Top 15 Unhealthiest Burgers In The U.S.

Burgers are a beloved component of American cuisine, but some pack more than just flavor. In this blog post, we delve into some of the most calorie-laden, fat-rich, and sodium-packed burgers available across the United States. These burgers challenge both your appetite and diet, offering extravagant caloric content and indulgent ingredients. From classic fast-food chains to themed eateries, these burgers make a name for themselves with their bold flavors and nutritional excesses. Let’s explore these 15 unhealthiest burgers that prove too much of a tasty thing can indeed be overwhelming.

1. Five Guys Cheeseburger

Five Guys Cheeseburger
© Eat This Not That

With its rich, buttery flavor and hand-formed patties, the Five Guys Cheeseburger is an indulgence that nutritionists often eye warily. At around 980 calories, it packs nearly 27 grams of saturated fat, making it a formidable opponent for any calorie counter. The oversized bun and fresh toppings may seem like a minor addition, but they help this burger add up to a serious sodium load. Despite its simplicity, the Five Guys Cheeseburger is a testament to how a classic can become a heavy hitter in the world of unhealthy meals.

2. Whataburger Jalapeño & Cheese Burger

Whataburger Jalapeño & Cheese Burger
© Eat This Much

Spicy, cheesy, and undeniably satisfying, the Whataburger Jalapeño & Cheese Burger tempts you with bold flavors. However, beneath its enticing exterior lies a nutritional minefield. Loaded with sodium and saturated fat, this burger hits hard, making each bite a guilty pleasure. The jalapeños add a fiery kick, but they also accompany a plethora of calories. For those mindful of their intake, this burger exemplifies how a seemingly fun choice can carry hidden dietary costs. When craving a heat-packed fast-food option, this burger is both a delight and a diet dilemma.

3. Smashburger Classic Smash

Smashburger Classic Smash
© Halal Smash Burgers & Phillies

The Smashburger Classic Smash may be smaller than some of its rivals, but it holds its ground in terms of calorie count and sneaky fats. With its hearty beef patty and melted cheese, it’s a delightful bite that’s challenging to resist. However, its sodium content might surprise even the most devoted burger aficionados. This compact burger manages to pack an unexpected punch, leaving a lasting impression on your taste buds and your daily nutritional goals. For those who savor a classic, the Classic Smash serves both flavor and an unexpected caloric challenge.

4. Carl’s Jr. Famous Star with Cheese

Carl’s Jr. Famous Star with Cheese
© Men’s Journal

A staple in the fast-food world, Carl’s Jr. Famous Star with Cheese makes its presence known with a robust flavor profile. Its high saturated fat and sodium levels land it consistently on “worst of” lists. The burger’s classic combination of juicy beef, melted cheese, and fresh vegetables make it a tempting choice despite its nutritional pitfalls. Each bite represents the age-old fast-food dilemma: taste versus health. This burger stands as a reminder of how traditional fast-food options continue to challenge dietary discipline while satisfying cravings.

5. Sonic Cheeseburger

Sonic Cheeseburger
© MSN

Synonymous with drive-in dining, the Sonic Cheeseburger is an iconic choice that often breaks the 1,000-calorie mark when ordered with a combo. Its high sodium content, paired with oversized sides, transforms a simple meal into a calorie-laden affair. While the juicy beef and perfectly melted cheese promise satisfaction, they also deliver a significant nutritional hit. This burger epitomizes the indulgent nature of fast food, inviting you to enjoy the ride but challenging your dietary limits. Sonic’s offering is a nostalgic yet nutritionally hefty nod to the classic cheeseburger.

6. Wendy’s Bacon Deluxe Triple

Wendy’s Bacon Deluxe Triple
© Wendy’s Cayman

Boasting around 1,140 calories and over 70 grams of fat, Wendy’s Bacon Deluxe Triple is a towering testament to indulgence. The combination of multiple bacon strips and layers of cheese elevates this burger to a salt bomb on a bun. Despite its mouth-watering appeal, it poses a formidable challenge for those counting calories. Each bite brings a mix of crispy bacon and juicy beef, making it difficult to resist. This burger’s sheer size and flavor profile make it an unforgettable but nutritionally overwhelming experience, captivating fast-food lovers with its grandeur.

