Bareburger has carved out a unique niche in the fast-casual dining scene. With its commitment to organic ingredients, sustainable sourcing, and a robust plant-based offering, it has become a go-to for health-conscious eaters and burger lovers alike. But even with its clean image, Bareburger meals can range widely in calorie content. This guide helps you understand what you’re eating—so you can enjoy your meal while staying aligned with your health or dietary goals.
Why Calorie Awareness Matters at Bareburger
It’s easy to assume that because Bareburger uses organic beef or offers vegan burgers, every item is a healthy choice. But ingredients like cheese, sauces, and buns can add hundreds of calories to a seemingly balanced dish. Understanding what goes into your burger or bowl can help you make smarter decisions—without sacrificing flavor.
Bareburger’s Menu: The Basics
The menu is versatile. You can choose from pre-built signature burgers or bowls, or build your own using their “Be My Burger” system. The flexibility is great—but it also means calories can swing drastically depending on your selections.
A standard beef burger on a brioche bun with cheese, bacon, and sauce can climb over 1,000 calories. On the flip side, a vegan patty on a lettuce wrap with fresh veggies can stay under 500.
Best Low-Calorie Choices
If you’re looking to keep your meal light, these are some of the best choices from Bareburger‘s menu:
1. Farmer’s Quinoa Veggie Patty
At around 170 calories, this plant-based patty is one of the lightest protein options on the menu. It’s made from organic vegetables and grains and offers a hearty, slightly nutty taste.
2. Lettuce Wrap Instead of Bun
Ditching the bun in favor of a lettuce wrap can save you 200–300 calories. While brioche buns are tasty, they’re heavy on refined carbs and fats.
3. Cali Bowl
This gluten-free, vegan bowl typically contains cauliflower rice, greens, avocado, and black beans—clocking in under 600 calories. It’s filling, nutrient-dense, and packed with fiber.
4. Simple Side Salad
Instead of fries, opt for a side salad. Without dressing, it’s usually around 150–200 calories, depending on toppings. Add a light vinaigrette or just squeeze lemon for flavor.
High-Calorie Items to Be Cautious About
On the other hand, if you’re watching your intake, these popular picks might deserve a second look:
1. Supreme Burger
This menu favorite includes double beef patties, cheese, bacon, and special sauce—all on a brioche bun. It can easily exceed 1,100 calories in one serving.
2. Loaded Milkshakes
Bareburger’s dessert-style shakes, like the Salted Caramel Banana & PB shake or the Cookies & Cream shake, can contain 800–1,000+ calories each. That’s practically a full meal in liquid form.
3. Korean-Style Wings
Great for sharing, but an order of jumbo wings can pack up to 2,000 calories, especially when dipped in sauces or served with fries.
4. Sweet Potato Fries (Large Size)
Although a healthier alternative to regular fries, a large portion of sweet potato fries can reach 500–600 calories, mostly from oil and salt.
Customize for Calories: Build Smarter Burgers
If you’re creating your own burger, here’s how to keep it in check without losing satisfaction:
- Pick a lean or plant-based protein: Try grilled chicken, turkey, or the vegan Impossible patty.
- Choose a lighter bun or lettuce wrap: A sprouted bun is slightly better than brioche; lettuce wrap cuts the most.
- Watch the cheese: Skipping cheese can save 100–150 calories.
- Go easy on sauce: Aiolis and mayos are heavy—mustard, hot sauce, or a small amount of hummus are better.
- Add fiber-rich veggies: Load up on lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, and sprouts to bulk up your burger without bulking up the calories
Sample Meal Plans for Different Goals
Here are three Bareburger meals based on different dietary goals:
1. Weight Loss-Friendly Meal (~500 calories)
- Lettuce wrap
- Quinoa veggie patty
- Veggie toppings (tomato, onion, pickles, arugula)
- Side salad (no dressing or lemon juice)
- Sparkling water
2. Protein-Packed Meal (~700–800 calories)
- Sprouted bun
- Grilled chicken patty
- Avocado, pickled onions, and kale
- Light vinaigrette drizzle
- Small sweet potato fries
- Unsweetened iced tea
3. Indulgent Meal (~1,200+ calories)
- Brioche bun
- Classic beef patty with cheese and bacon
- Special sauce
- Regular fries
- Salted caramel shake
This last one is best enjoyed as an occasional treat, not a daily order.
Transparency and Nutritional Info
Bareburger stands out for offering full nutritional transparency. Their website and delivery platforms often include detailed breakdowns of individual components. This makes it easier for you to track what you’re eating—even when you’re building your own burger or bowl.
Some diners even recommend using Bareburger’s nutritional calculator or requesting sauce on the side for better control. This transparency helps guests make informed decisions based on personal health needs, allergies, or calorie goals.
Final Thoughts: Balanced Dining at Bareburger
At the end of the day, Bareburger offers something for everyone—from vegans and vegetarians to full-on meat lovers. What makes the experience better is knowing how to navigate the menu.
You don’t need to skip burgers or deprive yourself. A few smart swaps—like choosing grilled proteins, ditching heavy sauces, or splitting indulgent sides—can go a long way. And remember, enjoying a high-calorie meal once in a while is completely fine if it fits into your lifestyle.
The point isn’t to obsess over numbers—it’s to make informed choices that help you feel good after your meal. Bareburger gives you the tools; it’s up to you how you build your plate.
FAQ: Bareburger Calories Explained
1. Does Bareburger display calorie counts on their menu?
Yes, Bareburger provides calorie information for most menu items, especially online. You’ll find breakdowns for burgers, bowls, and even toppings—great for building a meal that fits your needs.
2. What’s the lowest-calorie burger option at Bareburger?
The lightest choice is a quinoa veggie patty in a lettuce wrap, with fresh veggies and mustard. It can be under 300–400 calories, depending on add-ons.
3. Are Bareburger’s vegan or plant-based meals always low in calories?
Not always. While they tend to be cleaner and more nutrient-dense, some bowls and vegan burgers still exceed 600–700 calories, especially with toppings like avocado or aioli.
4. What should I avoid if I’m watching my calorie intake?
Avoid items like brioche buns, creamy sauces, large fries, and milkshakes. These are delicious but pack in hidden calories fast—often more than a full meal needs.
