7 Secrets of the In-N-Out Flying Dutchman: The Viral Bun-less Burger and Why the Price Hack is Gone

7 Secrets Of The In-N-Out Flying Dutchman: The Viral Bun-less Burger And Why The Price Hack Is Gone

7 Secrets of the In-N-Out Flying Dutchman: The Viral Bun-less Burger and Why the Price Hack is Gone

The In-N-Out Flying Dutchman is arguably the chain's most famous "secret menu" item, a legend whispered among fans that has now exploded into mainstream popularity, especially on social media platforms like TikTok. This bare-bones, bun-less creation is a minimalist masterpiece, stripping the classic cheeseburger down to its essential, savory core. As of today, December 11, 2025, the Flying Dutchman remains a staple order for low-carb dieters, keto enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a pure, unadulterated beef and cheese fix at the iconic West Coast burger joint. The simple yet genius composition—just two slices of American cheese melted between two beef patties—is a testament to In-N-Out's quality ingredients and a perfect example of a successful menu hack. However, not all news surrounding this cult classic is good; a recent company policy update has quietly ended a long-standing price hack, changing the way savvy customers order this item. We dive deep into the origins, the latest viral variations, and the new ordering reality of the legendary Flying Dutchman.

The Anatomy of the Flying Dutchman and Its Keto Popularity

The Flying Dutchman is a perfect example of how a simple request can create an entirely new dining experience. It is the ultimate expression of a low-carb diet at a fast-food restaurant, offering maximum flavor with minimal carbohydrates.

What Exactly is the Flying Dutchman?

  • Core Ingredients: Two freshly grilled beef patties and two slices of American cheese.
  • The Twist: It is served completely bun-less, with no lettuce, tomato, onions, or signature spread.
  • Concept: It is essentially a Double-Double burger without the bun or vegetable toppings.
  • The Name: The origin of the name is shrouded in In-N-Out lore, but it is said to be a simple, no-frills meal favored by one of the original owners, or perhaps a reference to the mythical ghost ship, suggesting it's a "ghost" item not on the official menu board.

Nutritional Profile: Why Low-Carb Dieters Love It

For those adhering to a ketogenic (Keto) or low-carbohydrate lifestyle, the Flying Dutchman is a game-changer. By eliminating the bun, you drastically reduce the carbohydrate count while maintaining high protein and fat content.

The approximate nutritional breakdown for a single Flying Dutchman is:

  • Calories: Approximately 380 calories.
  • Protein: Around 30 grams of protein.
  • Fat: Roughly 28 grams of fat.
  • Carbs: Only about 2 grams of total carbohydrates (0g net carbs).

This makes it one of the cleanest, highest-protein, and lowest-carb options available on any fast-food "secret menu."

The Viral Whole Grilled Onion Hack: A New Bun is Born

The standard Flying Dutchman is a minimalist's dream, but the beauty of the In-N-Out secret menu lies in customization. A recent trend, primarily popularized on TikTok, has taken the bun-less concept and given it a savory, aromatic twist: the Flying Dutchman with Whole Grilled Onions.

This hack elevates the simple burger by replacing the traditional bun with two thick slices of whole grilled onion. The process is:

  1. Order: Ask for a "Flying Dutchman."
  2. The Modification: Specifically request "whole grilled onions on the top and bottom" to act as a bun replacement.
  3. The Result: The sweet, caramelized flavor and soft texture of the whole grilled onions provide a perfect, flavorful counterpoint to the salty beef and melted cheese.

While the classic Flying Dutchman is served bare, many customers also choose to add a side of Animal Style Spread or pickles to enhance the flavor, transforming it into a richer, more complex bun-less burger experience.

The End of the Price Hack: What You Need to Know About Ordering

For years, seasoned In-N-Out veterans knew a little trick to save a few cents on their Flying Dutchman order. This involved a specific way of requesting the components that often resulted in a slightly lower price than ordering the item by its secret menu name. However, recent reports confirm that this loophole has been officially closed.

The Former Hack vs. The New Reality

The "hack" involved ordering two separate items: a "side of two burger patties" and a "side of two slices of cheese." This often rang up cheaper than the official secret menu price for the Flying Dutchman.

The Update: In a move to standardize pricing and prevent this loss of revenue, In-N-Out has updated its point-of-sale (POS) system. Now, whether you ask for the "Flying Dutchman" by name or request the components separately, the system will apply the same standardized price for the complete bun-less burger.

Best Practices for Ordering Today

The simplest and most reliable way to get your meal is to use the official secret menu name. The staff is well-trained and will know exactly what you mean.

  • The Simple Order: "I'd like a Flying Dutchman, please."
  • The Animal Style Upgrade: "Can I get a Flying Dutchman, Animal Style?" (This will add diced onions and give you spread and pickles on the side.)
  • The Viral Order: "I'd like a Flying Dutchman with whole grilled onions on the top and bottom."

While the price hack is gone, the Flying Dutchman itself remains a beloved, high-protein, low-carb staple. Its continued popularity underscores the vibrant culture surrounding the In-N-Out Secret Menu, which also includes other famous items like Protein Style Burgers (wrapped in lettuce) and Animal Style Fries (topped with spread, cheese, and grilled onions).

The Flying Dutchman vs. Other Bun-less Options

The Flying Dutchman is not the only way to enjoy a bun-less burger at In-N-Out, but it is the most extreme and minimalist. Understanding the difference between the Flying Dutchman and a Protein Style order is key to getting exactly what you want.

Protein Style Burger:

  • This is any standard burger (Single, Double-Double, etc.) wrapped in a large, crisp lettuce leaf instead of a bun.
  • It includes all the standard toppings: spread, tomato, and lettuce.
  • It offers a healthier, crunchier, and more traditional burger experience, just without the refined carbohydrates of the bun.

Flying Dutchman:

  • This is a pure, unadulterated meat and cheese stack.
  • It contains NO lettuce, NO tomato, NO spread, and NO bun.
  • It is the preferred choice for strict low-carb and keto dieters who want to minimize all non-essential ingredients.

Whether you are a seasoned connoisseur of the secret menu or a newcomer looking for a high-protein meal, the Flying Dutchman offers a unique and satisfying taste of In-N-Out's quality ingredients. Despite the end of the price hack, its simplicity and customizable nature ensure its place as one of the most famous and talked-about items in fast-food history.

7 Secrets of the In-N-Out Flying Dutchman: The Viral Bun-less Burger and Why the Price Hack is Gone
7 Secrets of the In-N-Out Flying Dutchman: The Viral Bun-less Burger and Why the Price Hack is Gone

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