Growing up, nothing was better on a long car ride than pulling over to a fast food joint for a quick treat. It seemed like there was nothing that a Happy Meal and a small fry couldn’t fix. As the years have gone by, there have been tons of improvements to fast food restaurants (hello kiosk ordering!), but something a little less clear are the improvements to the nutrition of fast food staples like burgers and fries. Which begs the question, what are the healthiest fast food burgers?
In all honesty, fast food isn’t great for you no matter how you slice it. But, I’m all for an occasional allowance now and then. And some burgers are definitely better than others. To help steer you in the right direction, check out this list of the healthiest fast food burgers from worst to best. They’re more fun than a salad anyway.
9. White Castle Sliders
These mini-sized squar patties are pretty iconic and known around the world. Each lil burger can’t have that many calories right? Well, technically that is correct, but take caution, my friends.
Each slider has 140 calories, 6 grams of fat, and only 13 carbs. So why isn’t it higher on the list? Well, ask yourself this question—can you really have just one slider? While one or two of these aren’t bad on their own, it’ll probably take a bunch to fill you up. However, if you’re great at portion control, I say go for it!
8. Five Guys Little Hamburger
If you want a burger with the works from Five Guys, I’d suggest the “Little Hamburger” or “Little Cheeseburger.” A standard hamburger from Five Guys comes with a bun and two patties, so the “Little” versions cut down on calories straight away by offering half of the beef.
For this pint-sized version of the standard fare, you’ll only be set back 480 calories and 380 milligrams of sodium. You can add all the toppings you want, but there’s no doubt adding veggies will amp up your fiber intake with this meal. Still not the healthiest option, but you can definitely improve on it by asking for a lettuce bun.
7. Shake Shack Single Shackburger
If there’s one thing I’ve learned since coming to school so close to New York City, it’s that people love Shake Shack. It’s easy to see why—the crinkle cut fries and uber-green lettuce are to die for. But, be warned, this petite treat doesn’t make it the healthiest of the bunch.
Sure, this burger from Shake Shack is better than some of its counterparts. Shake Shack is usually pretty open about the top-notch quality about its beef, and boasts an impressive 28 grams of protein. That’s all well and good, but the 824 milligrams of sodium are more than likely to send you scrambling for a shake. And is a burger really any healthier if it practically forces you to get dessert?
6. In-N-Out Hamburger
For those of you who truly believe that the West Coast is the best coast, this entry is right up your alley. In-N-Out burgers are a cult classic, and a special treat you should certainly enjoy. If you opt for the classic hamburger with just ketchup and mustard (instead of onion spread), your burger only sits at a hair over 300 calories.
For all of you In-N-Out fanatics, this burger is the lowest calorie one on the list to this point. You can even get your burger “protein style” (aka in a lettuce wrap) to save calories. But let’s be real, who’s gonna settle for a plain burger, when you can get a Double Double, animal style?
5. Burger King Veggie Burger
Full disclosure, I like veggie burgers much better than I like meat burgers. However, it’s not always easy to get a veggie burger when I’m out for fast food. Burger King offers a veggie burger that’s pretty middle of the road when it comes to health, but it’s still a pretty good option.
You get some pretty good fixings with this pick: onions, mayo, tomato, lettuce, and that’s all in addition to the seasoned veggie patty. If you can part with the mayo, this burger will only cost you 320 calories. The only caveat is the high amount of sodium, but I still think it’s great that there are semi-healthy veggie-friendly options.
4. Burger King Whopper Jr.
BK is serving back-to-back burger wins with the Whopper Jr. At first sight, this sandwich definitely doesn’t seem “junior.” It’s got all the works you could need: fiber-filled veggies, multiple sauces, and a sesame seed bun.
The whole sandwich is only 310 calories, and keeps itself under 400 milligrams of sodium. Sure, it’s no salad or plate of zucchini noodles, but you can definitely “have it your way” with this menu item.
3. Wendy’s Jr. Cheeseburger
All jealousy of Wendy’s ability to pull off pigtail braids aside, this sandwich is a pretty good bet when looking overall at the healthiest fast food burgers. The “Jr.” in the name doesn’t mean that the burger is by any means small or devoid of flavor.
If you go with this sensible choice, you’re only having 280 calories, the lowest calorie option on the list so far. Plus, you get 16 grams of protein bang for your buck. If you’re feeling even healthier, you can drop 30 calories by nixing the cheese.
2. Burger King Hamburger
Last Burger King option, I promise. This sandwich is definitely one of the healthiest fast food burgers based on calorie count alone. If you go for the most basic menu option at this fast food joint, your sandwich will only be 220 calories. I wish every fast food option could have this low of a calorie count.
This is a pretty solid choice if you’re a health nut who needs a quick meal. If you’re looking for a classic fast food item with 10 grams of fat or less, this choice should be near the top of your list.
1. McDonald’s Hamburger
It was only a matter of time before Mickey D’s found its way onto this list. The chain has had one hell of a bad rap over the past few years for its dangerously unhealthy fare, but tbh, the classic hamburger is pretty tame.
Sure, this burger may have 30 more calories than the same menu option from Burger King, but it has a whole two more grams of protein to sweeten the deal. If you pair it with the apple slices or your own healthy sides, the McDonald’s hamburger doesn’t seem that unhealthy.
Most days, it can feel like the struggle of the century trying to find the healthiest fast food burgers. However, it becomes a lot easier when you read nutrition facts and menus more carefully. You can definitely have everything you want out of a fast food burger, and still stay on track. Just make sure to order the small fry.