When it comes to fast food, most people are aware that it’s not exactly the healthiest option. However, some chains are significantly worse than others in terms of nutritional value. According to a recent study conducted by Plushcare, a virtual healthcare provider, one popular chain has topped the charts for serving the unhealthiest burgers and fries in America.
The study analyzed several of the most commonly ordered fast food items from 24 of the most popular chains, including burgers, chicken nuggets, fries, chicken sandwiches, and vanilla shakes. The results revealed that Five Guys stands out as the chain offering the least nutritious versions of both burgers and fries. Let’s dive deeper into the findings and see why Five Guys takes the top spot for unhealthy fast food.
Five Guys Cheeseburger: The Unhealthiest In America
The study highlights that the cheeseburger from Five Guys is the worst offender when it comes to fast-food burgers. The cheeseburger contains a whopping 73% more saturated fat than any other fast-food cheeseburger analyzed.
Nutritional Breakdown For Five Guys Cheeseburger:
- Saturated fat: 73% higher than average fast-food burgers
- Calories: High in overall calorie content
- Sodium: Significantly higher than recommended daily intake
Saturated fat is a concern for many health experts because it can lead to increased cholesterol levels and a higher risk of heart disease. For those watching their saturated fat intake, this is an important consideration when choosing where to eat.
Five Guys Fries: A Calorie Bomb
In addition to their burger, Five Guys’ fries also rank as the unhealthiest option in the study. These fries are a fan favorite, known for their large portions and tasty seasoning. However, the price you pay for indulging in these fries is steep when it comes to nutritional value.
Nutritional Breakdown For Five Guys Fries (Large):
- Calories: 953 calories per serving
- Saturated fat: Significantly high
- Sodium: High sodium content
At nearly 1,000 calories, ordering these fries will add a significant amount to your daily caloric intake. Not to mention, they also contain unhealthy levels of saturated fat and sodium, making them a poor choice for anyone looking to maintain a balanced diet.
Popeyes: Unhealthiest Chicken Nuggets & Sandwiches
While Five Guys takes the crown for the unhealthiest burgers and fries, Popeyes is another chain that stands out for serving some of the worst chicken nuggets and chicken sandwiches in terms of nutrition.
Popeyes Chicken Nuggets:
- Saturated fat: Double or more compared to other fast-food nuggets
- Sodium: Extremely high levels, exceeding daily recommendations
Popeyes Chicken Sandwich:
- Sodium content: Exceeds 1,642.6 milligrams, surpassing the daily recommended limit of 1,500 mg by the American Heart Association
Both the nuggets and chicken sandwiches from Popeyes are loaded with saturated fats and sodium, contributing to higher risks of heart disease and high blood pressure.
Fatburger: The Unhealthiest Vanilla Shake
If you’re craving something sweet, you might want to think twice before indulging in a vanilla shake from Fatburger. The study found that their vanilla shake has the highest calorie and sugar content among the fast-food chains analyzed.
Nutritional Breakdown For Fatburger Vanilla Shake:
- Calories: 890 calories per serving
- Saturated fat: 30 grams
- Sugar: 86 grams
With nearly 900 calories, 30 grams of saturated fat, and a staggering 86 grams of sugar, this shake far exceeds the recommended daily intake for both sugar and fat, making it a dessert to avoid if you’re watching your health.
Why This Matters: The Impact On Your Health
The findings of this study highlight the importance of being mindful of what you’re ordering at fast-food chains. Consuming meals that are high in saturated fats, sodium, and sugar can contribute to a variety of health problems, including heart disease, obesity, and high blood pressure.
The American Heart Association recommends keeping daily sodium intake to 1,500 milligrams, but many of the menu items analyzed exceed this limit in just one serving.
For example, a single serving of chicken nuggets or a chicken sandwich from Popeyes can surpass this daily recommendation, and Five Guys’ burgers and fries can quickly push you well over the limit.
It’s important to remember that while an occasional indulgence is fine, consistently eating such high-calorie, high-fat meals can have long-term consequences for your health.
Healthier Alternatives
If you still crave fast food but want to make healthier choices, consider the following tips:
- Choose smaller portions: Opt for a single patty burger instead of a double or triple to reduce calorie and fat intake.
- Skip the fries: While they’re tempting, skipping the fries or sharing a small portion can drastically reduce your meal’s overall calorie content.
- Opt for grilled options: Many chains offer grilled chicken sandwiches or wraps, which are typically lower in fat than their fried counterparts.
- Stay mindful of add-ons: Avoid extra cheese, bacon, and high-calorie sauces. Opt for mustard or light mayonnaise instead.
- Consider healthier sides: Choose side salads or fruit cups instead of fries.
Table Of Unhealthiest Fast Food Items
| Menu Item | Chain | Calories | Saturated Fat (g) | Sodium (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheeseburger | Five Guys | High | 73% more than others | High |
| Large Fries | Five Guys | 953 | High | High |
| Chicken Nuggets | Popeyes | Moderate | Double compared to others | High |
| Chicken Sandwich | Popeyes | High | High | 1,642.6 |
| Vanilla Shake | Fatburger | 890 | 30 | 86g of sugar |
Conclusion:
Fast food is convenient and delicious, but it’s important to be aware of the health risks associated with certain menu items. According to recent data, Five Guys stands out for serving the unhealthiest burgers and fries, while Popeyes and Fatburger also rank poorly for their chicken nuggets, sandwiches, and shakes.
Monitoring your intake of saturated fats, sodium, and sugar is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. By making informed decisions and opting for healthier alternatives, you can still enjoy your favorite fast-food chains without compromising your health.
FAQs
1. What Fast-Food Chain Has The Unhealthiest Burger?
Five Guys is noted for having the unhealthiest burger due to its high saturated fat content.
2. How Many Calories Are In Five Guys Fries?
A large serving of Five Guys fries contains approximately 953 calories.
3. Which Fast-Food Chicken Nuggets Are The Least Healthy?
Popeyes’ chicken nuggets are the least healthy due to their high levels of saturated fat and sodium.
4. What Is The Unhealthiest Vanilla Shake?
Fatburger’s vanilla shake is the unhealthiest, with 890 calories, 30 grams of saturated fat, and 86 grams of sugar.
5. What’s The Recommended Daily Intake Of Sodium?
The American Heart Association recommends no more than 1,500 milligrams of sodium per day for most adults.
