Top 16 Healthiest Fast Food Burgers in 2024
Fast food doesn't always equate to a nutritional nightmare, especially when you’ve got some of the healthiest fast food burgers around. In this sea of greasy, calorie-filled options, there are some surprisingly healthy fast food burgers waiting to be discovered. This guide will spotlight the top 16 healthiest fast food burgers, catering to those seeking a delicious yet lighter fast food experience.
The craving for a juicy burger strikes everyone at some point. However, navigating the fast food menu can be a minefield for health-conscious people. Fear not! We've delved deep to uncover the healthiest fast food burgers that will stay within your health goals. Whether you're actively trying to lose weight or simply looking for a lighter option, this list has you covered.
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The 16 Healthiest Burgers at Fast Food Joints
1. Shake Shack Single Hamburger
Wondering how to start eating healthy but not willing to give up on your favorite fast food? The Shake Shack single hamburger is the answer to that. Featuring a juicy Angus beef patty on a toasted potato bun, it's one of the most delicious and healthiest fast food burgers out there.
Unlike many fast food options, Shake Shack uses high-quality, fresh ingredients without artificial additives or preservatives. The hamburger is a relatively light option among the healthiest fast food burgers available. It is 370 calories and contains eight grams of saturated fat compared to the Shackburger, which packs 500 calories and has 12g of saturated fat.
2. Wendy’s Jr. Hamburger
In search of the healthiest fast food burgers but worried about calories? The Jr. hamburger from one of the healthiest fast food chains, Wendy's, might become your new best friend. This mini version of the classic packs a flavorful punch and is a lighter option than the Jr. cheeseburger. Featuring a fresh beef patty with toppings on a soft bun, it's a delicious option.
The Jr. hamburger is 250 calories per serving and contains four grams of saturated fat and five grams of sugar. It boasts fewer calories and fat compared to the larger burgers on the menu, making it one of the healthiest fast food burgers out there.
3. White Castle Impossible Slider
This tiny but mighty plant-based patty is made with black beans and vegetables, offering a satisfying bite without the meat. It's one of the few truly vegetarian options in the fast food world, making it a standout choice for those seeking some of the healthiest fast food burgers. While it's small in size, it's big in flavor and packs a decent eight grams of protein.
Customize your slider with your favorite toppings like pickles, onions and mustard to create your perfect bite. The Impossible slider with no cheese is 190 calories and contains three grams of saturated fat.
4. Freddy’s Single Steakburger Lettuce Wrap
Freddy's single steakburger is a classic that stands out as one of the healthiest fast food burgers. This burger features a juicy, cooked-to-order beef patty wrapped in lettuce. While you can customize it with your favorite toppings, opting for simple options like tomato and onion keeps it on the lighter side.
The single-patty version is a great choice for those watching their calorie intake at just 230 calories. It’s a solid pick when you’re craving one of the healthiest fast food burgers because it contains six grams of saturated fat, two grams of sugar and 22g of protein. Compared to many other fast food burgers loaded with extra cheese, bacon and heavy sauces, Freddy's single steakburger offers a less indulgent experience.
5. BurgerFi Burger, Single
This is the healthiest fast food burger at BurgerFi; featuring juicy Angus beef, fresh lettuce, ripe tomato and signature sauce. While fast food often gets a bad rap, BurgerFi's commitment to using natural Angus beef without added hormones or antibiotics sets it apart.
The single burger contains 465 calories, six grams of saturated fat and 10g of sugar. It has 24g of protein per serving and for a healthier twist, you can opt for it "Green Style" and enjoy your burger wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun. Whether you're watching your waistline or simply seeking a cleaner fast food choice, this burger is a great starting point for those seeking the healthiest fast food burgers.
6. Burger King Hamburger
This simple flame-grilled beef patty looks and tastes incredible, topped with pickles, mustard and ketchup on a toasted burger bun. It's one of the top contenders for the title of healthiest fast food burger, containing 250 calories and four grams of saturated fat.
To reduce the seven grams of sugar this burger contains, customize it by removing the ketchup. The Burger King hamburger is a good option for when you are craving fast food but still want to keep on track with healthy eating.
7. Jack in the Box Jr. Jumbo Jack
The Jr. Jumbo Jack from Jack in the Box might just be your new favorite. This mini masterpiece packs a lighter punch at 400 calories compared to the 520 calories the regular size contains. Featuring a smaller beef patty, classic toppings like tomato, onion, pickle and a soft bun, it's a satisfying option for those looking for the healthiest fast food burgers.
The hamburger on the menu is another light choice in contrast to the other burgers on the menu. It's a great starting point for those looking to make more conscious food choices without sacrificing taste.
8. Whataburger Jr.
This mini version of the classic Whataburger packs a flavorful punch without overwhelming your calorie count. At 310 calories, three grams of saturated fat and six grams of sugar, it's a classic American burger done right. While no burger is considered strictly "healthy," the Whataburger Jr. is a lighter option compared to many other burgers on the market, making it one of the healthiest fast food burgers available.
9. In-N-Out Hamburger With Onion
This classic burger features a juicy beef patty, crisp lettuce, fresh tomato and red onion on a soft bun. In-N-Out is known for its fresh ingredients and this burger is a prime example. By skipping the cheese and extra toppings, you're cutting back on unnecessary calories and extra saturated fat. Moderation is key but if you're looking for one of the healthiest fast food burger options, the In-N-Out hamburger has 360 calories, five grams of saturated fat and eight grams of sugar.
