Are you craving an A&W burger and wishing you could have it your way on keto for once? Indulging on fast food during ketosis seems like a risky affair, but a keto friendly option isn’t out of the question.
You can take a break from counting your carbs because we have decoded their menu to present thirteen incredible keto-friendly options. Keep your fingers crossed because your favorite burger and drink may have made the list!
What’s more? We will speculate if A&W nutrition suits the keto lifestyle, and whether the legendary A&W teen burger gets the keto seal of approval.
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What To Look for On the Keto Diet at Fast Food Chains
Switching to a low-carb diet has its challenges, but you can still enjoy a decent meal at any fast food chain of your choice. If you play your cards right with your keto wisdom in mind, there’s nothing stopping you from comforting food and a good time.
If you want to eat keto at any fast food place you favor, you have to learn what to look for on the menu and how to customize your order.
Meat and Protein
Beef, chicken, seafood, lamb, pork, and other animal meats are a rich source of protein. Whether you choose lean or fatty meats, both are good for keto. Burger patties (un-breaded), grilled meat, or steak can be your reliable keto companions.
In case you don’t eat meat, eggs and tofu are the best bet. Dishes with egg or tofu as the central element can be customized where necessary. If the meat or protein comes sandwiched in a carb-rich bun, you can skip the bun or ask for a lettuce wrap instead.
Avocado and Leafy Greens
Most dishes focused on avocado and leafy green vegetables are great for the keto diet. If any other ingredient listed under the dish seems suspicious, you can look up its compatibility with keto. If keto disapproves, request that the ingredient be excluded from your order.
Cheese
Most soft and unprocessed cheeses are wonderful for keto, so anything on the menu that starts or ends with cheese is usually a good prospect; even better if you have multiple cheeses to choose from.
Low-Carb Sauces
While ketchup and barbeque sauce are unanimously bad for keto, most fast food restaurants have other choices that meet the low-carb quota. Mustard, mayo, hot sauce, and soy sauce are a few reasonable options.
Salads
The salads containing meat or eggs are quite filling and fair to serve as a full meal. Keep the keto-friendly veggies, and ditch the starchy ones along with sweet and carb-heavy dressings. Many fast food places allow customers to build their own salads as well.
Low-Carb Sides
Shift your focus from mainstream items like French fries and onion rings to low-carb alternatives like roasted vegetables and bacon strips.
Diet and Sugar-Free Drinks
Apart from water, common keto-friendly drinks found on almost every fast food restaurant menu include diet sodas, unsweetened iced tea, and black coffee.
Keto Specials
Some fast food restaurants offer keto-friendly alternatives to basic carbs, such as almond flour buns and cauliflower pizza crust.
13 Keto-Friendly Foods at A&W
Let’s take a look at the keto-friendly options at A&W so that you can place your order with fervor and confidence. The menu items with their customizations listed below will ensure that the carb content in your order perfectly aligns with keto’s diet restrictions.
Hamburger With No Bun (0g net carbs)
The hamburger at A&W restaurant with no bun is a great option for those following the keto diet. This option has a net carb count of 0g and is a great source of protein, with 24g per serving.
The burger contains no sugar and is low in sodium, only 270mg per serving. It’s also full of healthy fats, with 17g per serving. This makes it an ideal choice for those following the keto diet.
Not only is it a tasty option, but it’s also a healthier alternative to a bunned burger.
Keep your health and weight in check with the low-carb count of this beef patty. Just make sure to hold off on sugary condiments like ketchup.
Add toppings like tomato, onion, lettuce, and pickles, which will add a minimal amount to your net carb count.
Cheeseburger With No Bun (1g net carbs)
The Cheeseburger with no bun at A&W restaurant is an excellent option for those following a low-carb, ketogenic diet.
This meal contains only 1g net carbs, making it easy to fit into a standard keto meal plan. Additionally, this meal provides a good source of protein, healthy fats, and micronutrients.
the Cheeseburger contains 370 calories and 24g of fat, 20g of protein, 3g of carbohydrates, and 2g of fiber.
This makes it a nutrient-dense option that can help keep you feeling full and energized throughout the day.
Additionally, it contains no added sugar or unhealthy processed ingredients, making it a healthier option than many fast food restaurants.
Overall, the Cheeseburger with no bun at A&W restaurant is a great keto-friendly option that won’t derail your diet.
Third-Pound Double Burger With No Bun (1.5g net carbs)
Interestingly, a restaurant known for its famous root beer is one of the best places to get a burger, but it’s true here.
The Third-Pound Double Burger with no bun at A&W restaurant is keto-friendly because it contains only 1.5 net carbs, making it an ideal low-carb meal for those looking to maintain a ketogenic diet.
The burger has two all-beef patties, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and a signature sauce; all served without a bun.
The ingredients are all low in carbohydrates, and a single serving provides 19 grams of protein and 23 grams of fat, making it an ideal source of healthy fats and protein for those on the keto diet.
