Finding a healthy meal at a popular fast-food restaurant can feel confusing, especially when the choices look delicious but also high in calories. Culver’s is famous for ButterBurgers, creamy frozen custard, and crispy sides, and while these foods are tasty, they are not always the healthiest option. The good news is that you can enjoy a satisfying and nutritious meal at Culver’s if you know what to pick. This guide will help you choose smarter, healthier options without losing flavor.
Healthy eating does not mean giving up on your favorite restaurant. It simply means making better choices, understanding the ingredients, and knowing how to avoid extra calories, fat, and sugar. Culver’s offers a variety of choices, and many of them can fit into a balanced diet if ordered wisely.
Before we go deeper, it’s important to remember that moderation is key. You don’t have to choose the lowest-calorie item every time. Instead, focus on improving your overall meal—selecting lean proteins, adding veggies, managing portions, and skipping unnecessary add-ons. Some nutritious choices can be found across the culver's menu, especially if you adjust the meal slightly or choose lighter sides.
1. Choose Grilled Instead of Fried
One of the easiest ways to make a healthier choice at Culver’s is by selecting grilled items instead of fried ones. Fried food tastes amazing, but it adds unnecessary calories, saturated fat, and oils.
Why Grilled Is Better:
- Lower in calories
- Less saturated fat
- Easier to digest
- Gives you protein without the extra grease
Best Grilled Choices:
- Grilled Chicken Sandwich
- Harvest Veggie Burger (if available)
- Grilled Chicken Cashew Salad
If you love chicken tenders, try pairing them with a healthier side like steamed veggies to balance your meal.
2. Pick Smart Side Options
Sides can make or break your healthy meal. A ButterBurger with fries and cheese sauce will quickly increase your calorie intake. Instead, choose sides that add nutrients, fiber, and vitamins.
Healthier Sides to Choose:
- Steamed Broccoli
- Side Salad (light dressing)
- Apple Slices
- Green Beans
Sides to Avoid or Limit:
- Crinkle-cut fries
- Cheese curds
- Onion rings
- Cheese sauce cups
These items are delicious but best enjoyed only sometimes, not as an everyday choice.
3. Be Mindful of Portion Sizes
Portion control is one of the biggest secrets to eating healthy at fast-food restaurants. Culver’s portions are generous, and many people order more than they actually need.
Tips for Better Portion Control:
- Order the single ButterBurger instead of the double or triple
- Choose small instead of regular or large
- Share sides or desserts
- Skip extra sauces
- Drink water instead of sugary drinks
By reducing portions even slightly, you can cut hundreds of calories without losing taste or enjoyment.
4. Customize Your Order for Healthier Results
Culver’s allows customization, which gives you control over what goes into your meal. A few simple changes can turn a high-calorie meal into a healthier one.
Smart Customization Tips:
- Ask for no mayo or light mayo
- Choose whole wheat buns if available
- Add extra lettuce and tomato
- Remove cheese if you want to cut fat
- Request dressing on the side
- Replace fries with broccoli or salad
Small changes can make your meal lighter but still satisfying.
5. Explore Culver’s Fresh Salads
Salads are often the safest option when trying to eat healthy, and Culver’s offers several fresh, filling salads. The key is choosing a salad with lean protein and limiting heavy dressings.
Best Salad Options:
- Grilled Chicken Cashew Salad
- Cranberry Bacon Bleu Salad (request grilled chicken)
- Garden Fresco Salad
Healthy Salad Tips:
- Use light dressing
- Skip croutons if you want fewer calories
- Add extra veggies for more nutrients
- Choose grilled chicken instead of crispy chicken
Salads give you fiber, vitamins, minerals, and protein—all in one meal.
6. Watch Out for Sauces and Dressings
Sauces, spreads, and dressings can add surprising amounts of calories, fat, and sugar. Many people don’t realize that the sauce can sometimes contain more calories than the burger patty itself!
High-Calorie Sauces to Limit:
- Ranch dressing
- Mayo
- Culver’s Signature Sauce
- Cheese sauce
Better Sauce Options:
- Ketchup (in moderation)
- Mustard
- Light mayo
- Vinaigrette dressing
Always ask for sauces on the side so you control how much you use.
7. Make Better Dessert Choices
Culver’s Frozen Custard is delicious, but it’s also rich and high in calories. You don’t have to skip dessert completely—just choose wisely.
Smart Dessert Tips:
- Choose a mini or small serving
- Skip mix-ins like brownies, cookie dough, and candy
- Try fruit toppings like strawberries or blueberries
- Share dessert with a friend
You can enjoy a sweet treat without overindulging if you keep portions small.
8. Don’t Forget About Drinks
Drinks are often a hidden source of extra calories. A large soda or milkshake can add more calories than your whole meal.
Healthy Drink Choices:
- Water
- Sparkling water
- Unsweetened iced tea
- Diet soda (if you prefer)
Drinks to Limit:
- Regular soda
- Lemonade
- Milkshakes
- Sweet tea
Choosing better drinks can instantly cut 200–400 calories from your meal.
9. Plan Your Meal Ahead of Time
If you want to make the healthiest choice at Culver’s, it helps to plan before you arrive. Checking the menu online can help you avoid impulse orders like cheese curds or sundaes.
Planning Tips:
- Pick your meal before reaching the restaurant
- Decide on sides and drinks in advance
- Set a goal: low calories, more protein, or fewer carbs
- Stick to a single treat instead of multiple extras
Planning keeps you focused and helps you choose nutritious options.
10. Build Your Own Healthy Meal (Examples)
Here are some sample meal ideas that balance flavor and nutrition:
Healthy Meal Ideas:
- Meal 1: Grilled Chicken Sandwich + Side Salad + Water
- Meal 2: Garden Fresco Salad + Grilled Chicken + Light Vinaigrette
- Meal 3: Single ButterBurger + Steamed Broccoli + Diet Soda
- Meal 4: Harvest Veggie Burger + Apple Slices + Water
- Meal 5: 2-Piece Chicken Tenders + Green Beans + Small Custard Cup
Final Thoughts
Choosing a healthy meal at Culver’s does not have to be difficult. With the right strategies—like choosing grilled proteins, controlling portions, picking smart sides, and limiting sauces—you can enjoy your favorite restaurant while taking care of your health. Balance, variety, and moderation are the keys to enjoying fast food without guilt.
Culver’s offers many choices that can fit into a healthy lifestyle, and you can still enjoy their popular items if you order thoughtfully. Next time you visit, try using the tips above, and you’ll find it easy to build a meal that is both delicious and nutritious.