Is Wendy's Dave's Single Healthy?

October 20, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data from reputable sources, a Wendy's Dave's Single contains over 1,000mg of sodium, roughly half of the recommended daily limit for many adults. This article examines whether the popular Dave's Single is a genuinely healthy option or a treat best enjoyed in moderation.

Quick Summary

A detailed look at the nutritional profile of Wendy's Dave's Single, focusing on its calorie, fat, and sodium content. Compare it to other fast-food burgers and learn how to make healthier modifications for a balanced diet.

Key Points

High in Calories, Fat, and Sodium: A Dave's Single contains around 590 calories, 37g of fat, and over 1,000mg of sodium, exceeding recommended daily intake limits for saturated fat and sodium.
Not a 'Healthy' Option: Despite Wendy's 'fresh, never-frozen' beef, the burger's overall nutritional profile makes it an unhealthy choice for regular consumption.
Modifications Reduce Unhealthy Components: You can significantly lower the calorie and fat content by asking for no mayo or ketchup and opting for a lettuce wrap instead of a bun.
Consider Healthier Sides: Pairing the burger with a side salad instead of fries can make the overall meal more balanced by adding fiber and reducing sodium.
Less Nutritious than Competitors: When compared to some alternatives like Shake Shack's Single Hamburger, the Dave's Single is higher in calories, fat, and sodium.
Best for Occasional Indulgence: It should be treated as an occasional indulgence rather than a staple meal, especially for those with health conditions affected by high sodium or saturated fat.
Informed Choice is Key: Knowing the nutritional facts allows consumers to make better decisions and enjoy fast food in a way that aligns with their dietary goals.

A Closer Look at Wendy's Dave's Single Nutrition

Wendy's has long touted its 'fresh, never-frozen beef,' a marketing angle that suggests a higher quality product. However, when it comes to nutritional value, fresh beef alone doesn't guarantee a healthy meal. A Dave's Single, featuring a quarter-pound beef patty, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion, and a toasted bun with mayo and ketchup, is loaded with calories, fat, and a particularly high amount of sodium.

Caloric and Macronutrient Breakdown

At roughly 580-590 calories, a single Dave's Single represents a significant portion of the average person's daily caloric intake. For someone following a 2,000-calorie diet, this single burger accounts for nearly 30% of their day's energy, without even considering fries or a soda. The macronutrient breakdown reveals a heavy reliance on fat, making up about half of the total calories.

Calories: 580-590
Total Fat: 36-37g, which is 46-57% of the Daily Value (DV)
Saturated Fat: 14g, which is 70% of the DV
Protein: 29-30g
Carbohydrates: 35-37g

The Sodium and Saturated Fat Problem

Perhaps the most concerning aspects of the Dave's Single are its sodium and saturated fat levels. With 1030-1080mg of sodium, the burger contains nearly half of the recommended daily allowance in a single serving. Health organizations often recommend limiting daily sodium intake to 2,300mg, and consuming this much from one item can lead to exceeding that limit, especially when paired with salty fries. Similarly, the 14g of saturated fat is 70% of the DV, raising potential concerns for heart health if consumed regularly.

Improving the Dave's Single: Healthier Modifications

While a fast-food burger is not a truly 'healthy' option, you can make modifications to improve its nutritional profile. These small changes can significantly reduce the calorie, fat, and sodium content, turning it into a more mindful choice.

Hold the mayo and ketchup: These condiments add unnecessary calories, sugar, and sodium. Opt for mustard, which is much lower in calories, or skip condiments altogether.
Opt for a lettuce wrap: Forgoing the bun drastically reduces carbohydrates and calories. While the bun is a source of carbs, skipping it can help those watching their intake.
Load up on veggies: Ask for extra lettuce, tomato, and onion to add fiber and volume without adding excessive calories. This can increase satiety and provide some additional nutrients.
Choose a side wisely: Instead of a full-size order of salty fries, consider a healthier alternative like a side salad. This strategy helps create a more balanced meal and reduces overall sodium intake.

Dave's Single vs. Other Fast-Food Burgers

To put the Dave's Single into perspective, it's helpful to compare its nutritional content with other popular fast-food items. The data shows that while Wendy's may be 'less bad' than some options, it still fails to qualify as a healthy choice.


Feature	Wendy's Dave's Single (Approximate)	McDonald's Quarter Pounder w/ Cheese	Shake Shack Single Hamburger
Calories	590	650	370
Fat	37g	39g	N/A, but Shake Shack is moderate
Saturated Fat	14g	15g	N/A, but Shake Shack is moderate
Sodium	1030mg	1180mg	N/A, but Shake Shack is moderate
Protein	29g	25g	25g

Conclusion: Is it a Healthy Choice?

No, Wendy's Dave's Single is not a healthy menu item, primarily due to its high levels of sodium, saturated fat, and overall caloric density. While it offers a solid dose of protein and uses fresh beef, these benefits are overshadowed by the unhealthy components. It is best viewed as an occasional treat rather than a dietary staple. However, for those who choose to indulge, making modifications like removing the cheese and swapping the bun for a lettuce wrap can make it a better choice for your overall health. Understanding its nutritional drawbacks is the first step toward making more mindful food decisions.

This article provides general nutrition information based on search results. For personalized dietary advice, it is always recommended to consult with a registered dietitian or healthcare professional.

Further reading: For more context on healthier fast-food choices, an article by EatingWell highlights healthier options at various fast-food chains.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Wendy's Dave's Single contains approximately 590 calories, according to recent nutritional data.

Yes, the Dave's Single is very high in sodium, containing around 1,030mg, which is close to half of the daily recommended limit for most adults.

The burger has about 14g of saturated fat, which accounts for 70% of the daily recommended value based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

Dave's Single is the current branding for Wendy's classic quarter-pound cheeseburger, replacing previous names like 'Hot 'n Juicy' and 'Classic.' It features the same basic ingredients.

Yes, you can make healthier modifications, such as ordering it as a lettuce wrap instead of a bun, and holding the mayo and ketchup.

While fresh beef may be a quality indicator, it does not make the overall burger healthy. When combined with high-fat cheese and sauces, the total nutritional profile is still poor due to high sodium and saturated fat.

Based on some comparisons, other options like Shake Shack's Single Hamburger or even Wendy's Jr. Hamburger offer lower calorie, fat, and sodium alternatives.