Additionally, the Third-Pound Double Burger with no bun contains no added sugars or artificial sweeteners, making it perfect for those looking to limit their intake of these ingredients.
Overall, the Third-Pound Double Burger with no bun at A&W restaurant is a great option for those following a ketogenic diet.
With 1.5 net carbs, 19 grams of protein, and 23 grams of fat per serving, it is an ideal source of healthy fats and protein low in carbohydrates and free of added sugars and artificial sweeteners.
Papa Burger with No Bun (3g net carbs)
The Papa Burger at A&W is an excellent option for those following a ketogenic diet. It’s still low in net carbs but packed with flavor.
This tasty burger with no bun and is loaded with juicy beef, crispy lettuce, and creamy mayonnaise.
This burger offers a low net carb count of only 3g, perfectly fitting into a low-carb and keto diet.
In addition, the Papa Burger has a hearty 15g of protein, which helps to contribute to healthy muscle and bone health.
Nutrition-wise, this burger is also a great food. It has only 250 calories, 15g of fat, and healthy dietary fiber. This burger is also free of added sugars, artificial ingredients, and preservatives.
The Papa Burger at A&W is a great choice for those following a ketogenic diet. With its low net carb count, high protein content, and nutritious ingredients, this burger will surely be a hit for those looking to keep their carb intake low.
Bacon Double Cheeseburger with No Bun 1g net carbs)
The menu at A&W has even more keto diet options to choose from.
The Bacon Double Cheeseburger with no bun is another keto-friendly food because it has a net carb count of only 4g. It also contains high protein and healthy fats, making it a great option for those following a low-carb, high-fat keto diet.
Nutrition information for this meal includes 25g of protein, 19g of fat, 5g of carbohydrate, 4g of dietary fiber, and only 1g of sugar.
This meal is a great option for those looking for a keto-friendly burger that is both delicious and nutritious.
Not only does it taste like a traditional burger, but it is also packed with the nutrition your body needs to stay healthy.
I like adding mustard as my low-carb condiment for this keto burger.
Original Bacon Cheeseburger with No Bun (0.5g net carbs)
Many people don’t know this, but A&W is credited with being the first fast food chain to introduce the delicious original bacon cheeseburger. They have been serving this bacon burger for decades.
The Original Bacon Cheeseburger with no bun at A&W restaurant is keto-friendly because it contains only 1.5 grams of net carbs per serving.
This burger has a beef patty, bacon, cheese, and grilled onions. It contains zero carbohydrates from the bun and only one gram of carbohydrates from the grilled onions, making it a very low-carb meal.
Additionally, it is a good source of protein, providing 18 grams of protein per serving.
Regarding nutrition information, this burger contains 360 calories, 21 grams of fat, 18 grams of protein, and only 1.5 grams of net carbs.
It also contains 1 gram of dietary fiber and 0 grams of sugar. This makes it an ideal meal option for those on a ketogenic diet trying to maintain a low-carb intake and reduce sugar intake.
Hot Dog With No Bun (1g net carbs)
The A&W restaurant offers an excellent keto-friendly option in their hot Dog with no bun. This option contains only a net carb and is a great source of protein at 15g per serving.
It is also an excellent vitamin B12, selenium, zinc, and iron source. The hot Dog contains no added sugars and is made from 100% beef, making it a great option for those on a low-carb diet.
The hot Dog is also free of additives, preservatives, and artificial flavors, making it a great option for those looking for a healthy, natural option.
It is also a great choice for those looking to reduce their intake of processed foods.
Nutritionally, the hot Dog with no bun is an excellent choice for those on a keto diet.
The single net carb per serving makes it a great option for those looking to keep their carb intake low, while the high protein content ensures that they get the necessary energy they need throughout the day.
The high levels of B vitamins, selenium, zinc, and iron also provide essential nutrients for ketogenic diets. All in all, the A&W hot dog with no bun is an excellent keto-friendly option.
Top your keto hot dog with mustard for flavor without added carbs.
Coney Dog With No Bun (1g Net Carbs)
The Coney Dog with no bun at A&W Restaurant is keto-friendly because it contains an impressively low net carb count of just 1 gram per serving.
This dish is nutritious, boasting the same amount of protein as the traditional version with a bun.
It contains a juicy beef hotdog with zesty chili, diced onions, and shredded mild cheddar cheese.
Nutritionally, the Coney Dog with no bun is a great choice for anyone following a ketogenic diet.
With only 1 gram of net carbs and 16 grams of protein, it provides a filling and nutritious meal that won’t break the keto bank.
Plus, it is free of added sugar and contains plenty of healthy fats, making it an ideal choice for those following a ketogenic diet.
Coney Cheese Dog With No Bun (1g net carbs)
The Coney Cheese Dog with no bun at A&W restaurant is a great option for anyone following a keto diet, as it is extremely low in carbs and healthy fats.
This dish consists of a beef hot dog topped with cheese, mustard, and diced onions.
