A burger patty made from half bacon and half beef sounds extreme, but the nutritional profile is surprisingly different from what you might expect. When you look at Slater’s 50/50 Nutrition and Calories, the numbers often challenge the assumption that this is a reckless cheat meal. The blend, which uses ground bacon mixed with ground chuck, changes the fat ratio in a way that isn’t as catastrophic as many people assume.
Understanding the full breakdown requires looking at the patty itself, the bun, and the toppings you choose. The base patty is the star, but the final count depends heavily on your order. Let’s break down exactly what you are consuming when you order this famous burger.
Slater’s 50/50 Nutrition And Calories
The exact calorie count for a standard 50/50 patty is not always published in a uniform way across all locations. However, based on the restaurant’s official allergen and nutrition guides, a single 1/2 lb (8 oz) cooked patty contains roughly 780 to 850 calories. This number is for the meat only, with no cheese, sauce, or bun.
Here is the typical macronutrient breakdown for that single 8 oz patty:
- Calories: 780 – 850 kcal
- Protein: 52 – 58 grams
- Total Fat: 60 – 68 grams
- Saturated Fat: 24 – 28 grams
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams (before bun)
- Sodium: 1,200 – 1,500 mg (before seasoning)
Notice that the carb count is zero for the patty itself. The bacon contributes a significant amount of sodium and fat, but it also adds a smoky flavor that allows the kitchen to use less salt in the beef mix. This is a key point for anyone tracking macros.
Why The Bacon Changes The Fat Profile
Most people think bacon is pure fat, but the cooking process renders out a lot of the grease. When the kitchen grinds raw bacon with raw beef, the fat content is high before cooking. However, as the patty cooks on the flat top, the fat melts away and drips off.
The result is a patty that is actually leaner than a standard 80/20 beef patty after cooking. The bacon fibers hold onto moisture, which means the patty doesn’t dry out even though the fat is rendering. You get a juicy texture with less liquid fat remaining in the final product.
Comparing To A Standard Beef Patty
To put this in perspective, a standard 8 oz beef patty (80% lean) has about 820 calories and 62 grams of fat. The 50/50 blend is almost identical in calories. The main difference is the sodium content, which is significantly higher in the 50/50 due to the cured bacon.
If you are on a low-carb or keto diet, the 50/50 patty is actually a viable option. You can skip the bun and add cheese and avocado to hit your fat goals without blowing your carb limit.
Full Burger Build: Adding The Bun And Toppings
The patty is only half the story. The “50/50 Burger” as served on the menu comes with a brioche bun, lettuce, tomato, onion, and a special sauce. This is where the calories jump significantly.
Here is the estimated breakdown for the standard menu burger (1/2 lb patty with bun and standard toppings):
- Calories: 1,150 – 1,300 kcal
- Protein: 58 – 62 grams
- Total Fat: 75 – 85 grams
- Carbohydrates: 55 – 65 grams
- Sodium: 2,200 – 2,800 mg
The brioche bun alone accounts for roughly 250-300 calories. The special sauce (usually a thousand island style dressing) adds another 150-200 calories. If you add cheese (american or cheddar), expect to add 100-120 calories per slice.
How To Order To Cut Calories
You don’t have to give up the flavor to save calories. Here are practical swaps you can make at the counter:
- Ask for a lettuce wrap. This eliminates the bun entirely, saving you 250-300 calories and 50 grams of carbs.
- Skip the sauce. Ask for mustard or a light smear of mayo instead of the house sauce. This saves 100-150 calories.
- Choose a single patty. The menu offers a 1/3 lb patty option. This reduces the meat calories by about 30%.
- Add extra veggies. Load up on pickles, jalapenos, and raw onions. These add volume and crunch for almost zero calories.
- Skip the cheese. If you are watching saturated fat, leaving off the cheese saves 110 calories and 6 grams of saturated fat.
If you order the 1/3 lb patty with a lettuce wrap and no sauce, you can get the total meal down to around 500-550 calories. That is a very reasonable fast-casual burger option.
Side Dishes And Their Impact
Your choice of side can double the calorie count of your meal. The fries at Slater’s are cooked in beef tallow, which gives them a great flavor but adds calories.
Here is the breakdown for common sides:
- Regular Fries (7 oz): 480 calories, 24g fat, 60g carbs
- Sweet Potato Fries (7 oz): 520 calories, 26g fat, 68g carbs
- Onion Rings (6 pieces): 610 calories, 32g fat, 70g carbs
- Side Salad (no dressing): 120 calories, 8g fat, 10g carbs
- Coleslaw (5 oz): 280 calories, 22g fat, 18g carbs
The fries are not the worst option on the menu, but they are not light. If you are counting calories, the side salad is the clear winner. However, if you want fries, consider splitting them with a friend or ordering the “small” size if available.
Protein Style: The Keto Approach
For those following a ketogenic diet, the 50/50 burger is a popular choice. The high fat content keeps you full, and the zero-carb patty fits your macros perfectly.
To make it keto-friendly, you should order the burger “protein style” (lettuce wrap). You can also add bacon (yes, more bacon) and avocado to increase the healthy fat content. A typical keto build looks like this:
- 1/2 lb 50/50 patty
- Lettuce wrap
- 2 slices of cheddar cheese
- 1/2 avocado
- Mustard and mayo
This build comes to roughly 950 calories, 70g fat, 60g protein, and only 8g net carbs. That is a solid meal for someone on a strict low-carb plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the 50/50 burger actually half bacon and half beef?
Yes. The patty is ground from 50% raw bacon and 50% ground chuck. The bacon is not cooked before grinding; it is mixed in raw and cooked together on the grill.
Q: Does the 50/50 patty have more calories than a regular beef patty?
No, not significantly. After cooking, the fat renders out of the bacon, so the calorie count is very similar to a standard 80/20 beef patty. The main difference is sodium and flavor.
Q: Can I order a 50/50 burger without the bun?
Yes. You can request a lettuce wrap or a bowl. This is the best way to reduce calories and carbs while still enjoying the patty.
Q: What is the sodium content in the 50/50 patty?
The patty alone contains about 1,200 to 1,500 mg of sodium. This is high due to the curing process of the bacon. If you are watching your blood pressure, you should be cautious.
Q: Are there any gluten-free options for the 50/50 burger?
The patty itself is gluten-free. However, the brioche bun contains gluten. You can order a lettuce wrap to make the entire burger gluten-free. Always inform the staff about your allergy so they can avoid cross-contamination.
Final Thoughts On The 50/50
The Slater’s 50/50 Nutrition and Calories profile is not the cheat meal disaster that many people assume. The protein content is impressive, and the fat is not excessive compared to other gourmet burgers. The real danger is the bun, sauce, and fries.
If you are mindful of your toppings and sides, you can fit this burger into a balanced diet. The key is to treat it as a protein-rich meal, not a side dish. Skip the sugary drinks, choose water or unsweetened iced tea, and you will be fine.
One last tip: the 50/50 patty is very filling. You might not need the fries at all. Listen to your body and stop eating when you are full. That is the simplest way to manage your calorie intake without obsessing over every gram.
So next time you are at Slater’s, you can order with confidence. You now know exactly what is on your plate and how to adjust it to meet your goals. Whether you are counting calories or just curious, the 50/50 is a fascinating option that proves bacon and beef can coexist in a surprisingly balanced way.
Just remember to check the local menu at your specific Slater’s location, as nutritional info can vary slightly based on portion sizes and preparation methods. The numbers provided here are based on standard serving sizes and are accurate to within a reasonable margin. Enjoy your burger, and now you can do it without the guilt.