Understanding the Nutritional Landscape: Burgers vs. Subs
Comparing Five Guys and Subway involves understanding how their core offerings and customization options impact nutritional value. While Subway is often perceived as healthier, both restaurants' health impacts depend largely on individual food choices.
Item-by-Item Breakdown
Analyzing specific menu items and their potential modifications reveals significant nutritional differences.
The Standard Order: Burger vs. Sandwich
A standard Five Guys Bacon Cheeseburger with fries is notably high in calories, saturated fat, and sodium. A 6-inch Subway B.M.T. is lower in calories and fat but can still be high in sodium, with a foot-long version approaching the nutritional density of a Five Guys burger.
The Healthiest Options at Each
Both chains offer healthier choices for a nutritious diet:
- Five Guys: Options like the Little Hamburger without a bun significantly reduce calories, carbs, and sodium. The Veggie Sandwich is another lower-calorie choice.
- Subway: The Veggie Delite sub or salad with plenty of vegetables and a light dressing is a healthy option. Lean protein choices like the Oven Roasted Chicken or Black Forest Ham 6-inch subs on wholegrain bread are also good.
The Sides and Extras: Fries vs. Cookies
Side choices greatly affect total meal intake. Five Guys fries are very high in calories and fat, even in smaller sizes. Subway offers healthier sides like baked chips or apple slices, which are better alternatives to their high-sugar cookies. Even a small order of Five Guys fries is calorie-dense.
Customization is Key to a Healthy Diet
Customization is vital at both restaurants. At Subway, maximizing fresh vegetables, choosing wholegrain bread, and opting for low-calorie sauces like vinaigrette helps control nutritional content. At Five Guys, lettuce wraps instead of buns reduce carbohydrates and calories. Adding grilled vegetables and skipping mayonnaise or cheese also lowers fat and calorie counts.
Comparison Table: Five Guys vs. Subway
This table compares typical and healthier options. Values may vary with toppings.
| Item | Calories | Total Fat (g) | Saturated Fat (g) | Sodium (mg) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Five Guys Bacon Cheeseburger | ~1060 | ~62 | ~26.5 | ~1310 | ~51 |
| Five Guys Little Hamburger (Bunless) | ~220 | ~17 | ~NA | ~50 | ~23 |
| Subway B.M.T. 6-inch | ~390 | ~17 | ~NA | ~1570 | ~19 |
| Subway Veggie Delite 6-inch | ~230 | ~2.5 | ~NA | ~310 | ~8 |
Making the Healthiest Choice for Your Diet
Subway generally offers more readily available healthier choices due to its focus on customizable sandwiches with fresh produce and lean proteins. However, a poorly chosen Subway meal can be nutritionally dense, similar to a Five Guys burger. Five Guys allows for healthier modifications like lettuce wraps and smaller portions, which are crucial for mindful eating. The healthiness of a meal is entirely dependent on the specific order at either restaurant. For consistently lower-calorie and lower-fat options, Subway offers more accessible choices, but neither is inherently healthy without careful selection.
Conclusion
Determining if 'Is Five Guys healthier than Subway?' is complex. The healthiness of the meal depends on dietary choices. Subway's menu allows for easier creation of nutritious meals through customization. Five Guys also offers healthier options if navigated effectively. Health-conscious individuals should scrutinize their orders at both chains, prioritizing lean proteins, vegetables, and portion control.
Food Network - Order This, Not That: Five Guys
