Dissecting the Most Calorie-Dense Options at Culver's
While many people associate Culver's with their signature ButterBurgers, the true champions of caloric density on the menu are often found in the dessert section or through heavy customization. Fast-food menus can be surprising, and Culver's is no exception, with certain items packing a powerful punch for those counting calories.
The Indulgent World of Frozen Custard
Culver's Fresh Frozen Custard, especially when served in larger sizes and loaded with mix-ins, consistently ranks among the highest-calorie choices. A multi-scoop sundae or a large Concrete Mixer can easily surpass the calorie count of a large burger.
- Concrete Mixers: The caloric value of a Concrete Mixer is highly dependent on its size and mix-in ingredients. For instance, a Large Berry Happy Birthday Concrete Mixer can contain well over 1,000 calories. Options with candies, rich sauces, and cookie dough, like the Crazy For Cookie Dough mixer, are particularly high in calories.
- Sundaes: The Turtle Sundae is a fan favorite, and its calorie count can increase significantly when ordered with multiple scoops of frozen custard. The combination of creamy vanilla frozen custard, caramel, hot fudge, and pecans is a decadent and calorie-heavy choice.
- Shakes: A Tall Vanilla Milkshake can also contribute a substantial number of calories, sometimes nearly 900, due to the rich, creamy custard base.
The Heavy Hitters of the Savory Menu
Beyond dessert, several savory items on the Culver's menu also offer significant calorie counts, especially when customized with extra patties, cheese, or bacon.
- ButterBurgers: The Culver's Bacon Deluxe and Double Bacon Deluxe are high in calories, with the Triple Bacon Deluxe reaching even higher numbers, well over 1,000 calories. A Triple Cheese ButterBurger is another item that weighs heavily on the nutritional scale.
- Dinners: For a time, one of the most calorific items was the North Atlantic Cod Dinner. It was listed as containing over 2,000 calories in some older reports, which made it a contender for the single highest-calorie item. While menu specifications change, this example shows how meal combos, including fried items and sides, can quickly accumulate calories.
- Sides: Combining larger sides with a main dish also boosts the overall calorie count. Items like Large Onion Rings or Family-sized Wisconsin Cheese Curds are high in calories and fat, further contributing to a very heavy meal.
Comparing High-Calorie Culver's Items
Understanding the relative caloric impact of different menu items can help you make more informed choices. Here is a comparison of some of Culver's more calorie-dense options.
| Menu Item | Calories (approx.) | Category | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Scoop Banana Split | 1,420+ | Frozen Custard | Heavily dependent on toppings and sauces. |
| Triple Bacon Deluxe | 1,150 | ButterBurger | Large burger with three patties, cheese, and bacon. |
| 3-Scoop Caramel Cashew Sundae | 1,170 | Frozen Custard | High in fat and sugar from cashews and caramel. |
| Double Wisconsin Big Cheese Pub Burger | 950 | ButterBurger | Double patty burger with a pub bun and special sauces. |
| Large Crazy For Cookie Dough Concrete Mixer | 1,300+ | Concrete Mixer | Very high due to size and dense, sugary mix-ins. |
Factors Influencing Calorie Counts
Several factors can alter the exact calorie total of any given meal at Culver's:
- Customization: Adding extra cheese, bacon, sauces, or larger portions of toppings can significantly increase the final calorie count. For example, upgrading a single to a triple patty will naturally add more calories.
- Size: This is the most straightforward factor, with larger sizes of sundaes, concrete mixers, and sides resulting in higher calorie counts.
- Sides and Drinks: A meal's total calories can skyrocket when paired with large fries, cheese curds, or a sugary drink like a regular-sized root beer float.
- Menu Changes: Restaurant menus, including nutritional content, are subject to change. Always check the most current nutrition information available on the official Culver's website or app.
Conclusion
While a definitive single answer for the most calorie item at Culver's can be tricky due to customizations, the top contenders are almost always the largest frozen custard creations, particularly multi-scoop sundaes and concrete mixers loaded with mix-ins. Items like the Triple Bacon Deluxe or the old North Atlantic Cod Dinner also represent the most calorically dense options on the savory menu. For those mindful of calorie intake, reviewing the official nutritional information on the Culver's website is the best approach before ordering.
