A&W's Unhealthiest Combinations: More Than Just a Burger
While identifying a single "most unhealthy" item can be subjective and depends on individual nutritional needs, certain menu items and combinations consistently rank highest in calories, saturated fat, and sodium. The unhealthiest choices often involve multiple patties, extra cheese, bacon, and fried sides with sugary drinks.
The Double Mozza Burger
Often cited by dietitians as a menu item to skip, the Double Mozza Burger includes a double patty, mozzarella cheese, and bacon. This combination of multiple fat sources results in significantly high saturated fat and calorie counts. For instance, based on an average 2,000-calorie daily diet, consuming a single Double Mozza Burger could exceed the daily recommended intake for saturated fat. The layering of calorie-dense ingredients is a major factor in its unhealthiness.
The Grandpa Burger and Other Multi-Patty Options
The Grandpa Burger, with its three beef patties, is another significant contributor to a high-calorie meal. Although it may lack the extra cheese and bacon, the triple meat adds an immense amount of saturated fat and sodium. This highlights a common issue in fast-food: simply adding more meat significantly increases the unhealthiness of the meal, regardless of other toppings.
The Calorie Bombs in Sides and Shakes
The real danger often lies in the additions. A main item like a burger, while unhealthy on its own, can become a nutritional catastrophe when paired with certain sides and drinks. For example, a large side of cheese curds or a large chocolate shake can add over 1,000 calories each to a meal, turning a moderately unhealthy choice into an extremely damaging one.
Comparing Unhealthy A&W Menu Items
| Menu Item | Calories (approx.) | Saturated Fat (approx.) | Sodium (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Mozza Burger | 800 | 19 g | 950 mg |
| Grandpa Burger | 1000 | 21 g | 1000 mg |
| Large Cheese Curds | 1140 | High | Very High |
| Large Chocolate Shake | 1322 | Very High | High |
| Onion Rings (Side) | 520 | High | 630 mg |
Note: Nutritional values can vary by location and time. This table uses available data as an approximate guide.
Making Healthier Choices at A&W
Avoiding the unhealthiest options doesn't mean you must avoid A&W entirely. Several strategies can help you enjoy a meal while mitigating the negative health impacts.
- Choose a single-patty burger: Opting for a standard cheeseburger instead of a double or triple patty reduces calories, fat, and sodium significantly.
- Rethink your sides: Swap fried sides like onion rings or cheese curds for a healthier alternative. A&W's French fries offer a slightly better sodium count compared to onion rings, but it's still best to choose a small size or skip the side entirely.
- Ditch the shake: A large shake can contain more sugar than a person should consume in a day. Choosing a Zero Sugar Root Beer or water is a much healthier alternative.
- Embrace modifications: Ask for no cheese, no bacon, or fewer sauces to further reduce the calorie and fat content of your burger.
The Importance of Overall Context
It is crucial to remember that context matters. An occasional indulgence in an unhealthy A&W meal is unlikely to cause serious long-term damage, provided your overall diet is healthy and balanced. The issue arises with frequent consumption, which can contribute to higher cholesterol, weight gain, and other chronic health issues. For those with pre-existing health conditions, being aware of these nutritional facts is even more critical.
Conclusion
While there is no single "worst" food item for everyone, the Double Mozza Burger, the Grandpa Burger, and high-calorie sides like large shakes and cheese curds are consistently among the most nutritionally damaging options at A&W due to their excessive calories, saturated fat, and sodium content. By understanding the nutritional impact of these menu items, consumers can make more informed choices, opting for smaller portions, fewer add-ons, and healthier beverage options to enjoy their meal responsibly. The key takeaway is to view fast food as an occasional treat rather than a dietary staple, and to be mindful of the nutritional breakdown of each component of your meal.
For more detailed nutritional information, you can always refer to the official A&W nutritional fact sheet available online.
A&W Nutrition: Unhealthy Food List
Here is a list of some of the unhealthiest components you can order at A&W:
- Double Mozza Burger: A high-calorie, high-fat burger with double patties, mozzarella, and bacon.
- Grandpa Burger: Triple beef patties contribute to extremely high levels of fat and sodium.
- Large Cheese Curds: A side that adds over 1,000 calories and immense amounts of saturated fat.
- Large Chocolate Shake: This drink can add over 1,300 calories and is packed with sugar.
- Onion Rings: Fried and significantly higher in sodium than the French fries option.
- Large Root Beer Float: Combining high-sugar root beer and ice cream makes for a very calorie-dense drink.
- Coney Cheese Dog: A hot dog with chili and cheese, it's another high-calorie, high-sodium choice.
What Makes These Foods Unhealthy?
High-calorie items like large shakes and large cheese curds are the primary drivers of unhealthiness at A&W, especially when combined with a multi-patty burger. The combination can lead to a meal that far exceeds daily recommended intake for saturated fat, sodium, and calories. Consuming these foods frequently can contribute to weight gain, high cholesterol, and other long-term health concerns. In contrast, healthier options are available and include smaller, single-patty burgers and zero-sugar beverage choices.
Understanding the Unhealthy Ingredients
Common unhealthy ingredients found in these A&W items include saturated fats from multiple beef patties, cheese, and bacon. High sodium levels are prevalent in many sauces, cheeses, and processed meats, while excessive sugar content is a hallmark of the large shakes and floats. The cooking method, primarily deep frying, also contributes to the calorie and fat density of sides like cheese curds and onion rings.
Finding a Healthier A&W Experience
For those looking to mitigate the health risks while still enjoying A&W, consider a meal that focuses on lower-calorie options and healthier substitutions. A Cheese and Egger on an English muffin for breakfast or a single-patty burger without the extra bacon and cheese can be a much lighter choice. Opting for a Zero Sugar Root Beer instead of a sugary shake is another significant improvement.
Health Impacts of Unhealthy A&W Options
Consuming highly processed, calorie-dense fast food regularly can lead to various health problems. A diet high in saturated fat and sodium can increase the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. The excessive sugar in shakes and floats contributes to weight gain and can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. Understanding these risks can help motivate smarter choices when dining out.
Authoritative Source on A&W Nutrition
For the most precise and up-to-date information on A&W's menu and nutritional facts, the best source is their own official documentation. You can often find this information on the company's website or request a nutritional fact sheet directly from the restaurant.
Expert Opinions on A&W's Healthiest and Unhealthiest Foods
Several dietitians and nutrition experts have weighed in on A&W's menu. A Yahoo Lifestyle Canada article from September 2025 quotes dietitian Laura Lang, who identifies the Double Mozza Burger and Grandpa Burger as being especially high in saturated fat and calories due to their multiple patties and toppings. Lang also notes the high calorie and sodium content of sides like onion rings and shakes, suggesting healthier alternatives like the Zero Sugar Root Beer or a smaller, simpler burger. This confirms that the biggest nutritional pitfalls lie in the combination of large, multi-component items with sugary, high-fat sides.
A Balanced Approach to Fast Food
Ultimately, the occasional fast food meal should be viewed as a treat, not a dietary staple. By being aware of which items are the most nutritionally dense and choosing more balanced options, it is possible to enjoy A&W without completely derailing your health goals. This approach involves moderation, smart substitutions, and a general understanding of the nutritional content of what you are consuming.
