How Many Carbs Are in a Turkey Burger? A Low-Carb Alternative

Turkey burgers are increasingly popular as a healthier and lower-carb alternative to traditional beef burgers. But exactly how many carbohydrates are in a turkey burger? The amount can vary based on factors like size and added ingredients. Here is a detailed look at the carb content of different turkey burger varieties.

Why Choose Turkey Burgers?

Turkey burgers offer several advantages nutritionally compared to beef

• Lower in fat and calories than beef

• Contain zero carbohydrates naturally

• Higher in protein than beef per serving

• Versatile canvas for flavorful seasoning blends

• Leaner alternative without sacrificing satisfaction

For these reasons, turkey burgers are smart choices, especially for low-carb and keto diets. But it’s still important to understand how carbs can add up.

Carb Content of Turkey Burger Patties

A turkey burger patty by itself without a bun or any toppings contains zero carbohydrates naturally. However, many premade frozen turkey burger patties contain small amounts of added carbohydrates:

• A 4-ounce raw turkey burger patty averages 0-3 grams of carbs

• This comes mostly from fillers like breadcrumbs often added to patties

• Homemade patties using just ground turkey contain zero carbs

So when preparing your own turkey patties at home, you can easily achieve a zero carb burger. But check labels on store-bought frozen patties for any added carbs.

Carbohydrates in Different Serving Sizes

The carb content of a turkey burger can vary somewhat based on the serving size:

• A 1-ounce cooked turkey burger contains about 0-1 grams of carbs

• A small 3.3-ounce patty averages 0-2 grams of carbs

• A medium 4-ounce patty averages 0-3 grams of carbs

• A large 5.3-ounce patty averages around 0-4 grams of carbs

As you can see, even a large turkey burger patty contains only a few grams of carbs at most.

Effects of Buns and Toppings

While the patty itself is very low in carbs, what you put on your turkey burger matters:

• A regular bread bun can add 15 or more grams of carbs

• Cheese, sauces and condiments also increase carb counts

• Lettuce wraps or low-carb buns keep carbs minimal

• Focus on vegetable toppings over starchy sides

You can enjoy a very low-carb turkey burger by avoiding the bun and high-carb toppings. This makes turkey burgers ideal for low-carb, keto and gluten-free diets.

Low-Carb Turkey Burger Options

Here are some tasty ways to make your turkey burger lower in carbs:

• Serve in lettuce leaf wraps instead of a bun

• Use portobello mushroom caps instead of buns

• Try veggie-based buns made from plants

• Skip the sugary condiments like ketchup

• Load up on toppings like tomato, onion, spinach

• Avoid starchy sides like fries or potatoes

With smart substitutions and vegetable toppings, you can enjoy flavorful turkey burgers as part of a low-carb eating plan.

Benefits of Choosing Turkey Burgers

Turkey burgers offer many perks beyond their lower carbohydrate content:

• Tend to be lower in calories than beef burgers

• Contain more protein ounce for ounce than beef

• Have less unhealthy saturated fat than beef patties

• Versatile canvas for creative seasoning blends

• Can be topped with lots of fresh vegetables

• Make excellent substitutes in most burger recipes

So for a satisfying lower-carb option, turkey burgers are the way to go. Just keep buns and toppings light to maximize the benefits.

FAQ About Carbs in Turkey Burgers

Are there any carbs in a turkey burger patty?

Plain turkey burger patties contain 0 grams of carbs naturally. Some store-bought patties may have 0-3 grams of carbs added from things like breadcrumbs.

What has the fewest carbs – turkey burger or beef burger?

Turkey burgers contain fewer carbs than beef. A 4-ounce turkey burger patty has 0-3 grams of carbs, versus 0-5 grams in a similar sized beef patty.

Can I eat turkey burgers on keto or low-carb diets?

Yes, turkey burgers can fit into low-carb, keto, paleo and gluten-free diets, especially when enjoyed without the bun. Focus on low-carb toppings and vegetable sides.

Do turkey burgers have any hidden carbs?

Check the ingredients list of store-bought patties for potential hidden carbs from things like breadcrumbs, dextrose or sugar. Homemade patties contain zero carbs.

What are the best low-carb toppings for turkey burgers?

Delicious low-carb toppings for turkey burgers include lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado, mushrooms, peppers, spinach, mustard, and sugar-free ketchup.

Should I choose turkey or veggie burgers for fewer carbs?

Turkey burgers and veggie burgers are both very low in carbs. Veggie burgers made from plants contain slightly more carbs than turkey, around 5 grams per patty.

With zero grams of carbs naturally, turkey burgers are one of the lowest-carb burger options around. Limiting your bun and toppings keeps carbs minimal for a satisfying low-carb meal.