Wendy’s is a go-to destination for fast food lovers, offering everything from iconic Frostys to hearty burgers and even healthy-looking salads. With nearly 6,000 locations primarily in the Eastern U.S., the chain prides itself on variety and convenience. But not every menu item is a winner. In fact, some options may leave you regretting your choice — whether due to questionable preparation methods, sky-high calorie counts, or simply poor quality.
Here’s a closer look at 14 items to skip at Wendy’s and the reasons behind it.
1. Wendy’s Chili Is Made from Old Burgers
While Wendy’s chili is beloved for its savory, comforting flavor, the meat used in this dish may give you pause. The beef comes from unsold burgers that are chopped up and simmered into the chili. Though technically safe to eat, knowing it’s made from older patties can be off-putting. Additionally, with 910 milligrams of sodium in a small serving, it’s a salt bomb that can derail your daily intake in one bite.
2. The Triple Bacon Jalapeño Cheeseburger Is a Calorie Bomb
This burger combines three patties, cheese, jalapeños, and bacon into one colossal calorie bomb. At 1,260 calories and 86 grams of fat, it’s more than half the average daily caloric intake for most adults. The 4.5 grams of trans fats alone are enough to steer clear, as these fats can negatively impact your heart health and cholesterol levels.
3. Their Frosty Mix May Not Be Hygienic
The iconic Frosty may not be as clean as you’d hope. Some employees have claimed that leftover Frosty mix is stored in unsealed buckets and reused, potentially exposing it to contamination. Improper cleaning of the machines adds another layer of concern, making this treat a risky indulgence.
4. The Dave’s Triple Cheeseburger Contains a Day’s Worth of Calories
Stacked with three quarter-pound beef patties and plenty of cheese, the Dave’s Triple is not for the faint-hearted. At 1,090 calories and loaded with saturated fat and sodium, it’s a heavy hitter you’re better off skipping. Opt for a smaller burger if you’re craving beef without overloading your system.
5. Wendy’s Lemonade Is Not Freshly Made
The “All-Natural Lemonade” might sound wholesome, but employees have revealed it’s made from frozen concentrate mixed with water. Worse, a large serving contains 93 grams of sugar — more than twice the daily recommended amount. It’s better to choose a lower-sugar beverage or stick to water.
6. The Pretzel Bacon Pub Triple Is Astonishingly High in Fat
Clocking in at over 1,500 calories and 109 grams of fat, the Pretzel Bacon Pub Triple is one of Wendy’s unhealthiest menu items. With 44 grams of saturated fat and 5 grams of trans fat, this burger contributes significantly to the risk of chronic diseases like hypertension and heart disease.
7. Chili Cheese Fries Are Packed with Sodium
Wendy’s chili cheese fries combine greasy fries, salty chili, and processed cheese into a single high-sodium dish. At 1,640 milligrams of sodium per serving, they’re a poor choice if you’re watching your salt intake. Adding to the disappointment, some locations reportedly dilute the cheese sauce with water to stretch it further.
Read More: 14 Signs Your Blood Sugar Is Way Too High
8. Wendy’s Salads May Not Be as Healthy as You Think
Salads seem like a healthy choice, but Wendy’s versions are surprisingly high in sodium. The Taco Salad, for example, contains almost 1,900 milligrams of sodium. Additionally, salads prepared earlier in the day might include limp or day-old greens, making them less fresh than expected.
9. Fries Might Be Double-Fried
While fries are a staple fast food item, Wendy’s fries might not always be freshly made. Employees have admitted to refrying older fries to heat them up, leaving them greasy and overcooked. If you value freshness, this could be a major turnoff.
10. The Homestyle Avocado BLT Chicken Sandwich Is Deceptively Unhealthy
Despite its seemingly wholesome ingredients like avocado and tomato, this sandwich has 720 calories and a hefty dose of fat. Though avocados contain healthy fats, the fried chicken and bacon push this menu item into less nutritious territory.
11. The Fish Sandwich May Not Be Fresh
Wendy’s fish sandwich is an unpopular menu item, leading to infrequent stock rotation. Former employees have reported that the fish fillets can sometimes sit for extended periods, compromising their freshness. If you’re craving a fish sandwich, you might be better off at another chain.
12. Baked Potatoes Can Be Hit or Miss
Baked potatoes may seem like a safe and healthy side, but their freshness can vary. Employees have noted that potatoes left out too long become chewy and lose their appeal. Ordering during peak meal times may improve your chances of getting a fresh one.
13. The Triple Peppercorn Mushroom Melt Is Laden with Saturated Fat
With 1,290 calories and 86 grams of fat, this burger is one of Wendy’s least nutritious offerings. It’s especially heavy on saturated fat, contributing to raised cholesterol levels and increased heart disease risk. Its protein content might tempt gym-goers, but the health risks outweigh the benefits.
14. Sauce Pumps May Not Be Properly Maintained
Dipping sauces are a fast food staple, but Wendy’s sauce pumps could be unhygienic. Reports from former employees describe pumps that are rarely cleaned, with old and crusty ketchup buildup. It’s safer to request packets of sauce instead.
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