Fast-food chain Five Guys is making a play for health-conscious customers this January with the launch of a new bunless burger designed for those watching their weight.
A Low-Carb Alternative for Calorie-Conscious Consumers
The new offering swaps the traditional burger bun for a lettuce wrap, creating a meal that comes in at under 250 calories. Marketed alongside a Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, the £10 bundle is explicitly targeted at people aiming to cut back on refined carbohydrates and added sugar while hitting their protein goals. Each beef patty in the wrap provides 24g of protein.
John Eckbert, chief executive of Five Guys Europe, described the lettuce wrap as the "perfect combination of fresh flavours and guilt-free enjoyment". He positioned it as a "great balanced alternative for GLP-1 users," referencing the millions of people using weight-loss injections like Wegovy and Mounjaro.
Nutritionist's Verdict: Pros, Cons, and Health Warnings
We asked registered nutritionist Rob Hobson, author of The Low Appetite Cookbook, for his expert analysis. He acknowledged that the lettuce-wrapped burger does have some nutritional merits compared to a standard burger.
"Nutritionally it does offer some positives like being high in protein and lower in calories and refined carbs," Hobson said, noting it may suit January dieters and some people on GLP-1 medications. These drugs, used by an estimated 2.5 million people, work by mimicking gut hormones to promote fullness, meaning users often seek low-calorie, nutrient-dense foods.
However, Hobson issued several cautions. He pointed out that a classic Five Guys beef patty contains 14g of fat, 5.6g of which is saturated. While some fat is essential, excessive saturated fat can raise cholesterol levels. NHS guidelines recommend no more than 30g per day for men and 20g for women.
He also questioned the meal's overall nutrient profile: "Whilst lettuce, tomato and pickles do add freshness, they don't significantly boost nutritional value... So from a nutrient-density point of view, it's still a protein-heavy, relatively one-dimensional meal." For GLP-1 users, the high-fat patty could also cause digestive issues or nausea due to slowed gastric emptying.
The Bigger Picture: Sweeteners and Long-Term Use
Hobson also warned that the bundled Coca-Cola Zero Sugar is not a health drink. It contains aspartame, an artificial sweetener linked in recent studies to potential heart and brain health concerns. Last year, research connected regular consumption of such drinks to increased risks.
Five Guys is part of a wider trend of food producers adapting offerings for weight-loss drug users, with Marks and Spencer recently launching a 'nutrient dense' range. However, questions persist about GLP-1 medications' side-effects, which can include nausea, vomiting, and organ strain.
Experts also warn that users may need to stay on the drugs for life, as a landmark study found most regain weight rapidly after stopping treatment.
Hobson's final verdict was measured: "Ultimately it can be a better choice than a full burger and fries, but it shouldn’t be mistaken for a nutritionally complete meal."
