The Top Contenders for Unhealthiest Item
Five Guys is known for its generous portions and customizable menu, which can lead to surprisingly high calorie counts. The most common contenders for the unhealthiest item are the burgers, the large fries, and the custom-built milkshakes. While a basic burger starts with two patties, customization allows the addition of multiple slices of cheese and bacon, significantly increasing the total caloric, fat, and sodium load.
The Bacon Cheeseburger: A Saturated Fat Powerhouse
The standard Bacon Cheeseburger, with two patties, two strips of bacon, and two slices of cheese, is a well-known calorie culprit. With around 920 calories, 62 grams of fat, and 1,310 milligrams of sodium, it can make up a substantial portion of an average adult's daily intake. What makes this burger particularly unhealthy is the combination of fat and sodium, and studies have specifically pointed to its high saturated fat content compared to other fast-food cheeseburgers. Adding mayonnaise and extra cheese can push these numbers even higher.
The Large Fries: A High-Calorie Side
Cooked in 100% peanut oil, the large Five Guys Style fries are another heavy hitter on the menu. A large portion contains a massive 1,314 calories, 57 grams of fat, and 1,327 milligrams of sodium, nearly matching or even surpassing the calories in some of the burgers. The issue is the sheer volume of the portion, which is often enough to be shared by two or three people, yet is frequently consumed by one person. For a meal that includes both a burger and large fries, the nutritional impact is significant.
The Custom Milkshakes: Sugar and Fat Bombs
The base for a Five Guys shake already packs a punch, with around 670 calories and 82 grams of sugar. However, the real danger lies in the mix-ins. Adding high-calorie options like peanut butter, Oreo® cookie pieces, and bacon can quickly inflate the nutritional stats. A shake loaded with multiple high-fat, high-sugar mix-ins can potentially exceed the calories of even the largest burgers. For instance, a shake with chocolate, peanut butter, and whipped cream was found to contain nearly 1,200 calories in a comparison of popular milkshakes.
Nutritional Comparison: Burger vs. Fries vs. Shake
To better understand the nutritional impact, let's compare three of the most calorie-dense items based on available data. Note that customization can drastically alter these figures.
| Item | Calories | Total Fat (g) | Saturated Fat (g) | Sodium (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bacon Cheeseburger | 920 | 62 | 29.5 | 1310 |
| Large Five Guys Fries | 1314 | 57 | 10 | 1327 |
| Loaded Milkshake | ~1196 | ~52 | ~31 | ~620 |
Note: The loaded milkshake values are an estimate based on a vanilla base plus multiple high-calorie mix-ins, such as peanut butter and chocolate, as reported in various analyses.
This table illustrates that while the bacon cheeseburger has a high saturated fat content, a large portion of fries or a heavily customized shake can easily surpass it in total calories and, in some cases, sodium. The fries, in particular, stand out for their exceptionally high calorie count.
Healthier Choices at Five Guys
It is possible to navigate the Five Guys menu with health in mind, even though it is not primarily a health-focused restaurant. Here are some options for a more moderate meal:
- Go "Little": Opt for the "Little" versions of burgers and cheeseburgers, which have a single patty instead of two. For example, a Little Hamburger has 480 calories, compared to the regular's 700.
- Lose the Bun: A Bunless Little Hamburger contains only 220 calories, 17 grams of fat, and 50 milligrams of sodium, making it a much lighter option. You can also order bunless hot dogs.
- Hold the Cheese and Bacon: By forgoing cheese and bacon, you can significantly reduce the saturated fat and sodium in your meal.
- Embrace the Veggies: Five Guys offers a wide range of free vegetable toppings, such as lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños, that add flavor without a heavy caloric penalty. The Veggie Sandwich (440 calories) is another meatless option, though it is still high in sodium.
- Share the Fries: A small order of fries can be split among a group, allowing everyone to enjoy the famous fries without overdoing it.
Conclusion
When asking what is the most unhealthy item at Five Guys, there is no single, simple answer. The most significant health concerns are linked to the customizable, calorie-dense items, particularly the Bacon Cheeseburger, the large fries, and the loaded milkshakes. The bacon cheeseburger is a potent source of saturated fat and sodium, while the large fries can be the highest calorie single item on the menu. Heavily customized shakes can also challenge for the highest calorie count due to their high sugar and fat content. Ultimately, the overall unhealthiness of a Five Guys meal depends heavily on portion sizes and the mix-ins you choose. By being mindful of customization and opting for smaller portions, you can significantly reduce the nutritional impact of your fast-food indulgence. For more detailed information on nutrition, consult the official Five Guys Nutrition & Allergen Information page.
