Understanding the Calorie Breakdown
The overall calorie count of the Triple Smoky BBQ Bacon Buford combo is the sum of its individual parts. To get a precise figure, it's essential to look at the contributions from the burger, fries, and the selected drink. The burger is the most calorically dense component, followed by the fries, with the drink's impact varying widely.
The Triple Smoky BBQ Bacon Buford Burger: The Core Calorie Component
The Triple Smoky BBQ Bacon Buford burger is a formidable meal in itself, featuring three hand-seasoned beef patties, Swiss cheese, bacon, sweet & smoky BBQ sauce, mayo, lettuce, tomato, and pickles. This combination of multiple beef patties, fatty bacon, cheese, and high-sugar, high-fat sauces results in a high calorie count.
Key nutritional facts for the burger include:
- Calories: 1,210 kcal
- Total Fat: 90g (115% DV)
- Saturated Fat: 33g (165% DV)
- Sodium: 2,790mg (121% DV)
- Protein: 58g
The Role of Sides: Fries and Drinks
While the burger provides the bulk of the calories, the addition of sides substantially increases the total. The typical combo includes a side of Checkers/Rally's Famous Seasoned Fries and a soft drink. The calorie count for these items varies by size and type.
- Fries:
- Small Fries: approx. 298 calories
- Medium Fries: approx. 350 calories
- Large Fries: approx. 400 calories
- Drinks:
- Sugary Sodas (Medium, 22 oz): Can add 200-300+ calories.
- Diet Sodas: Effectively zero calories.
- Milkshakes (Medium): A medium vanilla milkshake contains 410 calories, dramatically increasing the total.
Comparison of Buford Combo Options
| Combo Item | Calories (approx.) | Fat (g) | Sodium (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Triple Smoky BBQ Bacon Buford Combo (w/ Med Fries, Med Soda) | ~1820 | ~109 | ~3100 |
| Double Smoky BBQ Bacon Buford Combo (w/ Med Fries, Med Soda) | ~1500 | ~94 | ~2800 |
| Single Smoky BBQ Bacon Buford Combo (w/ Med Fries, Med Soda) | ~1290 | ~89 | ~2600 |
| Triple Big Buford Combo (w/ Med Fries, Med Soda) | ~1620 | ~97 | ~2560 |
Health Implications of a High-Calorie Combo
Consuming a meal with over 1,800 calories in a single sitting has significant health implications. For many adults, this can represent nearly their entire daily calorie recommendation. The high levels of saturated fat, sodium, and refined carbohydrates can contribute to long-term health concerns if consumed regularly. The high sodium content alone can contribute to elevated blood pressure.
Tips for a Lighter Combo Choice
If you're watching your calorie intake but still want to enjoy a meal from Checkers or Rally's, consider these adjustments:
- Size down the burger: Opt for the single Smoky BBQ Bacon Buford, which has 970 calories for the burger itself.
- Substitute your side: Instead of medium fries, choose a smaller size or forgo the fries entirely.
- Choose a low-calorie beverage: Switch from a regular soda or milkshake to a diet soda, water, or unsweetened iced tea to save hundreds of calories.
- Modify the burger: Request no mayo or sauce, or ask for it on the side to control how much you use.
Conclusion
The Triple Smoky BBQ Bacon Buford combo is a high-calorie, indulgent fast-food meal that can make a substantial impact on your daily nutritional intake. While the burger itself packs a serious caloric punch at 1,210 calories, the final number is significantly increased by the addition of fries and a sugary drink. Being mindful of these individual components allows consumers to make more informed choices, such as opting for a smaller portion or a healthier beverage, to mitigate the caloric impact. Always check the official nutrition information from the restaurant or third-party nutrition sites for the most current data.
