What's Included in a Whataburger Jr. Meal?
The standard Whataburger Jr. meal, or "Whatameal," is a compact and satisfying combo built around the smaller Whataburger Jr. sandwich. For a standard Jr. meal, you receive a single-patty burger on a small 4-inch bun with a classic set of toppings. The meal is rounded out with a side and a beverage to complete the full fast-food experience.
The Whataburger Jr. Sandwich
At the heart of the meal is the Jr. sandwich, which features a smaller, 2-ounce beef patty made from 100% fresh, never-frozen American beef. It is served on a small, 4-inch toasted bun. The burger is traditionally topped with mustard, fresh lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and diced onions. While this is the classic build, Whataburger is famous for its customization, so customers can request modifications to suit their taste.
Standard Meal Sides and Drinks
A standard Whataburger Jr. meal includes a small order of french fries. For the drink, customers receive a small beverage, with options like soft drinks, tea, or water. The drink menu offers the same variety as the larger meals, just in a smaller portion size. Like the burger, the sides and drinks can often be upgraded or substituted for an additional charge.
Customization and Variations
One of the biggest strengths of the Whataburger menu is its flexibility. The Jr. meal is no exception, and you can modify it in several ways.
Menu Variations
- Double Meat Whataburger Jr. Meal: This option upgrades the standard Jr. burger with a second small patty, providing a more robust, meat-forward flavor. A Reddit post from a few years back highlighted this as a value hack for a better patty-to-bun ratio.
- Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich Jr.: For those who prefer chicken, there's a Jr. version of the popular Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich, which features chicken strips on a smaller bun with a tangy sauce.
- Bacon & Cheese Whataburger Jr.: Adding bacon and a slice of cheese is a common modification, which can be ordered as a standard item at some locations.
Common Customizations
Beyond the official variations, customers can personalize their Jr. meal to their liking. Common requests include:
- Switching the sauce: Swapping the standard mustard for mayonnaise, creamy pepper sauce, or spicy ketchup is a popular choice.
- Adding extras: For a small upcharge, you can add extra toppings like cheese, grilled jalapenos, or avocado.
- Bun selection: While typically served on a small bun, some locations may offer the option to change to a brioche bun.
Comparison: Whataburger Jr. Meal vs. Other Options
It's important to understand where the Jr. meal fits within Whataburger's broader menu, especially when compared to the larger Whataburger meal or the dedicated Kids' Meal options.
Whataburger Jr. Meal vs. Whataburger Meal
| Feature | Whataburger Jr. Meal | Whataburger Meal |
|---|---|---|
| Burger Size | Single, small 2oz patty on a 4-inch bun. | Single, larger 4oz patty on a 5-inch bun. |
| Patty Count | Single patty standard, double available. | Single patty standard, double and triple available. |
| Side Size | Small french fries standard. | Medium french fries standard. |
| Drink Size | Small fountain drink standard. | Medium fountain drink standard. |
| Portion Size | Designed for lighter appetites. | Full-sized, more substantial meal. |
Whataburger Jr. Meal vs. Kids' Meal
The Jr. meal is not a Kids' Meal, though its smaller size makes it suitable for children. The official Kids' Meal options are different and often have different inclusions.
| Feature | Whataburger Jr. Meal | Whataburger Kids' Meal |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Entree | Whataburger Jr. sandwich (single patty). | Includes Justaburger, 2-piece Whatachick'n Strips, 4-piece Whatachick'n Bites, or Grilled Cheese. |
| Side Option | Small fries. | Small fries or apple slices. |
| Drink Option | Small fountain drink. | Kids' drink (e.g., milk, apple juice). |
| Target Audience | Adults or teens with smaller appetites. | Specifically marketed toward children. |
How to Order the Best Whataburger Jr. Meal
To make the most of your order, consider these tips:
- Customize your burger. Don't be afraid to experiment with sauces and toppings. Whataburger's customizability is one of its most celebrated features, and you can get exactly what you want.
- Upgrade your side. While a small fry is standard, you can typically upgrade to medium or large fries, or even onion rings, for a small upcharge.
- Consider a double meat Jr. For a more satisfying burger without the heft of a full-sized Whataburger, the double meat Jr. is a great value and provides an excellent beef-to-bun ratio.
- Try different junior options. If you're a fan of the Honey BBQ Chicken Strip sandwich, try the Jr. version for a smaller portion of that flavor.
Conclusion
The Whataburger Jr. meal is a versatile and classic choice on the menu, catering to those who desire the signature Whataburger flavor in a more manageable size. Unlike the official Kids' Meal options, it is a reduced-portion version of the adult menu, making it a viable and budget-friendly option for smaller appetites. With numerous customization possibilities and variations like the double meat Jr., this combo proves that a smaller meal can still deliver a huge amount of flavor and satisfaction.
For more information on the official menu and other items, you can visit the Whataburger website.
