Steak 'N Shake vs Culver's: Calorie Comparison (2026)

In the fast-food arena, Steak 'N Shake and Culver's are two popular choices for burger lovers. Each chain offers a variety of meals that cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. This article will compare the calorie content and nutritional profiles of both chains to help you make informed dining decisions. Let's dive into the numbers and see how they stack up.

Steak 'N Shake vs Culver's: The Numbers

At a glance, Steak 'N Shake averages 343 calories per item, while Culver's averages 477 calories per item. This significant difference highlights the calorie-conscious options available at Steak 'N Shake.

Metric	Steak 'N Shake	Culver's
Menu items analyzed	336	264
Average calories per item	343 kcal	477 kcal
Lightest real meal	2 Eggs Scrambled (120 kcal)	Chocolate Milk, Low Fat (140 kcal)
Highest-protein item	7x7 Steakburger (102 g)	Swiss ButterBurger, Triple (66 g)
Best protein-per-calorie	2 Eggs Scrambled (9.2/100cal)	Garden Fresco w/ Grilled Chicken Salad (12.2/100cal)
Calorie range	15-1800 kcal	5-1520 kcal

Steak 'N Shake's lightest real meal, the 2 Eggs Scrambled, contains only 120 calories, showcasing their lower-calorie offerings. In contrast, Culver's lightest real meal, the Chocolate Milk, Low Fat, has 140 calories, indicating a slightly higher baseline for their menu items.

Average Calories by Category

When it comes to protein content, both chains offer some hefty options.

Category	Avg cal, Steak 'N Shake	Avg cal, Culver's
Burgers	778 kcal	723 kcal
Salads	885 kcal	207 kcal
Desserts	298 kcal	793 kcal
Entrees	631 kcal	447 kcal
Sandwiches	518 kcal	530 kcal
Soup	707 kcal	230 kcal
Fried Potatoes	478 kcal	433 kcal
Beverages	294 kcal	438 kcal
Appetizers & Sides	254 kcal	383 kcal
Baked Goods	254 kcal	175 kcal

Steak 'N Shake's highest protein item is the 7x7 Steakburger, boasting an impressive 102 grams of protein. Meanwhile, Culver's highest protein item, the Swiss ButterBurger, Triple, contains 66 grams of protein, showing that Steak 'N Shake has the edge in protein-packed meals.

Lightest Options at Steak 'N Shake

Lightest at Steak 'N Shake	Calories	Protein
2 Eggs Scrambled	120 kcal	11 g
1 Steakburger Patty, Add Ons	140 kcal	9 g
4 Bacon Slices	160 kcal	10 g
Chili, for Fries, Add Ons	170 kcal	9 g
Kilt Lifter	200 kcal	10 g
Chocolate Milk, Small	210 kcal	10 g

Lightest Options at Culver's

Lightest at Culver's	Calories	Protein
Milk, 1%	110 kcal	8 g
Chocolate Milk, Low Fat	140 kcal	8 g
Cheesy Chicken Tortilla Soup	150 kcal	8 g
Vegetable Beef w/ Barley Soup	160 kcal	8 g
Peanuts, Dry Roast Seasoned	160 kcal	8 g
Oven Roasted Turkey Noodle Soup	170 kcal	11 g

Track Steak 'N Shake and Culver's in Nutrola

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The Verdict

Overall, Steak 'N Shake emerges as the lighter option with an average of 343 calories per item compared to Culver's 477 calories. For those seeking higher protein meals, Steak 'N Shake also leads with its 7x7 Steakburger. However, Culver's still provides satisfying options for those who prioritize flavor and variety. Ultimately, the choice depends on your dietary goals and preferences.

Methodology

Both chains are compared using verified calorie and macro data from published menu information. Averages cover all analyzed items and are a rough guide, not a claim that one chain is universally healthier, since your order and toppings drive the real number. Steak 'N Shake averages 343 calories per item across 336 items; Culver's averages 477 across 264.