What is the fattiest takeaway food? The usual suspects
While a single answer is difficult due to immense variations in cooking methods and portion sizes between restaurants, a few perennial candidates dominate the high-fat list. These meals are notoriously high in saturated and total fats due to a combination of processed ingredients and preparation techniques. The primary culprits include certain types of kebabs, pizzas, and deep-fried fast-food combos.
The Infamous Doner Kebab
Often a late-night favourite, the doner kebab has long held a reputation as a high-fat meal. As the Hampshire County Council investigation found, the processed meat, often a mix of lamb and other fillers, is notoriously high in fat. This is compounded by creamy sauces, such as mayonnaise or garlic sauce, which can add significant amounts of extra fat. Served with a large portion of chips, which soak up oil during frying, the entire meal becomes a very calorie-dense, high-fat option. The overall nutritional imbalance, with excessive salt and saturated fat, poses a significant health risk if consumed regularly.
Greasy Pizzas
Not all pizzas are created equal, but many popular takeaway options are loaded with fat. The most significant offenders are deep-pan, cheese-stuffed crust pizzas with processed meat toppings like pepperoni, salami, and extra cheese. A study by Dr. Davies, referenced by the BBC, revealed that, on average, pizza has the highest fat content per 100g compared to other takeaways. The issue is further compounded by massive portion sizes, which can be shared but are often consumed by one person.
Loaded Burger Meal Deals
A double or triple-patty burger with cheese, bacon, and mayonnaise, accompanied by a large portion of fries and a sugary drink, is a classic high-fat takeaway. The fat content comes from multiple sources: the fatty beef patties, processed cheese slices, creamy sauces, and the oil absorbed by the fries during deep-frying. Oversizing a meal deal can dramatically increase the total kilojoules and fat. A Burger King Whopper with Cheese, for instance, contains a significant amount of total and saturated fat.
Hidden fat traps in other takeaways
Even seemingly less obvious choices can be surprisingly high in fat:
- Indian Creamy Curries: Dishes like korma, passanda, and masala use large quantities of ghee (clarified butter), oil, and coconut milk, leading to high saturated fat levels. Add deep-fried naan bread, poppadoms, and samosas, and the fat content skyrockets.
- Chinese Deep-Fried Dishes: Many popular Chinese takeaway items are deep-fried, such as sweet and sour battered balls, prawn toast, spring rolls, and egg fried rice. These absorb oil during cooking, significantly increasing their fat content.
- Fish and Chips: The combination of battered, deep-fried fish and thin-cut fries cooked in oil can result in a high-fat meal. The batter soaks up a large amount of oil, and thin fries absorb more fat than thicker chips.
Why are these foods so fatty?
Several common factors explain the high fat content across different takeaway cuisines:
- Deep-Frying: The most straightforward reason. Cooking in oil, especially at the wrong temperature, causes food to absorb excessive amounts of fat.
- Rich Ingredients: Heavy use of high-fat dairy products (cheese, cream, milk), fatty meats (processed beef, lamb, pork), and tropical oils (coconut, palm) are core to many takeaway recipes.
- Portion Distortion: Takeaway meals are often far larger than a recommended single serving. A Safefood study found that an average Indian takeaway portion size was enough for two people.
- High-Fat Combinations: The bundling of a main dish with fries, creamy sauces, and fatty sides exacerbates the problem. For example, the combined fat from a double burger and large fries can be immense.
Comparison Table: Fattiest vs. Healthier Takeaway Choices
| Meal Type | Fattiest Example | Estimated Fat (g) per meal | Healthier Alternative | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kebab | Doner Kebab with creamy sauce and chips | ~35-45+ | Chicken or Shish Kebab with salad and pita | Choose grilled meat and avoid creamy sauces. |
| Pizza | Large meat feast with stuffed crust | ~40-60+ | Thin-crust pizza with vegetable toppings | Less fat in the base and fewer high-fat processed meats. |
| Indian | Chicken Tikka Masala with pilau rice and naan | ~40-50+ | Tandoori chicken with plain rice and chapatti | Opt for tomato-based sauces and grilled meat. |
| Fast Food | Double burger meal with large fries | ~60-80+ | Single-patty burger with side salad or smaller fries | Stick to a basic burger and ask for fewer add-ons. |
| Fish & Chips | Battered cod and thin-cut chips | ~50+ | Grilled fish with thick-cut chips or peas | Thick-cut chips absorb less oil than thin ones. |
Conclusion: Making Smarter Choices
While some specific meals consistently rank as the fattiest, the true lesson is that mindful choices and moderation are crucial. The excessive use of deep-frying, high-fat ingredients, and oversized portions is the common thread among the fattiest takeaway foods. By opting for grilled instead of fried, choosing tomato-based sauces over creamy ones, and being conscious of portion sizes, you can significantly reduce the fat content of your takeaway meal. For a detailed guide on making healthier food choices when eating out, consider resources from the National Health Service in the UK. Learning to spot the hidden sources of fat is the best defence against nutritional overload when you can't resist a takeaway treat. The average takeaway meal is not necessarily a nutritional disaster, but awareness of the worst offenders is your first step towards making better decisions for your health and wellbeing.
Here is a guide from the NHS on making healthier takeaway choices.
