Complete nutritional breakdown for the Beyond Famous Star with cheese
For those interested in the specifics beyond the calorie count, here is a detailed nutritional breakdown for the Carl's Jr. Beyond Famous Star with cheese, based on the official values.
Macronutrients:
- Total Fat: 40g (51% Daily Value)
- Saturated Fat: 12g (60% Daily Value)
- Carbohydrates: 61g (22% Daily Value)
- Dietary Fiber: 5g (18% Daily Value)
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 30g
Other Key Nutrients:
- Sodium: 1520mg (66% Daily Value)
- Cholesterol: 30mg (10% Daily Value)
It is important to note the high levels of sodium, which is a common characteristic in many fast-food items. While it provides a substantial amount of protein from its plant-based patty, the fat and sodium content are noteworthy considerations for a balanced diet.
Comparison: Beyond Famous Star vs. Standard Famous Star
One of the most common questions is how the plant-based version compares to the traditional beef burger. Here's a side-by-side comparison using data from Carl's Jr.'s nutritional menus.
| Nutritional Aspect | Beyond Famous Star with Cheese | Famous Star with Cheese (Single, Beef) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 710 | 670 |
| Total Fat | 40g | 38g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g | 13g |
| Protein | 30g | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 61g | 56g |
| Sodium | 1520mg | 1280mg |
| Cholesterol | 30mg | 75mg |
As the table shows, the Beyond Famous Star is slightly higher in calories, carbohydrates, and sodium than its beef counterpart, but lower in saturated fat and significantly lower in cholesterol. This illustrates that a plant-based option is not automatically a lower-calorie choice and that ingredients like cheese, sauce, and the bun contribute significantly to the total nutritional profile.
Calorie contributions: breaking down the burger
To understand the total calorie count, it helps to break down the individual components that contribute to the Beyond Famous Star's final nutritional value. The total is a sum of several ingredients, including:
- The Beyond Meat patty, which on its own contains a significant portion of the total calories, protein, and fat.
- The slice of cheese adds fat, sodium, and a small amount of cholesterol and protein.
- The mayonnaise and special sauce are major contributors of fat and calories.
- The seeded bun provides the bulk of the carbohydrates and some calories.
- Toppings like lettuce, tomato, onions, and pickles contribute minimal calories but add flavor and fiber.
How menu modifications affect calorie count
Making small changes to your burger can have a noticeable impact on its overall nutritional value. Here are some examples of modifications that can alter the calorie count:
- Holding the cheese: Removing the cheese will lower the calorie count by approximately 50-80 calories, depending on the type and amount.
- Losing the mayo and special sauce: These condiments are typically high in fat and calories. Requesting your burger without them can significantly reduce the total calories.
- Changing the bun: Carl's Jr. offers different bun options, and some may have different caloric values. Always check the official menu for the most accurate information.
- Adding extra toppings: While most vegetable toppings are low in calories, adding extra cheese or sauce will increase the count.
Conclusion: Making an informed choice
The Beyond Famous Star with cheese, while a delicious plant-based alternative, is not a low-calorie fast-food option, and it's particularly high in sodium. At 710 calories, it should be viewed within the context of a balanced dietary plan, especially for those monitoring their caloric, fat, or sodium intake. By understanding the breakdown of its nutritional components and how various ingredients contribute, consumers can make more informed choices. For a lower-calorie experience, consider removing the cheese and fatty sauces. Ultimately, it’s about weighing the dietary trade-offs to find what works best for your individual health goals. You can find more comprehensive nutritional information on the official Carl's Jr. website.
Further reading on plant-based alternatives
For those interested in exploring the broader context of plant-based foods in the fast-food industry, here is a resource:
