The Unhealthiest Burger: How Five Guys Took the Top Spot
For many, a trip to Five Guys is an indulgent and savory experience, known for its generous portions and customized toppings. However, a closer look at the nutritional content reveals a more sobering reality. While all fast food burgers are not exactly health food, the PlushCare study, as cited by numerous media outlets including Health Digest and the New York Post, placed Five Guys' cheeseburger firmly at the top of the unhealthiest list. The analysis compared comparable fast-food items from 24 different chains, assigning an "unhealthiness score" based on the caloric, saturated fat, sugar, and sodium values. With an unhealthiness score of 50, the Five Guys cheeseburger was far ahead of competitors like McDonald's and Burger King, which both scored a significantly lower 18 points. This begs the question of what exactly makes this popular burger so nutritionally dense and unhealthy.
The Nutritional Breakdown: A Saturated Fat Powerhouse
The primary reason for the Five Guys cheeseburger's poor ranking is its staggering saturated fat content. According to the PlushCare analysis, the burger contains 73% more saturated fat than any other fast-food cheeseburger on their list. A single Five Guys cheeseburger clocks in at an alarming 980 calories, with 55 grams of fat and 1,050 milligrams of sodium. These numbers, particularly the saturated fat, can significantly contribute to heart disease risk and weight gain.
Reasons for the High Unhealthiness Score:
- Double Patty Standard: Unlike most competitors that use a single patty for their basic cheeseburger, Five Guys' standard cheeseburger features two patties by default, immediately doubling the meat and fat content. This also contributes significantly to the elevated sodium levels.
- Rich Ingredients: The chain uses 80/20 ground beef, which is a higher-fat blend compared to the leaner meat found in many other fast-food offerings.
- Toppings and Condiments: While the base burger itself is a calorie and fat bomb, many of the free toppings, especially those rich in sugar like BBQ sauce and ketchup, further increase the nutritional load. Even the cooked mushrooms and mayonnaise add substantial fat and calories.
- Preparation: Five Guys' signature style of cooking its burgers on a flat-top grill ensures they retain a lot of their natural fat, creating a juicy but extremely calorie-dense product.
Fries: The Unhealthy Sidekick
The Five Guys meal becomes even more nutritionally challenging when you add its famously generous portion of fries. The PlushCare study also found that Five Guys has the least healthy fries of any chain they surveyed. A large order of Five Guys Style fries contains 1314 calories, 57g of total fat, and 1327mg of sodium. A regular size is still a massive 953 calories. The fries are cooked in 100% peanut oil, which, while not a saturated fat, adds considerable calories and fat to an already heavy meal. The combination of the cheeseburger and fries can easily exceed an adult's entire daily recommended calorie intake, and often doubles the recommended daily saturated fat and sodium limits.
Comparison Table: Five Guys vs. Competitors
To put the Five Guys numbers into perspective, here is a comparison with other popular fast-food chains based on data cited in multiple reports related to the PlushCare study.
| Item | Five Guys Cheeseburger | McDonald's Cheeseburger | Shake Shack ShackBurger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~980 kcal | ~300 kcal | ~550 kcal |
| Saturated Fat | 26.5g | ~6g | Not available from sources |
| Sodium | 1,050mg | 720mg | Not available from sources |
| Patty Count | Two | One | One |
Healthier Five Guys Choices and Smart Swaps
While the standard Five Guys cheeseburger and fries are a nutritional minefield, it is possible to make healthier choices at the restaurant. The following are some ways to mitigate the damage:
- Order the "Little Hamburger": This option comes with a single patty and is a significant improvement, containing around 540 calories without any toppings.
- Stick to Plain Toppings: Skip the cheese and bacon. Instead, load up on fresh vegetables like lettuce, onions, and green peppers.
- Use Mustard, Not Mayo: Opt for mustard as a condiment over calorie-dense mayonnaise and sugary sauces like BBQ sauce.
- Go Open-Faced: Reduce carbohydrate and calorie intake by eating your burger without the top bun or removing the bun entirely.
- Share the Fries: A large order of fries is meant to be shared. If you must have them, get a small portion or split them with a friend.
Conclusion: Navigating the Fast-Food Landscape
So, is Five Guys the unhealthiest burger? Based on the detailed nutritional analysis conducted by PlushCare, the standard Five Guys cheeseburger is a contender for the title due to its exorbitant levels of saturated fat, calories, and sodium. However, this is not a condemnation of Five Guys as a whole, but rather a reflection of the specific menu item and the indulgent nature of the meal. The key to navigating fast-food restaurants like Five Guys is to be mindful of your choices. Understanding the nutritional impact of different options empowers consumers to enjoy their meals without completely derailing their health goals. For a more detailed look at the study's findings and methodology, consult the full report on the PlushCare website.
