Are BUBBA burgers unhealthy? A Comprehensive Look at Nutrition

December 3, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the manufacturer, Original BUBBA burgers are made with just one ingredient: 100% USDA Choice Chuck beef, and contain no fillers or additives. But does a simple ingredient list mean that BUBBA burgers aren't unhealthy? The answer depends on the variety and how you prepare them.

Quick Summary

An in-depth analysis of BUBBA burger's nutritional profile across its different product lines, including beef, turkey, and veggie patties. Includes a comparison of saturated fat, calories, and sodium, and provides actionable tips for incorporating them into a balanced diet to enhance healthiness.

Key Points

Variety matters: The healthiness of a BUBBA burger depends on the type, with turkey and veggie options being much leaner than the original beef.
Minimally processed: Unlike many frozen burgers, BUBBA burgers use minimal ingredients (100% beef chuck for original beef) with no fillers or additives.
Saturated fat and calories: The Original Beef BUBBA burger is high in saturated fat and calories, and should be consumed in moderation.
Improve healthiness with preparation: Serving BUBBA burgers with healthier toppings, different buns, or in a salad can dramatically improve the meal's nutritional profile.
Frozen doesn't mean bad: The flash-freezing process used by BUBBA burgers preserves quality and nutrients, contrasting with highly processed alternatives.
Context is key: A balanced meal, not just the patty, determines the overall health impact of a BUBBA burger.
Healthy alternatives available: BUBBA offers multiple healthier options like turkey, grass-fed beef, and veggie patties for health-conscious consumers.

BUBBA Burgers: A Nutritional Breakdown

When evaluating the healthiness of BUBBA burgers, it's crucial to look beyond the minimalist ingredient list and focus on the nutritional composition of each specific variety. While the brand prides itself on using no additives, fillers, or preservatives in many of its core products, the fat content and caloric load of the standard beef versions can be significant. However, the product line has expanded to offer healthier options, including leaner turkey and plant-based veggie patties, providing consumers with more choices.

The Nutritional Profile of Popular BUBBA Burger Varieties

Different BUBBA burger products present vastly different nutritional profiles. The classic Original Beef and Angus varieties, for example, are high in protein but also contain substantial amounts of saturated fat and calories, which should be consumed in moderation. In contrast, the turkey and veggie options offer a lighter alternative for those watching their fat and calorie intake.

A closer look at the nutritional specs:

Original Beef BUBBA burger: Contains 420 calories, 35g of total fat, and 15g of saturated fat per patty. This variety is also a good source of protein, with 25g per serving.
Original Turkey BUBBA burger: A much leaner choice, with 190 calories and only 11g of total fat. It still delivers a healthy dose of protein with 22g per patty.
Original Veggie BUBBA burger: A plant-based option, this patty is vegan-friendly and made with whole food ingredients like black beans and rolled oats. It is low in fat, cholesterol-free, and a good source of fiber.

Making Healthier Choices with BUBBA Burgers

Despite the higher fat content in some varieties, you can still enjoy BUBBA burgers as part of a balanced diet by following a few simple strategies:

Select leaner patties: Opt for the turkey, grass-fed beef, or veggie versions to reduce your intake of calories and saturated fat.
Modify your toppings: Instead of high-calorie and high-fat toppings like excessive cheese, mayonnaise, or bacon, choose fresh vegetables such as lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. Avocado can add healthy fats without extra processing.
Ditch the bun: Replace traditional white buns with whole-wheat options to increase fiber, or use a lettuce wrap to significantly cut carbs and calories. Alternatively, serve the burger patty over a salad or in a grain bowl.
Watch the condiments: Be mindful of sugary or high-sodium sauces like BBQ sauce. Opt for healthier alternatives or use them sparingly.
Cook smartly: Grill or pan-sear your frozen BUBBA burger to help drain away excess fat during cooking. Avoid adding extra oil when possible.

Comparison of BUBBA Burger Varieties


Attribute	Original Beef	Original Turkey	Original Veggie
Ingredients	100% USDA Choice Chuck	All-natural turkey	Black beans, rolled oats, various veggies
Calories	420	190	~90 (estimate)
Total Fat	35g	11g	~1-2g (estimate)
Saturated Fat	15g	Low	0g
Protein	25g	22g	Good source
Sodium	85mg	Not specified, but generally lower	Not specified
Processing	Minimally processed	Minimally processed	Minimally processed

Are Frozen Burgers Inherently Unhealthy?

Some people mistakenly believe that all frozen foods, including frozen burger patties, are unhealthy. However, this is a misconception. Reputable brands like BUBBA Burger flash-freeze their patties at peak freshness to lock in nutrients and flavor, without the need for fillers or chemical preservatives. The key to safety and quality is proper freezing and storage. As long as meat is frozen correctly at 0°F or below, it remains safe to eat indefinitely, though quality may decline over time. The real health concern with frozen burgers comes from over-processed, filler-filled patties often found in lower-quality products, which BUBBA burgers actively avoid.

The Importance of Balanced Meals

Ultimately, the health impact of a BUBBA burger depends on its role within your overall meal. Pairing a high-fat beef patty with a white bun, cheese, and fatty condiments will result in an unhealthy meal. Conversely, a turkey or veggie patty served in a lettuce wrap with fresh veggies creates a balanced and nutritious meal. The convenience of a frozen patty makes it easy to integrate into a quick dinner, but it’s the supporting ingredients that determine the final nutritional value.

Conclusion

So, are BUBBA burgers unhealthy? The answer is nuanced. While some of the traditional beef options are high in saturated fat and calories, the brand offers a variety of products, including turkey and veggie patties, that are considerably healthier. The minimalist, high-quality ingredients used in BUBBA burgers contrast sharply with many other frozen, processed burgers, making them a more wholesome alternative. By choosing leaner patties and controlling your toppings, you can easily incorporate BUBBA burgers into a healthy, balanced diet.

For more information on food safety and preparing food safely, consider visiting the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service website: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, BUBBA burgers are a good source of protein. The amount varies by type, with the Original Beef patty containing 25g and the Turkey patty offering 22g of protein.

The healthiest varieties are the Turkey and Veggie BUBBA burgers, as they are lower in calories and fat compared to the standard beef options.

According to the manufacturer, the beef, turkey, and chicken BUBBA burgers contain no additives, fillers, or preservatives. The veggie burgers are made with whole food ingredients.

To reduce calories, consider using a lettuce wrap instead of a bun, piling on fresh vegetables like onions and tomatoes, and choosing leaner patties such as turkey or veggie burgers.

No, BUBBA burgers are minimally processed compared to many other frozen burgers. The patties are made from ground meat and flash-frozen, not filled with chemical additives.

Yes, the turkey BUBBA burgers are a relatively healthy choice, with only 190 calories and 11g of fat per patty, and are a good source of protein.

The beef BUBBA patties contain 0g of carbs, making them suitable for low-carb or keto diets. For a low-carb meal, serve the patty in a lettuce wrap or over a salad instead of on a bun.

No, if meat is flash-frozen correctly and stored at 0°F, its nutritional value, including taste and texture, is largely preserved.