10. In-N-Out Cheeseburger With Onion, Protein Style
Craving a burger without the bun? The In-N-Out cheeseburger served protein style is your answer. This healthier take on a fast food classic swaps out the bun for a bed of crisp lettuce, making it a lower-carb option without sacrificing flavor. Enjoy a beef patty, melted cheese, onion and fresh tomato, wrapped up in a refreshing lettuce leaf.
For those following a high-protein diet such as Whole30, the protein style burger is one of the best Whole30 fast food options. This protein-packed burger is a significantly lighter choice compared to traditional fast food options at 270 calories, eight grams of saturated fat and six grams of sugar. It’s a tasty way to indulge without feeling overly guilty, making it one of the top contenders for the healthiest fast food burger.
11. Shake Shack ‘Shroom Burger
Shake Shack's ‘Shroom burger is a vegetarian's dream come true. One of the healthiest fast food burger options present, it swaps out beef for a crispy, savory portobello mushroom stuffed with melted cheddar cheese. Topped with fresh lettuce, tomato and Shake Shack's signature sauce, it's a flavorful and satisfying choice. At 510 calories, the ‘Shroom burger is a lighter option compared to others, making it one of the healthiest fast food burgers available.
12. BurgerFi VegiFi Burger
BurgerFi's VegiFi burger is crafted with 15 real, non-GMO ingredients proving that a veggie patty can be packed with flavor and have a satisfying texture. Nestled in a multigrain bun and topped with your favorite fixings, it's a great choice for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.
Forget dry and boring vegetable burgers — this one is a standout among the healthiest fast food burgers. The standard burger is 463 calories but you can customize it to your heart's content and enjoy a flavorful, plant-based meal without compromising on taste.
13. Culver's ButterBurger, Single
One of the tastiest but healthiest fast food burgers, Culver’s features fresh, never-frozen beef seared to perfection in a lightly buttered bun. While the name might suggest indulgence, the focus on quality beef and simple toppings makes it a relatively healthy fast food option compared to many other burgers loaded with processed ingredients and high-fat sauces.
Customize your ButterBurger by choosing a different bun — rye bread being the healthiest option — and adding vegetable toppings to enhance its nutritional value. This is one of the top contenders for the title of healthiest fast food burger at 390 calories with 20g of protein.
14. Steak 'n Shake Single Steakburger
This relatively leaner option at Steak ‘n Shake makes the list of the healthiest fast food burgers. Opt for a single patty instead of a double to cut back on calories and fat.
The single steakburger packs 320 calories with five grams of saturated fat and six grams of sugar, while delivering a satisfying 15g of protein and five grams of dietary fiber. Plus, skipping the cheese and extra toppings keeps this burger lighter. Remember, moderation is key but if you're looking for one of the healthiest fast food burgers out there, the Steak 'n Shake single steakburger is definitely worth considering.
15. Elevation Single Burger
On the lookout for a burger that doesn't compromise on taste or health? Elevation Burger's single burger is your answer at 330 calories, six grams of saturated fat and four grams of sugar. This isn't your average fast food fare; it's crafted with 100% grass-fed, organic beef, making it one of the healthiest fast food burgers out there. You can customize your burger with a variety of fresh toppings and opt for a lettuce wrap instead of a bun for an even lighter option.
16. Checkers – All American Cheeseburger
The All American Cheeseburger is a classic fast food option that surprisingly lands on our list of healthiest fast food burgers. This simple burger features a seasoned beef patty topped with melted cheese, pickles, ketchup and mustard on a toasted bun. While it might not seem like a healthy food choice, it's one of the lower calorie and fat options, especially compared to many other fast food burgers, at just 330 calories and seven grams of saturated fat.
By skipping the extra toppings often found on other burgers, this cheeseburger offers a relatively leaner and more straightforward meal. Of course, it's essential to consider the whole meal, including your side choices, but this option is a solid contender for the healthiest fast food burger.
Which Fast Food Burgers are the Healthiest?
When picking out from the list of the healthiest fast food burgers, prioritize options that offer enough grams of protein, like grilled chicken or turkey patties, to keep you full. Wholegrain buns provide valuable fiber while steering clear of high-calorie toppings like bacon, cheese and extra sauces can make a significant difference.
For instance, opting for a plain hamburger with ketchup and mustard instead of a cheeseburger with bacon and mayo is a healthier choice. You can also explore creative alternatives like swapping the bun for a lettuce wrap, reducing your overall carbohydrate intake. And don’t forget about the side! Swap those fries for a side salad or apple slices for a healthier and more balanced meal.
What is the Healthiest Burger at McDonald’s?
Craving a burger at McDonald’s but aiming for the healthiest and the best fast food burger? While it's certainly not a salad bar, some choices are less damaging to your health goals.
The classic hamburger is often the go-to for the healthiest burger at McDonald’s, at 250 calories with three and a half grams of saturated fat and six grams of sugar. It's lower in calories and fat compared to the cheeseburger and other larger counterparts. To make it even healthier and reduce sugars, consider skipping the sauces. Remember, even the healthiest burgers at McDonald’s should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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While fast food often gets a bad rap, it's clear that with careful choices, you can enjoy a delicious burger without sacrificing your health goals. This list of the healthiest fast food burgers is just a starting point; always consider your individual dietary needs. By understanding the nutritional content of your options and making informed decisions, you can savor the taste of a burger without the guilt.
Finding the healthiest fast food burgers can be a challenge but this list proves it's entirely possible. By prioritizing options with lean protein, whole grains and plenty of vegetables, you can indulge in a fast food favorite while nourishing your body.
For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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