The quest for the highest-calorie item on any menu is often a journey into the most decadent and indulgent offerings. At Whataburger, a fast-food chain celebrated for its large, made-to-order burgers, this search reveals several heavyweight contenders. While burgers with multiple patties are the most obvious choices, the reality is that shakes, add-ons, and combo meals can push the total caloric count far higher than a single sandwich alone.
Leading the Pack: The Most Caloric Burger
While menu items can fluctuate over time and by location, recent information indicates a clear leader in the burger category.
- The Southern Bacon Double Burger: With approximately 1,185 calories, this sandwich is a heavy hitter. It achieves its high-calorie status through a combination of multiple beef patties, crispy bacon, rich sauces, and cheese. It’s a complete meal in itself, not including any sides or drinks. It's often found as a limited-time offer, but when available, it's one of the highest on the menu.
Notable High-Calorie Burger Contenders
Other perennial favorites and limited-time specials consistently rank high in caloric density. Items with multiple patties and fatty toppings will almost always top the list.
- Triple Meat Whataburger: A permanent menu fixture, this classic delivers around 1,070 to 1,075 calories, depending on the exact build and available toppings. Its three large beef patties are the primary driver of its high-calorie and fat content.
- Sweet & Spicy Bacon Burger: This savory and sweet creation is another top contender, coming in at approximately 1,080 to 1,095 calories. The combination of bacon, cheese, and a specialty sauce makes it particularly rich.
- Limited-Time Offerings: Keep an eye out for special promotions, which often introduce new high-calorie items. In the past, burgers like the Monterey Melt and Mushroom Swiss Burger have approached or exceeded the 1,100-calorie mark.
The Real Calorie Bombs: Sides and Shakes
While a burger can provide the bulk of the calories, a true high-calorie meal is completed with a large drink and a side dish. Here is where the numbers really start to climb.
- Large Shakes and Malts: Whataburger's large-sized shakes are known for being extremely rich. A large strawberry or chocolate malt can contain upwards of 900 calories, essentially a meal in a cup.
- French Fries and Onion Rings: A large side of French fries adds over 500 calories, while a large order of onion rings also contributes a significant amount. When paired with one of the aforementioned burgers, the calorie count skyrockets.
- Add-Ons and Sauces: Don't underestimate the small additions. Extra cheese, bacon, or a side of creamy sauce will add to the final count. A single portion of shredded cheddar cheese can add 170 calories.
Comparison of Highest-Calorie Items
| Item | Approximate Calories | Key Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| Southern Bacon Double Burger | 1,185 | Two beef patties, bacon, cheese, sauces |
| Sweet & Spicy Bacon Burger | 1,095 | Beef patty, bacon, cheese, sweet and spicy sauce |
| Triple Meat Whataburger | 1,075 | Three beef patties, classic Whataburger toppings |
| Large Strawberry Malt | 920 | Rich, creamy malt, strawberry flavoring |
| Large Chocolate Malt | 890 | Rich, creamy malt, chocolate flavoring |
How to Build the Most Caloric Whataburger Meal
To construct the absolute highest-calorie meal, you would start with the Southern Bacon Double Burger (or the highest current limited-time offer), add a large side of French fries, and wash it all down with a large strawberry malt. This combination could easily exceed 2,500 calories, far surpassing the daily recommended intake for many individuals.
Conclusion
When considering what has the most calories at Whataburger, the answer is not a single item but rather a collection of the most indulgent choices. While a large, multi-patty burger like the Southern Bacon Double Burger or Triple Meat Whataburger is the obvious centerpiece, the true calorie maximization comes from combining it with a large, sugary milkshake and a full-sized side dish. For those watching their intake, understanding the calorie content of these high-fat and high-sugar options is the first step toward making more informed dietary choices. For official, detailed information, the official Whataburger nutrition guide is the best resource to consult.
Finding Lower-Calorie Alternatives
For those looking to enjoy Whataburger without the high calorie counts, there are many alternatives available. Opting for a Jr. burger, a salad with grilled chicken, or a simple Whatachick'n sandwich can drastically reduce your caloric intake. Choosing a diet drink or water instead of a shake is one of the most effective ways to cut calories from a meal.
