5 Lowest-Quality Burgers at Popular Chain Restaurants | XpertsReviews.com

A nutrition expert explains which restaurant burger chains rank last in terms of ingredient quality.

Burgers aren’t exactly known for being the healthiest meal on the menu, especially at chain restaurants and fast food joints. However, some are worse than others due to ultra-processed beef, refined carbohydrates, high levels of saturated fat and sodium, low fiber and micronutrients, and ingredient lists that prioritize shelf stability over nutritional value. We asked Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, certified sports dietitian and co-author of Flat stomach recipe book for dummies: What are the lower quality burgers at popular restaurant chains. Here are the five worst, according to the expert.

Burger King Whopper

The Burger King Whopper may offer a hearty portion, but there are other downsides to cutting one down. “They are very high in sodium,” says Collingwood. Then there’s the big loaf, filled with refined carbs. On the plus side, “it actually includes a few vegetables and usually just one patty,” she says, for an overall large portion.

McDonald’s Big Mac

The McDonald’s Big Max is another burger that tastes delicious, but isn’t very healthy, says Collingwood. Not only is it ultra-processed, but the “special sauce” adds sodium and sugar. “Smaller patties mean less protein relative to calories,” she adds. “More processed than the Whopper, but fewer total calories than the worst offenders.”

Big Buford Checkers Game

The Checkers Big Buford is legendarily tasty, but Collingwood doesn’t recommend it for health reasons. This is an “extremely high calorie intake,” she says, noting that it exceeds 1,000. It is also “a very high saturated fat content from many pancakes, cheeses, sauces,” she says. There is also excess sodium, “often near or above a full day’s limit.” And “the portion size makes overconsumption almost guaranteed.”

Carl’s Jr. Western Bacon

Carl’s Jr. Western Bacon is another tasty burger full of not-so-healthy ingredients. “Processed bacon and beef contain a double dose of saturated fat and sodium,” says Collingwood. “Often includes sweet barbecue sauce, with the addition of refined sugar.” It also has a high caloric density with minimal fiber or micronutrients. “Processed meat and salty sauces make the meal worse than a basic cheeseburger,” she says.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

Hardee’s Famous Star

Finally, there’s Hardee’s Famous Star, a “high-calorie” burger with “little nutritional benefit.” It’s “high in saturated fat and sodium,” says Collingwood. It also has a fancy bun and is loaded with processed condiments, making it “low in fiber and nutrients,” she says.

Lea Groth