While fast food is a quick and convenient option, it’s important to stay informed about the nutritional value of what you’re consuming. A new report by PlushCare has revealed the most unhealthy fast food burger currently available.
In this study, the cheeseburger from Five Guys was ranked as the most detrimental to your health based on factors like calories, saturated fat, sugar, and sodium content. Let’s dive into the details.
Five Guys Cheeseburger: The Unhealthiest Burger
According to PlushCare’s analysis, Five Guys’ cheeseburger ranked the highest in unhealthiness among 24 popular fast-food chains. This burger contains:
- Calories: 984
- Saturated Fat: 26.5 grams
- Sugar: 8 grams
- Sodium: 1,050 milligrams
With these high values in key areas of concern for health-conscious consumers, this burger scored an “unhealthiness score” of 50, making it the most calorie-dense and nutritionally imbalanced option in the study.
How The Rankings Were Determined
PlushCare evaluated five staple fast food items from each chain—cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, fries, vanilla shakes, and nuggets. Using nutritional menus from the restaurants, the researchers assessed calories, sugar, saturated fat, and sodium content.
The Department of Health’s nutrient profiling method was used to give each item a relative unhealthiness score, and then an overall score for each chain was calculated.
Other Notable Fast Food Items
In addition to Five Guys’ cheeseburger, the study identified other notable mentions. Whataburger came in second for unhealthy burgers, followed by Smashburger, Carl’s Jr., and Sonic. On the healthier end of the spectrum, Culver’s Butterburger took the crown for the least unhealthy option, with:
- Calories: 390
- Saturated Fat: 7 grams
- Sugar: 6 grams
- Sodium: 480 milligrams
McDonald’s cheeseburger also ranked relatively healthier, with 300 calories, 6 grams of saturated fat, and 7 grams of sugar.
Why It Matters
Fast food is often high in calories, sugar, saturated fat, and sodium, all of which contribute to long-term health issues like obesity, heart disease, and high blood pressure. While it’s okay to indulge occasionally, being aware of the nutritional facts behind these menu items helps you make informed decisions.
The key takeaway from the report is that not all fast food is created equal, and some options are significantly worse than others for your health.
Table Of Nutritional Data For Top Fast-Food Burgers
| Burger | Calories | Saturated Fat (g) | Sugar (g) | Sodium (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Five Guys | 984 | 26.5 | 8 | 1,050 |
| Whataburger | 800 | 22 | 5 | 1,020 |
| Smashburger | 780 | 20 | 7 | 900 |
| Carl’s Jr. | 740 | 18 | 6 | 950 |
| Sonic | 720 | 17 | 6 | 980 |
| Culver’s | 390 | 7 | 6 | 480 |
| McDonald’s | 300 | 6 | 7 | 720 |
Conclusion
While fast food remains a popular choice for convenience, it’s essential to know the nutritional content of your meal. Five Guys’ cheeseburger topped the list of the most unhealthy burgers, while Culver’s and McDonald’s offered relatively healthier alternatives.
As always, moderation is key, and being informed about your food choices can help you maintain a balanced diet.
FAQs
1. What Makes Five Guys’ Burger The Unhealthiest?
It contains 984 calories, 26.5 grams of saturated fat, and over 1,000 milligrams of sodium, making it high in unhealthy fats and sodium.
2. What Is The Healthiest Fast Food Burger?
Culver’s Butterburger is ranked as the healthiest, with only 390 calories and lower amounts of saturated fat and sodium.
3. How Was The Unhealthiness Score Calculated?
PlushCare used the Department of Health’s nutrient profiling method, analyzing factors like calories, sugar, fat, and sodium.
4. Can I Still Eat Fast Food If I’m Health-Conscious?
Yes, but it’s important to make informed choices and enjoy fast food in moderation.
5. Are There Healthier Options On Fast Food Menus?
Many chains have added healthier options like salads and grilled chicken sandwiches in response to growing health awareness.
