Fast food has long been associated with unhealthy eating, but a new study sheds light on which fast-food burgers top the list for the worst nutritional profiles. A recent analysis by PlushCare examined the nutritional content of burgers from major fast-food chains, considering calories, saturated fat, sodium, and sugar. The results revealed surprising rankings for both the unhealthiest and healthiest options on the market.
Five Guys: The Unhealthiest Burger
According to the PlushCare study, the classic cheeseburger from Five Guys was crowned the least healthy burger, with an “unhealthiness score” of 50. This score was driven by its high levels of saturated fat and calories, with the burger containing a whopping 26.5 grams of saturated fat—73% more than any other fast-food burger in the study. Additionally, the burger packs 1,050 milligrams of sodium and nearly 1,000 calories, making it one of the most calorically dense options available.
The high levels of saturated fat in Five Guys’ burgers contribute significantly to the risk of heart disease, raising cholesterol levels and increasing the likelihood of developing chronic health conditions. For those looking to make healthier choices, this burger is certainly one to avoid.
McDonald’s Surprising Healthier Ranking
Despite being known for processed, salty foods, McDonald’s cheeseburger tied for second place in the healthiest category, scoring only 18 points on the unhealthiness scale. The McDonald’s cheeseburger contains 300 calories, 6 grams of saturated fat, and 720 milligrams of sodium—far less than Five Guys’ burger. Burger King’s cheeseburger shared the same score, with similar nutritional content.
While McDonald’s may not be the first brand that comes to mind when thinking of healthier fast-food options, this study reveals that their standard cheeseburger is a relatively less harmful choice compared to others on the market. PlushCare researchers noted that “healthy eating comes down to taking control of what you eat,” and sometimes, making a more informed decision can make a significant difference.
Other Unhealthy Contenders
Following closely behind Five Guys, Whataburger’s Jalapeño & Cheese burger and Smashburger’s Classic Smash tied for the second unhealthiest options, each earning a score of 42. Whataburger’s burger contains 1,800 milligrams of sodium—more than the daily recommended limit for most adults—and Smashburger isn’t far behind with 1,630 milligrams. Both burgers are also loaded with saturated fat, which contributes to their high unhealthiness scores.
Carl’s Jr.’s Famous Star with Cheese and Sonic’s cheeseburger rounded out the top five least healthy burgers with scores of 37 and 36, respectively. Both burgers contain high levels of sodium and saturated fat, making them poor choices for anyone looking to maintain a balanced diet.
Culver’s: The Healthiest Burger
On the flip side, Culver’s Butterburger earned the top spot as the healthiest fast-food burger, scoring 17 points on the unhealthiness scale. This burger contains 460 calories, 11 grams of saturated fat, and 610 milligrams of sodium, making it a much better option for those trying to minimize their intake of unhealthy nutrients.
The findings highlight that not all fast-food burgers are created equal. While it’s tempting to grab a quick bite, the difference in nutritional content between burgers can have a significant impact on your health.
Why These Numbers Matter
Saturated fat and sodium are key factors in determining the healthiness of fast food. Diets high in saturated fat can lead to increased cholesterol levels, raising the risk of heart disease. Sodium, when consumed in excess, can lead to high blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The USDA recommends keeping daily sodium intake below 2,300 milligrams, yet many fast-food burgers exceed half of this limit in just one serving.
When consuming fast food, it’s crucial to make informed choices based on nutritional content. While grabbing a burger occasionally is perfectly fine, knowing the health risks associated with some of the unhealthiest options can help reduce long-term health issues.
Conclusion
Fast food may not always be the best choice for a healthy diet, but understanding which options are worse than others can help you make better decisions. The recent study by PlushCare provides valuable insights into which fast-food burgers are the least healthy, with Five Guys taking the top spot due to its high saturated fat and calorie content. Meanwhile, surprising contenders like McDonald’s and Burger King rank much lower on the unhealthiness scale, making them slightly better options when you’re in a rush.
The bottom line? While it’s okay to indulge in fast food occasionally, being aware of what you’re consuming can help you make healthier choices. Next time you’re deciding which drive-thru to visit, consider the nutritional facts before placing your order.
Read More: 16 Worst Fast Food Chains to Avoid