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Nutrition Diet: Answering the Question 'How many calories are in Hardee's famous star burger?'

3 min read

According to the official Hardee's nutritional information, a single Famous Star® with Cheese contains 670 calories. This iconic burger features a quarter-pound Angus beef patty and other toppings, and its full nutritional profile is essential to understand within a broader nutrition diet plan.

Quick Summary

The standard Famous Star with cheese from Hardee's contains 670 calories, with a significant amount of fat and sodium. Its nutritional breakdown highlights the importance of moderation and making informed food choices as part of a balanced diet.

Key Points

  • Calorie Count: A single Hardee's Famous Star® with Cheese contains 670 calories.

  • High in Fat: With around 40g of fat per burger, the Famous Star with Cheese is a calorie-dense option.

  • High in Sodium: The burger contains about 1370 mg of sodium, which is over half the daily recommended limit for many people.

  • Moderate Protein: It provides 28g of protein from its quarter-pound Angus beef patty.

  • Customization for Health: Modifications like ordering without cheese, using a lettuce wrap instead of a bun, or holding the mayo can significantly reduce calories and sodium.

  • Balance is Key: Enjoying this burger requires balancing other meals during the day to stay within overall calorie and nutrient targets.

In This Article

Understanding the Hardee's Famous Star Burger's Nutritional Impact

The Famous Star with Cheese is one of Hardee's classic menu items, known for its charbroiled 100% Angus beef patty, American cheese, special sauce, and fresh vegetables on a potato bun. While it is a popular and satisfying meal, understanding its nutritional components is crucial for anyone managing their diet. With a standard calorie count of 670, this burger represents a substantial portion of the average person's daily recommended caloric intake.

The Full Nutritional Breakdown

Beyond just the calories, the Famous Star with Cheese has a specific macronutrient profile that sheds light on its place in a diet. The majority of the calories come from fat, followed by carbohydrates and a notable amount of protein.

  • Total Fat: Approximately 40 grams, contributing a high percentage of the burger's total calories.
  • Saturated Fat: Around 13 grams, which is a significant portion of the recommended daily limit for saturated fats.
  • Sodium: A single burger contains about 1370 mg of sodium, which is more than half of the recommended daily intake for many adults. High sodium intake is linked to elevated blood pressure and other health concerns.
  • Carbohydrates: The total carbohydrate content is around 52 grams, much of which comes from the potato bun.
  • Sugar: There are approximately 11 grams of sugar.
  • Protein: The quarter-pound beef patty contributes a solid 28 grams of protein.

How the Famous Star Fits into a Nutrition Diet

For those following a specific nutrition plan, fitting in a fast-food meal like the Famous Star requires strategy. Because of its high calorie, fat, and sodium content, it's best viewed as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of a diet. Moderation is key. If you choose to have this burger, consider adjusting your other meals for the day to balance your overall calorie and sodium intake. For instance, opting for a lighter breakfast and dinner, and choosing water instead of a sugary soda, can help.

Nutritional Comparison: Famous Star vs. Other Options

Here is a comparison of the Famous Star with Cheese to a few other Hardee's menu items to illustrate the range of nutritional values available. The table uses data compiled from nutritional information found on the Hardee's website and nutrition databases.

Item Calories Fat (g) Sodium (mg) Protein (g)
Famous Star with Cheese 670 40 1370 28
Super Star with Cheese 950 62 1890 50
Charbroiled BBQ Chicken Sandwich 430 8 1350 33
Double Cheeseburger 760 42 1600 46
Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders (3pc) 260 13 770 25

This comparison shows that while the Famous Star is a calorie-dense choice, it is not the highest on the menu. For those looking for a lower-calorie alternative, options like the Charbroiled BBQ Chicken Sandwich or Chicken Tenders can offer a more moderate intake.

Customizing Your Famous Star for a Healthier Profile

Even with a burger like the Famous Star, there are small adjustments you can make to reduce its overall nutritional impact. Here are some strategies:

  • Hold the Mayo and Special Sauce: Both mayonnaise and special sauce add significant amounts of fat and calories. Skipping one or both can lower the calorie count.
  • Choose a Lettuce Wrap: For a low-carb alternative, some Hardee's locations allow you to swap the bun for a lettuce wrap. This dramatically reduces the carb and calorie count while keeping the protein and flavor.
  • Go for a Single Patty: Sticking to the single Famous Star instead of upgrading to a Double or Super Star prevents the large increase in calories, fat, and sodium that comes with the extra patty and cheese.
  • Skip the Cheese: The cheese adds fat and sodium. Ordering the Famous Star without cheese is a simple way to lighten the meal.
  • Pair with Healthier Sides: Instead of fries and a soda, opt for water and a side salad (if available). The combo meal's fries and soda can add hundreds of extra calories.

Conclusion

To answer the question, how many calories are in Hardee's famous star burger?, the standard Famous Star with Cheese contains 670 calories. While this burger offers a satisfying meal, its high calorie, fat, and sodium content means it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced nutrition plan. By being aware of the full nutritional details and considering simple customizations, you can better manage your diet and still enjoy your favorite fast-food treat on occasion. For more detailed nutritional facts and to see how other menu items compare, refer to Hardee's official nutritional information.

Frequently Asked Questions

The official nutrition information for the Famous Star without cheese is not always explicitly listed in the most prominent search results. However, you can subtract the cheese's contribution to get a rough estimate. A slice of American cheese typically adds around 100 calories and additional fat and sodium, making the burger without cheese slightly lower in calories.

A Famous Star with Cheese contains approximately 1370 mg of sodium. This is a very high amount, so it's important to be mindful of your sodium intake for the rest of the day.

There are 28 grams of protein in the Famous Star with Cheese. This is a substantial amount, primarily from the 100% Angus beef patty.

The total fat in one Famous Star with Cheese is around 40 grams, with 13 grams being saturated fat. These are high figures, so moderation is recommended.

Due to its high calorie, fat, and sodium content, the Famous Star with Cheese is generally not considered an ideal food for a weight loss diet. However, it can be enjoyed occasionally as part of a calorie-controlled eating plan, especially if you customize it with a lettuce wrap or fewer high-calorie sauces.

Adding a side of fries and a soda to a Famous Star burger can add hundreds of calories to your meal. For example, a combo meal can range from 970 to 1690 calories depending on the size and beverage. Always check the combo's nutritional info for a complete picture.

Yes, Hardee's offers some lower-calorie options. For instance, the Charbroiled BBQ Chicken Sandwich has a lower calorie count and less fat than the Famous Star. You can also choose sides like a side salad instead of fries to reduce your overall calorie intake.

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.