The Case of the Five Guys Cheeseburger
In a 2024 analysis conducted by PlushCare, the standard cheeseburger from Five Guys earned the title of the most unhealthy fast-food burger. The study assigned an 'unhealthiness score' based on a point system that factored in energy (calories), total sugar, saturated fat, and sodium. The Five Guys cheeseburger received a score of 50, primarily driven by its staggering nutritional profile: approximately 984 calories, 26.5 grams of saturated fat, and 1050 milligrams of sodium. To put this into perspective, its saturated fat content was 73% higher than any other cheeseburger included in the roundup. This is largely a result of the chain's preparation style, which includes using a higher fat-to-meat ratio for their patties and stacking them, along with multiple slices of American cheese.
The Anatomy of an Unhealthy Burger
It's not just a single ingredient that pushes a burger into the 'unhealthy' category; it's a combination of several factors working together. Understanding these components is key to grasping what makes a burger a nutritional hazard.
The Patty
- Meat-to-fat ratio: Many fast-food burgers, and even homemade ones, use ground beef with a high fat percentage. Standard ground chuck can be 15-20% fat, while meat sold as 'hamburger' can exceed 30%. This fat cooks down, contributing to a greasy texture and substantially higher calorie and saturated fat counts.
- Ultra-processed nature: Fast-food patties are often ultra-processed. The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised concerns about the potential carcinogenic properties of red and ultra-processed meats, further diminishing their nutritional value.
The Toppings and Condiments
- Cheese and bacon: These add-ons are delicious but are notorious for spiking the saturated fat and sodium levels of any burger. Extra slices of cheese or thick-cut bacon can quickly turn a moderate meal into a caloric bomb.
- Sauces: Creamy, mayonnaise-based sauces and ketchup, often sweetened with high-fructose corn syrup, add significant amounts of sugar, calories, and fat.
The Bun
- Refined carbohydrates: Many buns are made from white, refined flour with added sugar. These lack the fiber found in whole-grain options and contribute to higher glucose spikes, with little nutritional payoff.
The Full Meal
- Combo meals: The biggest trap is the combo meal. The inclusion of french fries, often cooked in unhealthy oils, and a sugary soda can add hundreds of calories, saturated fat, and sodium, transforming a single burger into a highly damaging dietary event.
Beyond Five Guys: Other Notable Unhealthy Burgers
While Five Guys may have topped the list, they are not the only fast-food chain known for their indulgent and unhealthy burger offerings. Other contenders include:
- Carl's Jr. Double Six Dollar Burger: Known to exceed 1,500 calories and contain over 100 grams of fat, this burger is a heavy hitter in the calorie department.
- Whataburger Jalapeño & Cheese Burger: This burger was listed as the second unhealthiest option in the PlushCare study's rankings.
- The 'Luther' Donut Burger: Although not a standard fast-food menu item, this culturally-known burger uses glazed donuts for buns, pushing its caloric and sugar content far beyond any standard burger.
Comparison of Unhealthy Burger Contenders
To illustrate the nutritional impact, here's a comparison of some of the unhealthiest fast-food burgers based on available data from various reports:
| Burger (Fast Food Chain) | Approximate Calories | Saturated Fat (g) | Sodium (mg) | Key Unhealthy Factor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Five Guys Cheeseburger | 984 | 26.5 | 1050 | Highest saturated fat score in study |
| Carl's Jr. Double Six Dollar | 1520 | 54 (est.) | 2000 (est.) | Extremely high total calories & fat |
| Whataburger Jalapeño & Cheese | 1000+ (est.) | 25 (est.) | 1500 (est.) | High calories and sodium |
Making Healthier Burger Choices
Eating a burger doesn't have to be an automatic unhealthiness trap. Here are a few tips to make a more conscious choice:
- Choose a leaner patty: Opt for chicken, turkey, or a plant-based alternative. When choosing beef, select a leaner cut, like a 95/5 blend.
- Opt for smaller portions: A smaller burger or a children's menu option can significantly reduce calorie and fat intake.
- Customize your toppings: Skip the extra cheese, bacon, and mayonnaise-based sauces. Instead, add fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomato, and onion, or consider a healthier fat source like avocado or guacamole.
- Choose the right bun: Go for a whole wheat bun, or consider foregoing the bun entirely and serving the patty in a lettuce wrap.
- Rethink the side: Swap out fries and soda for a side salad, fruit, or water. This simple change drastically cuts down on sugar and saturated fat.
Conclusion
While the search for what's the most unhealthiest burger points strongly toward the Five Guys cheeseburger, it's important to recognize that any burger can become unhealthy depending on its components and accompaniments. The saturated fat from high-fat meat and cheese, combined with high sodium levels and sugar-laden buns and sauces, creates a nutritional profile that is best enjoyed in moderation. By making informed decisions about patty composition, toppings, and sides, consumers can significantly mitigate the unhealthy aspects of their burger choices.
For a deeper dive into the nutritional study that led to these findings, you can visit the source article from PlushCare: PlushCare Blog.
