The Culver's Burger With The Most Protein

Americans have been trying to eat more protein, a goal that's been backed by the federal government. It published its 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which recommend a daily intake of 0.54 to 0.73 grams of protein per pound of body weight. When you want something high in the macronutrient at a fast food restaurant, it's hard to do better than a burger. Culver's makes it even easier, since you can order up to three beef patties on any of the Midwestern chain's unique ButterBurgers. But the one with the highest protein content is the Triple Culver's Bacon Deluxe.

It packs 68 grams of protein, just 1 gram more than the chain's Mushroom & Swiss and the Wisconsin Swiss Melt, which both have 67 grams when ordered as triples. Close to two-thirds of it, 42 grams, comes from the three patties, and another 11 grams come from three slices of American cheese. The thick-cut bacon, specially cooked to be chewy with crispy edges, contributes 9 grams, while the toasted, buttered bun adds the remaining 6. The burger also comes with pickles, mayo, raw onion, lettuce, and sliced tomato, and it can gain another gram with the optional sauteed mushrooms.

Culver's makes its ButterBurgers from ground beef that's a blend of sirloin, chuck, and plate. The beef comes from family-run cattle farms in the Midwest, and it's always fresh, never frozen, to retain its moisture and flavor. The burgers are cooked to order and pressed down on the grill, helping develop flavor while creating a good sear. They're served on toasted buns with the top half buttered, which is where they get their trademark name.

Taking a closer look at the sides is another way to boost a Culver's meal's overall protein content. A medium order of Wisconsin Cheese Curds has 17 grams, compared to 4 grams for medium Crinkle Cut Fries and 5 grams for medium Onion Rings. Another option is the medium Chili Cheddar Fries, which have 14 grams, or the Pretzel Bites with Wisconsin Cheddar Cheese Sauce, which have 15 grams. Don't forget dessert, either. A single scoop of Culver's Fresh Frozen Custard in Vanilla has 6 grams of protein, and you can increase that even more with nut toppings like cashews, pecans, or peanut butter.

There's also actually one menu item with even more protein than the Triple Bacon Deluxe, at a whopping 70 grams, but it's not a regular offering. The Buttery Parmesan Pub Burger was introduced by Culver's as one of four limited-time pub burgers for 2026, but it was rolled out only in test markets. Ordered as a triple, it comes with three beef patties, three slices of provolone cheese, parmesan crisps, creamy parmesan sauce, salad blend, tomato, red onion, and mayo on a buttered, toasted brioche bun.

Culver's hasn't particularly focused on adding more of the trendy nutrient to its menu, but the company has been considering some "protein on protein" options, its head of culinary, Kasey McDonald, told Restaurant Business in March 2026. She said one possibility the company was exploring was topping a burger with pot roast, which Culver's already offers.