If you’re a fan of Arby’s and their famous roast beef sandwiches, you might be wondering how many carbs are hiding in that delicious bun. Whether you’re watching your carb intake for health reasons, following a specific diet, or just curious, knowing the nutritional breakdown of your favorite fast food can help you make more informed choices. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the carbs in Arby’s classic roast beef sandwich, explore some healthier alternatives, and answer some frequently asked questions.
Contents
- 1 Understanding the Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwich
- 2 Carb Counts for Other Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwiches
- 3 How Does the Bun Affect Carb Count?
- 4 Comparing Arby’s to Other Fast Food Sandwiches
- 5 Tips for Reducing Carbs at Arby’s
- 6 Are There Low-Carb Sides at Arby’s?
- 7 Nutritional Information for Other Popular Menu Items
- 8 Healthier Choices at Arby’s
- 9 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- 10 The Bottom Line
Understanding the Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwich
Arby’s roast beef sandwich is a staple on their menu and is loved for its tender roast beef slices piled high on a soft sesame seed bun. While it’s definitely delicious and filling, it’s important to know what you’re getting nutritionally—especially when it comes to carbohydrates.
Nutritional Breakdown: Classic Roast Beef Sandwich
- Calories: 360
- Total Carbohydrates: 37g
- Sugars: 5g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Total Fat: 14g
The majority of the carbs in the classic roast beef sandwich come from the bun. The roast beef itself is very low in carbohydrates, so if you’re looking to cut down on carbs, the bread is where you’ll want to focus.
Carb Counts for Other Arby’s Roast Beef Sandwiches
Arby’s offers several variations of their roast beef sandwich, each with slightly different carb counts:
- Classic Roast Beef: 37g carbs
- Double Roast Beef: 38g carbs
- Half Pound Roast Beef: 38g carbs
The reason the carb count doesn’t change much between these options is that the bun stays the same size—the extra meat doesn’t add significant carbs.
How Does the Bun Affect Carb Count?
The sesame seed bun used in Arby’s roast beef sandwiches is the main source of carbohydrates. If you’re on a low-carb or keto diet, consider these options:
- No Bun: Order your sandwich without the bun (often called “lettuce wrap” style). This can reduce the carb count to just a few grams—mostly from the roast beef itself.
- Eat Open-Faced: Remove the top half of the bun and eat your sandwich open-faced. This will cut your carb intake roughly in half.
Comparing Arby’s to Other Fast Food Sandwiches
If you’re comparing carb counts across different fast food restaurants, here’s how Arby’s stacks up:
- Arby’s Classic Roast Beef: 37g carbs
- McDonald’s Big Mac: 44g carbs
- Wendy’s Dave’s Single: 37g carbs
- Burger King Whopper: 49g carbs
This shows that Arby’s classic roast beef sandwich has a similar or slightly lower carb count compared to other popular fast food burgers.
Tips for Reducing Carbs at Arby’s
- Go bunless or ask for lettuce wrap.
- Avoid adding sauces (like Arby’s Sauce or Horsey Sauce), which can add extra sugar and carbs.
- Add extra meat or cheese instead of bread for a more filling, low-carb meal.
- Skip fries and opt for a side salad or apple slices (where available).
Are There Low-Carb Sides at Arby’s?
Unfortunately, most traditional sides at Arby’s (like curly fries and mozzarella sticks) are high in carbohydrates. Some locations offer side salads or apple slices, which are better choices if you’re watching your carb intake. Always check with your local restaurant for available options.
Nutritional Information for Other Popular Menu Items
- Arby’s Beef ‘n Cheddar (Classic): 45g carbs
- French Dip & Swiss (with au jus): 51g carbs
- Crispy Chicken Sandwich: 45g carbs
Healthier Choices at Arby’s
If you want to enjoy Arby’s while keeping your meal lower in carbs and calories, try these tips:
- Lettuce Wraps: Ask for any sandwich to be wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun.
- No Sauce: Skip sugary sauces and dressings.
- Add Veggies: Pile on lettuce, tomato, and onions for flavor and fiber without extra carbs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Arby’s roast beef sandwich keto-friendly?
The classic sandwich with the bun is not keto-friendly due to its high carb content. However, if you order it without the bun or as a lettuce wrap, it becomes a much better option for keto diets, with only a few grams of carbs from the meat.
How many net carbs are in an Arby’s roast beef sandwich?
The classic roast beef sandwich has about 35g net carbs (37g total carbs minus 2g fiber). Without the bun, net carbs drop dramatically.
What about gluten-free options?
The roast beef itself does not contain gluten, but the bun does. Ordering your sandwich without the bun is a gluten-free-friendly option. Always check with staff about cross-contamination if you have celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance.
Can I customize my order to reduce carbs?
Absolutely! You can remove the bun, add extra meat or cheese, skip sauces, and add veggies to create a lower-carb meal that still satisfies your cravings.
Does Arby’s offer nutrition information?
Yes, Arby’s provides full nutritional information on their website and in-store upon request. This can help you plan your meal according to your dietary needs.
The Bottom Line
An Arby’s classic roast beef sandwich contains about 37 grams of carbohydrates, mostly from the bun. If you’re trying to cut back on carbs—whether for weight loss, diabetes management, or a low-carb lifestyle—you can easily modify your order by skipping the bun or opting for a lettuce wrap. With a little creativity and knowledge of what goes into your meal, you can enjoy your favorite fast food while sticking to your nutritional goals.
If you have more questions about eating out while managing your carb intake, check out our other articles for tips on making healthier choices at your favorite restaurants!