What is the Healthiest Burger at Buffalo Wild Wings?

According to the restaurant's nutritional data, the Southwestern Black Bean Burger is the healthiest burger at Buffalo Wild Wings, though modifications are recommended due to its high sodium content. A typical Buffalo Wild Wings burger is packed with calories, fat, and sodium, making it a challenging menu item for health-conscious diners.

Quick Summary

The Southwestern Black Bean Burger is typically the most nutritious burger option at Buffalo Wild Wings, but customizing it by removing cheese and sauces is essential for a healthier meal. Protein and calorie information varies significantly across the menu, so knowing how to modify your order is key to navigating the high-fat and high-sodium offerings.

Key Points

• Southwestern Black Bean Burger: The Southwestern Black Bean Burger, when customized by removing cheese and sauces, is the most health-conscious burger choice available at Buffalo Wild Wings.

• Customize for Better Nutrition: Removing high-fat, high-sodium additions like cheese, bacon, and creamy sauces is the most effective way to improve the burger's nutritional profile.

• Prioritize the Patty: The black bean patty is a leaner, lower-fat protein source than the all-beef hamburger patties, offering a better foundation for a healthier meal.

• Swap Your Side: Replace high-calorie french fries or onion rings with a side of carrots and celery sticks to add vitamins and fiber without excessive calories.

• Practice Portion Control: Many standard burgers at BWW are very high in calories and sodium; consider sharing a meal to limit intake.

• Consider a Lettuce Wrap: Requesting a lettuce wrap instead of the traditional bun is an easy way to cut down on carbohydrates and overall calories.

Navigating the Buffalo Wild Wings Burger Menu for Health

When most people think of Buffalo Wild Wings (BWW), they picture plates piled high with wings drenched in sauce, not a light, nutritious meal. However, for those craving a burger, there is one option that stands out as the healthiest choice: the Southwestern Black Bean Burger. While the term “healthy” is relative when discussing restaurant fare, the black bean burger offers a more favorable nutritional profile compared to its beef counterparts, especially when customized.

The Southwestern Black Bean Burger: A Closer Look

At a glance, the Southwestern Black Bean Burger seems like a significantly lighter option. It features a black bean patty, avocado, cheddar cheese, shredded iceberg lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and Southwestern ranch dressing on a challah bun. While this may sound appealing, the full build-out is still high in calories, sodium, and fat. For example, a complete Southwestern Black Bean Burger is listed with 700-740 calories, 40-42g fat, and over 1,750mg of sodium, depending on the specific location's nutritional guidelines. The key to making this a healthier choice is strategic modification.

Here’s how to make your Southwestern Black Bean Burger healthier:

• Omit the cheese: Cheddar cheese adds extra fat and sodium. Removing it is an easy way to cut down on unnecessary calories.
• Hold the dressing: The Southwestern ranch dressing is a primary source of added fat and sodium. Ask for it on the side or swap it for a lower-calorie option if available.
• Request no bun: To reduce carbohydrates and calories, ask for the burger to be lettuce-wrapped or served without a bun.
• Pair with a healthier side: Skip the fries and opt for a side of celery and carrots instead. A side of celery and carrots adds a boost of vegetables with minimal calories.

By implementing these changes, you can enjoy the flavorful black bean patty while significantly reducing the overall calorie and fat content. The patty alone is much more reasonable, at approximately 190 calories, 7g fat, and 540mg sodium.

Comparison of Buffalo Wild Wings Burgers

To understand why the Southwestern Black Bean Burger is the best option, a direct comparison with other burgers on the BWW menu is necessary. The following table illustrates the stark nutritional differences:

Burger Name	Calories (approx.)	Fat (g) (approx.)	Sodium (mg) (approx.)	Key Takeaway
Southwestern Black Bean Burger	700-740	40-42	1750-1810	Healthiest base; requires modification.
All-American Cheeseburger (Double Patty)	820-840	53	2040	Standard beef, high in saturated fat and sodium.
Avocado Bacon Burger	1150	83	1920	One of the highest in calories and fat.
Smoked Brisket Burger	1020	66	2610	Extremely high sodium and saturated fat.
Cheese Curd Bacon Burger	1210	83	2790	Loaded with toppings, topping the charts in calories.

Note: Nutritional information can vary by location and time. Always check the official Buffalo Wild Wings nutrition guide for the most accurate data.

