. A medium? We’re talking 900-1000 calories. And a large? You might be looking at 1300-1400 calories. This is before you even think about adding their famous seasoning.
So, if you’re having a little cheeseburger (550 calories) and a small fries (500 calories), you’re already at over 1000 calories. And that’s before any extras on the burger or any drinks! Suddenly, that 550 calories for the burger alone doesn’t seem quite so isolated anymore, does it?
Drinks and Other Considerations
And what about drinks? A standard soda from the fountain, like a Coke or a Sprite, can add another 150-250 calories depending on the size. If you opt for a milkshake? Well, that’s a whole other conversation, often adding 800-1200 calories on its own. So, a "simple" Five Guys meal can easily become a caloric adventure.
So, Is It Worth It? The Verdict from the Burger Trenches
Look, I’m not here to shame anyone’s burger choices. Life is too short, and Five Guys burgers are undeniably delicious. The 550 calories for a little cheeseburger (plain) is a fact, but it’s a fact that’s meant to be contextualized. It’s a substantial, high-quality burger made with fresh ingredients.
When you’re craving that specific Five Guys experience, that juicy patty, that soft bun, that melty cheese, and the freedom to pile on whatever toppings your heart desires, it’s important to go in with your eyes (and your stomach) open. The calorie count is what it is, and for many of us, the pure enjoyment and satisfaction are worth the indulgence. It's about making informed choices, knowing what you're consuming, and enjoying it guilt-free (or at least, with minimal guilt, which is the best we can hope for sometimes, right?).
If you're trying to be mindful of your calorie intake, the Five Guys "little" cheeseburger can still be part of your plan. You might opt for fewer (or no) toppings, skip the fries, or choose a water instead of a soda. Or, you can simply embrace it as an occasional treat, a reward for a hard week, or a delicious pit stop on a road trip. The key is knowing the numbers and deciding what works for you.
Me? I’m going to continue enjoying my occasional Five Guys indulgence. Maybe next time I’ll get the little cheeseburger, load it up with grilled mushrooms and onions, and maybe just a tiny bit of bacon. And I’ll definitely savor every single bite. Because sometimes, a really good burger is just what the doctor ordered. Or, you know, what your taste buds ordered.