If given the choice between a fast food burger or a meal-sized salad, many people will choose the latter with the assumption that it is the healthier choice. Given the fact that many salads contain oil, mayo, cheese, and maybe even bacon, Caesar salads are often considered to be one of the unhealthiest salads you can eat. For example, McDonald’s Caesar salad with kale has more calories, fat, and salt than a Double Big Mac!
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But it isn’t limited to McDonald’s Caesar salad. Most meal-sized Caesar salads in restaurants are higher in calories, fat, and sodium than your favorite fast food burger. Making it at home does let you control the ingredients but one of the most popular Caesar salad recipes at allrecipes.com rings in at 768 calories with 67 grams of fat and 1,098 mg of sodium for a meal-sized serving.
We decided to look at some of the fast food burgers at some of the most popular fast food restaurants. We found that many fast food burgers often have fewer calories and fat than salads on the same restaurant’s menu! Here are 10 fast food burgers with less fat and calories than a traditional Caesar salad.
10) Big Mac – McDonald’s
The one and only Big Mac is served with two 100% pure beef patties, American cheese, shredded lettuce, onions, pickles, and the one of a kind Big Mac sauce. McDonald’s Big Mac has 540 calories with 28 grams of fat, 46 grams of carbs, and 950mg of sodium.
9) Cheeseburger – In-N-Out Burger
A delicious burger crafted with 100% American beef, cheese, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, and In-N-Out’s trademark sauce which hasn’t changed since 1948! In-N-Out Burger’s Cheeseburger has 480 calories with 27 grams of fat, 39 grams of carbs, and 1,000 mg of sodium.
8) Quarter Pounder with Cheese – McDonald’s
The thick and juicy Quarter Pounder features a 1/4 pound of 100% pure beef patty layered with American cheese, slivered onions, and tangy pickles. McDonald’s Quarter Pounder has 530 calories with 27 grams of fat, 41 grams of carbs, and 1090 mg of sodium.
7) Little Hamburger – Five Guys
Five Guys’ Little Hamburger is crafted with a delicious fresh beef (not frozen) patty that is seared to perfection. They also offer tons of fresh and healthy toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, green peppers, jalapeno peppers, and even grilled onions. Five Guys’ Little Hamburger has 480 calories with 26 grams of fat, 39 grams of carbs, and 380 grams of sodium.
6) Double Cheeseburger – McDonald’s
The meaty and cheesy Double Cheeseburger tempts your taste buds with two 100% pure beef patties and served with tangy pickles, onions, lettuce, ketchup, and melted American cheese. McDonald’s Double Cheeseburger has 430 calories with 21 grams of fat, 35 grams of carbs, and 1,040 mg of sodium.
5) Double Stack – Wendy’s
The big and tasty Double Stack starts with two 100% fresh, not frozen beef patties and is topped off with melted cheese, ketchup, mustard, pickles, and onions. Wendy’s Double Stack has 390 calories with 21 grams of fat, 25 grams of carbs, and 830 mg of sodium.
4) Double Cheeseburger – Burger King
Experience twice the taste with not one but two flame-grilled beef patties topped with American cheese, pickles, mustard, and ketchup on a sesame seed bun. Burger King’s Double Cheeseburger has 350 calories with 18 grams of fat, 27 grams of carbs, and 580 mg of sodium.
3) Original Hamburger – Harvey’s
Harvey’s is the second largest Canadian-established restaurant chain in Canada (Tim Horton’s is the largest) and their original hamburger is worth the trip! Their open-flame grilled seasoned beef patty is so perfect that their original recipe hasn’t changed since 1959. You can top off your burger creation with nearly any fresh topping imaginable. Harvey’s Original Hamburger has 360 calories with 17 grams of fat, 35 grams of carbs, and 970 mg of sodium.
2) Cheeseburger – McDonald’s
This mouthwatering classic cheeseburger features 100% pure beef with melty American cheese, tangy pickles, onions, ketchup, and mustard. McDonald’s Cheeseburger has 300 calories with 12 grams of fat, 33 grams of carbs, and 680 mg of sodium.
1) Cheeseburger – Burger King
Just like Burger King’s Double Cheeseburger, this cheeseburger has BK’s flame-grilled beef patty topped with melted American cheese, pickles, ketchup, and mustard for a classic taste. Burger King’s Cheeseburger has 270 calories with 12 grams of fat, 27 grams of carbs, and 560 mg of sodium.
Not only are these tasty burgers low in fat and calories, they also offer more protein than most salads. Also, restaurants such as Five Guys and Harvey’s offer a variety of fresh veggie toppings to make your hamburger even healthier.
Please share these 10 fast-food burgers that are healthier than most Caesar salads with your friends and family.
