Is Bun Size Franks Keto?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I look beyond the marketing claims and straight at the formulation. The primary issue with Bun Size Franks regarding a ketogenic diet lies in the additives used for flavor and texture.

The most immediate red flag is the presence of corn syrup. This is a direct source of sugar and carbohydrates. Even in small quantities, added sugars are strictly limited on keto because they cause rapid spikes in blood glucose and insulin, which inhibits the production of ketones. Following that, we see maltodextrin. Maltodextrin is a highly processed starch derived from corn (or rice/wheat) that has a glycemic index even higher than table sugar. It is often used as a bulking agent or preservative carrier, but for a keto dieter, it acts just like pure sugar.

While the meat content is primarily mechanically separated chicken and pork—which are generally acceptable—the inclusion of corn-derived sweeteners and fillers makes the carbohydrate count too high for a diet that typically restricts intake to under 20-50 grams of net carbs per day.

Nutritional Value

When evaluating processed meats for a ketogenic diet, we focus on the 'Total Carbohydrates' line, specifically net carbs (Total Carbs minus Fiber). Bun Size Franks contain added sugars like corn syrup and maltodextrin, which contribute to the total carbohydrate count without offering fiber to offset it.

While these franks are high in fat and protein, which fits the macronutrient profile of keto, the source of the carbohydrates matters. The sugars added to this product are 'empty calories' that provide no nutritional benefit and actively work against the metabolic state of ketosis. For a product to be truly keto-compatible, it should ideally have zero grams of sugar and minimal total carbohydrates. Unfortunately, the formulation of Bun Size Franks pushes the carb count too high to be considered safe for the diet.