The Crown Holder: Five Guys' Cheeseburger
In the realm of fast-food notoriety, one burger has consistently topped the charts for unhealthiness in recent nutritional studies: the standard cheeseburger from Five Guys. While Five Guys is celebrated for its fresh ingredients and customizable orders, the combination of its preparation methods and ingredient portions creates a nutritional profile that's hard to overlook. A single cheeseburger at Five Guys boasts a staggering 980 calories, 55 grams of fat, and 1,050 milligrams of sodium, contributing to its top ranking. These numbers are significantly higher than those of competitors, especially in the saturated fat department.
The PlushCare study, which assigned an 'unhealthiness score' based on a point system incorporating energy (calories), saturated fat, sugar, and sodium, gave the Five Guys cheeseburger a score of 50. This score was due in large part to its extraordinarily high saturated fat content, which was found to be 73% higher than any other fast-food cheeseburger reviewed in the report. The issue is compounded by the fact that Five Guys also offers notably unhealthy french fries, making a full combo meal a significant dietary indulgence.
How Unhealthy is 'Unhealthy'? Breaking Down the Metrics
Defining an unhealthy burger isn't just about total calories. It's a combination of several key nutritional factors. Here's a deeper look into the primary culprits:
- Saturated Fat: The amount of saturated fat is a critical measure, as excessive intake is linked to increased risk of heart disease. The Five Guys cheeseburger, with its 26.5 grams of saturated fat, pushes well past recommended daily limits.
- Sodium: A diet high in sodium can lead to high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. The high sodium levels in many fast-food burgers, including Five Guys' offering, significantly contribute to their unhealthiness.
- Calories: For many, a single fast-food meal can account for a large portion of their recommended daily caloric intake. The Five Guys cheeseburger's 980 calories are substantial, and that's before adding fries and a drink.
- Sugar: While not the main driver of burger unhealthiness, some condiments and buns can contain surprisingly high levels of added sugar, adding to the overall poor nutritional score.
Other Unhealthy Contenders on the Fast-Food Scene
While Five Guys may take the top spot, several other burgers from popular chains also rank poorly in nutritional studies. These often feature multiple patties, excess cheese, and heavy sauces. Here are a few examples that consistently appear on 'unhealthy' lists:
- Whataburger: Jalapeño & Cheese Whataburger: This burger tied for second place in the PlushCare study with a high unhealthiness score, thanks to its combination of high fat and sodium.
- Fatburger: XXXL Triple Kingburger: For sheer caloric density, Fatburger’s XXXL has been noted for its massive size and associated nutritional load.
- Smashburger: Classic Smash: Another top contender for unhealthiness, Smashburger's classic offering is high in both fat and calories.
- Sonic: Sonic Cheeseburger: This burger rounds out the top five in the PlushCare study, scoring poorly on fat and sodium metrics.
Comparison Table: Top Fast Food Cheeseburger Nutrition
| Chain | Burger | Calories | Total Fat (g) | Saturated Fat (g) | Sodium (mg) | Unhealthiness Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Five Guys | Cheeseburger | 980 | 55 | 26.5 | 1050 | 50 |
| Whataburger | Jalapeño & Cheese Whataburger | ~1000 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 42 (Tie) |
| Smashburger | Classic Smash | ~800-900 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 42 (Tie) |
| Carl's Jr. | Famous Star with Cheese | ~700-800 | N/A | N/A | N/A | 37 |
| Sonic | Sonic Cheeseburger | 720 | 43 | N/A | 1370 | 36 |
Note: Nutritional data can vary by location and recipe. For the most accurate information, consult the official restaurant website.
The “Luther” Burger: The Outlier
While the focus is often on widespread fast-food chains, it's worth acknowledging extreme creations like the 'Luther' burger. This is not a standard menu item but a legendary, and exceedingly unhealthy, novelty that uses glazed doughnuts instead of buns. While its nutritional metrics can vary, a classic Luther burger is estimated to contain upwards of 1,000 calories and significant amounts of fat and sugar. Though not commercially available at major chains, it represents the upper echelon of burger indulgence.
Conclusion: Making Informed Choices
Determining the absolute most unhealthy burger in the US depends on the criteria used, but recent studies place the Five Guys cheeseburger at the top for its extremely high saturated fat and calorie content. Other contenders like Whataburger and Smashburger also pose significant nutritional risks. While the occasional indulgence is fine for most, understanding what makes these burgers so unhealthy—namely, high levels of saturated fat, sodium, and total calories—is key to making informed dietary choices. Consumers can also look for healthier options, smaller sizes, or customize their order to reduce the impact of these calorie-dense meals. For those seeking alternatives, chains like Culver's offer burgers with significantly lower unhealthiness scores. For further reading on nutritional comparisons, visit the PlushCare study referenced here.