It provides 12g of protein, 19g of fat, and just 1g of net carbs. This dish is also a good source of Vitamin A and Iron.
This makes it a great option for anyone looking for a quick, nutritious, and keto-friendly meal. Additionally, the dish is low-calorie, with just 140 calories per serving.
3-pc Hand-breaded Chicken Tenders (2g Net Carbs)
The 3-pc Hand-breaded Chicken Tenders at A&W Restaurant are an excellent keto-friendly option.
With only 2g net carbs, they are an excellent choice for those looking to stay below the daily 20-50g net carb recommendation for keto.
Additionally, each serving is low in fat, providing only 5g, while being high in protein with 15g – an important factor in achieving and maintaining ketosis.
The nutrition information also shows that the chicken tenders are free of added sugars, making them a smart choice for those on a keto diet.
Jalapeño Ranch Sauce (1g Net Carbs)
The Jalapeño Ranch Sauce at A&W Restaurant is a great keto-friendly option due to its low net carb count and nutrition information.
The sauce contains only 1 net carb per serving, making it an ideal choice for those following a low-carb diet.
The sauce also contains zero fat, zero sugar, and zero cholesterol, making it a healthy option for keto diets.
Furthermore, the sauce is high in protein, with 1 gram per serving, and provides a good source of dietary fiber, with 1 gram per serving.
The Jalapeño Ranch Sauce at A&W Restaurant is ideal for those following a keto diet and looking for a flavorful yet healthy condiment.
Buttermilk Ranch
Navigating a fast food chain menu on a keto diet can be tricky, but A&W’s Buttermilk Ranch Sauce makes it easier. With only 1g of carbs and zero trans fats, it’s a keto-friendly choice that doesn’t compromise flavor.
Unlike ketchup, which often contains added sugars, the Buttermilk Ranch Sauce is low-carb and free of trans fats, making it a better fit for a ketogenic lifestyle.
Its creamy, tangy blend of buttermilk, herbs, and spices adds a zesty kick to your meal, proving that fast food can be both tasty and keto-compatible.
A&W Diet Root Beer (0g Net Carbs)
A&W Diet Root Beer from A&W restaurant is a great choice for those on a ketogenic diet. It has zero calories and zero net carbs, making it an ideal drink for those looking to reduce their carb intake.
Additionally, it is free of sugar, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives. This means it won’t interfere with your diet plan or spike your blood sugar like regular root beer or other sugary drinks might.
It also contains no fat or cholesterol, making it a great option for those seeking a healthy lifestyle.
Furthermore, it is lightly carbonated and contains natural flavors, giving it a refreshing taste.
Regarding nutrition, A&W Diet Root Beer contains no sodium, protein, or vitamins. However, it contains trace amounts of potassium and phosphorus, essential minerals for keeping the body balanced.
Overall, A&W Diet Root Beer is an excellent choice for ketogenic diets due to its zero net carbs and calorie count and lack of sugar, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives.
It is a great way to enjoy a refreshing soda without compromising your diet.
Foods To Avoid on Keto at A&W
We’ve given you several options to stay in ketosis at A&W restaurants and lose weight. However, there are plenty of items that you should avoid on the keto diet.
Here are some items you should not eat
- Root Beer (the diet A&W root beer is great)
- Floats, freezes, shakes, polar swirls, sundaes, and cones
- Crispy chicken sandwich
- Mushroom onion melt
- Fish Sandwich
- Shrimp
- Cheese curds
- Fries, chili fries, chili cheese fries
- Corn dog nuggets
- Onion Rings
- BBQ Sauce
- Honey Mustard
- Spicy papa sauce
As you can probably guess, these items are full of carbs that will pack on the weight and kick you out of ketosis.
Quick Tips for Eating Keto at A&W
Memorize these savvy tips, so you never have to worry about a carb overload while dining there.
- Trade in the basic bun with lettuce wrap.
- Focus on protein power, i.e., grilled meats, fish, eggs, bacon, sausages, tofu etc. But make sure to avoid breaded items.
- Go diet and sugar-free in the drinks section.
- Forget the fries and embrace the salads.
- Befriend cheese and savor the good fats.
- Say no to the sneakily sweet sauces and dressings.
- Ignore the dessert menu.
Final Thoughts on Eating at A&W on the Keto Diet
A&W may not be the first place that comes to mind for a keto-friendly meal, but it sure is full of surprises. Together we have uncovered several fantastic low-carb options waiting to complement your ketogenic diet.
The array of bun-less burgers and hot dogs from the A&W restaurant menu will fill your mealtimes with smiles and cheesy goodness. Therefore, the next time you find yourself yearning for some fast food, don’t hesitate to swing by this food chain.
Eating keto-friendly food there can be a delicious reality that you can experience with a dollop of determination and the know-how of customization.
When you learn the tactics to eliminate carbs from your meals, you get to savor every bite while staying true to ketosis.