Strategies for a Healthier Burger Experience

Even with the Southwestern Black Bean Burger, moderation and smart choices are key. Beyond customizing your burger, here are general tips for a healthier meal at Buffalo Wild Wings:

• Choose your protein wisely: For the most protein-dense and lowest-fat option, consider a plain, un-sauced grilled chicken breast served on a bun. A bare hamburger patty is also a decent, protein-focused choice.
• Request a lettuce wrap: Most restaurants are happy to serve your burger wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun. This is a simple request that drastically cuts carbs and calories.
• Condiment control: Be mindful of condiments. While mustard adds little to no calories, mayonnaise and aiolis can quickly inflate the fat and calorie count.
• Drink smart: Avoid high-sugar sodas and alcoholic beverages. Stick to water or unsweetened iced tea for a zero-calorie drink.
• Share your meal: If opting for a less-healthy burger, sharing it with a friend can help with portion control and significantly reduce your intake of calories and fat.

Conclusion

While Buffalo Wild Wings is known for its indulgence, it is possible to make a more health-conscious burger choice. The Southwestern Black Bean Burger, when customized, represents the best option on the menu for those looking to manage their calorie, fat, and sodium intake. By asking for modifications like omitting cheese and dressings, and choosing a lighter side, you can enjoy a satisfying meal that aligns better with your dietary goals. It’s a testament to the fact that with a little knowledge and planning, you don’t have to completely abandon your healthy habits, even when dining at a fast-casual restaurant known for its heavier fare.

Key Takeaways

• Southwestern Black Bean Burger is the Base: Among all burger options, the black bean burger is the lowest in calories and fat, making it the healthiest starting point.
• Customize for Optimal Nutrition: To make it truly healthy, remove the cheese and dressing, as the stock options contain significant fat and sodium.
• Portion Control is Key: Standard menu burgers at Buffalo Wild Wings are often very high in calories, fat, and sodium, so considering sharing is a smart strategy.
• Focus on the Protein: The unadorned black bean patty or a grilled chicken breast patty are the leanest protein choices available.
• Modify Your Side: Swap high-calorie fried sides like fries or onion rings for healthier options like carrots and celery sticks.

FAQs

Question: What is the lowest-calorie burger at Buffalo Wild Wings? Answer: The lowest-calorie burger is the Southwestern Black Bean Burger, especially when ordered without the cheese and creamy ranch dressing. A plain black bean patty alone is even lower in calories.

Question: Is the black bean burger at BWW vegetarian? Answer: Yes, the black bean burger at Buffalo Wild Wings is a vegetarian option, but check with the staff to ensure no animal products are used in its preparation to meet strict dietary needs.

Question: How can I reduce the sodium in my BWW burger? Answer: To reduce sodium, remove the cheese, bacon, and creamy dressings, and choose a dry seasoning or no sauce instead. Many sauces and toppings are high in sodium.

Question: Can I get a bunless burger at Buffalo Wild Wings? Answer: Yes, you can typically request a bunless burger, or ask for a lettuce wrap instead of the standard challah bun to reduce carbohydrates and calories.

Question: Are the fries included with the Southwestern Black Bean Burger healthy? Answer: The natural-cut fries served with the burgers are not considered a healthy side. For a healthier meal, opt for carrots and celery sticks instead.

Question: How does the all-beef patty compare nutritionally to the black bean patty? Answer: A single all-beef patty at BWW contains significantly more total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol than a single black bean patty, making the black bean version the healthier choice for the patty itself.

Question: What is the highest-calorie burger on the BWW menu? Answer: The Cheese Curd Bacon Burger is one of the highest-calorie burgers on the menu, containing over 1,200 calories, due to its combination of multiple patties, cheeses, and bacon.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the lowest-calorie burger at Buffalo Wild Wings?

The lowest-calorie burger is the Southwestern Black Bean Burger, especially when ordered without the cheese and creamy ranch dressing. A plain black bean patty alone is even lower in calories.

Is the black bean burger at BWW vegetarian?

Yes, the black bean burger at Buffalo Wild Wings is a vegetarian option, but check with the staff to ensure no animal products are used in its preparation to meet strict dietary needs.

How can I reduce the sodium in my BWW burger?

To reduce sodium, remove the cheese, bacon, and creamy dressings, and choose a dry seasoning or no sauce instead. Many sauces and toppings are high in sodium.

Can I get a bunless burger at Buffalo Wild Wings?

Yes, you can typically request a bunless burger, or ask for a lettuce wrap instead of the standard challah bun to reduce carbohydrates and calories.

Are the fries included with the Southwestern Black Bean Burger healthy?

The natural-cut fries served with the burgers are not considered a healthy side. For a healthier meal, opt for carrots and celery sticks instead.

How does the all-beef patty compare nutritionally to the black bean patty?

A single all-beef patty at BWW contains significantly more total fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol than a single black bean patty, making the black bean version the healthier choice for the patty itself.

What is the highest-calorie burger on the BWW menu?

The Cheese Curd Bacon Burger is one of the highest-calorie burgers on the menu, containing over 1,200 calories, due to its combination of multiple patties, cheeses, and bacon.