7. Red Robin Gold Medal Burger

Red Robin Gold Medal Burger
© hungryhotline

The Red Robin Gold Medal Burger stands out with one of the highest calorie counts you’ll encounter: nearly 1,800 calories. Featuring over 50 grams of saturated fat, this burger is a heavyweight in the culinary world. Its layers of juicy beef and cheese, topped with crunchy onions and condiments, make it both enticing and daunting. Despite its hefty nutritional content, this burger remains a favorite for those seeking a full-flavored experience. It symbolizes the ultimate indulgence, offering a rich taste while challenging dietary norms with its caloric abundance.

8. Wendy’s Big Bacon Classic Triple

Wendy’s Big Bacon Classic Triple
© Mashed

Wendy’s Big Bacon Classic Triple makes an impactful statement with its over 80 grams of fat and excessive sodium content. This burger’s towering stature is matched only by its flavor, combining bacon, cheese, and juicy beef in a delightful but diet-busting package. Each bite offers a salty, savory experience that leaves a lasting impression on both your taste buds and your daily nutritional intake. For those seeking an indulgent escape, this burger challenges dietary guidelines while delivering a memorable and satisfying meal, firmly establishing its place among fast-food legends.

9. Burger King Whopper with Cheese

Burger King Whopper with Cheese
© 2000KCAL Landing Page

The Burger King Whopper with Cheese is a fast-food icon that, at 670 calories, might seem modest compared to others on this list. However, its sodium and fat numbers make it a stealthy contender in the realm of unhealthy options. With juicy beef, melted cheese, and fresh toppings, it presents a balanced yet indulgent flavor profile. This burger’s appeal lies in its classic taste, offering satisfaction for those in search of familiarity. Though seemingly unassuming, the Whopper with Cheese reminds us that even beloved staples can pack a significant nutritional punch.

10. McDonald’s Big Mac

McDonald’s Big Mac
© Fast Food Nutrition

An iconic staple in the fast-food world, McDonald’s Big Mac delivers a sodium overload with a dash of sneaky sugar courtesy of its celebrated sauce. Known for its distinctive three-bun structure and layered beef patties, the Big Mac combines flavor and tradition in every bite. Despite its 550 calories, it still poses a challenge with its fat and sodium content. As a symbol of fast-food culture, this burger offers both nostalgia and a reminder of dietary indulgence. It remains a favorite for its taste and iconic status, even as it challenges health-conscious choices.

11. Heart Attack Grill Triple Bypass Burger

Heart Attack Grill Triple Bypass Burger
© Irish Examiner

The Heart Attack Grill Triple Bypass Burger lives up to its name with a novelty approach to fast food. Offering thousands of calories and absurd fat content, this burger is more spectacle than meal. With multiple patties and layers of cheese, it challenges the concept of moderation. Despite its intimidating nutritional profile, it attracts those seeking an extreme culinary experience. This burger isn’t just a meal—it’s a bold statement, reflecting a defiant embrace of indulgence. It captures the spirit of excess, inviting adventurous eaters to explore its outrageous proportions.

12. Jack in the Box Bacon Ultimate Cheeseburger

Jack in the Box Bacon Ultimate Cheeseburger
© Jack in the Box Menu

Jack in the Box’s Bacon Ultimate Cheeseburger offers roughly 900 calories, with high saturated fat levels that often accompany large fry combos. This burger combines crispy bacon and melted cheese with juicy beef for a flavor-packed indulgence. Despite its allure, it poses a significant challenge for those monitoring their intake. Its satisfying taste and towering build make it a popular choice, but also a nutritional hurdle. The burger exemplifies the fast-food dilemma, enticing with flavor while confronting health-conscious diners with its caloric and fat content.

13. Steak ‘n Shake Triple Steakburger

Steak ‘n Shake Triple Steakburger
© Mashed

Layers of beef and cheese define the Steak ‘n Shake Triple Steakburger, creating a meal both tasty and exceedingly heavy. This burger’s multiple patties offer a rich flavor that’s difficult to resist, yet it challenges dietary discipline with its caloric and fat content. As an indulgent choice, it provides a satisfying experience for those looking to treat themselves to a beefy classic. The Triple Steakburger stands out for its hearty build and mouth-watering taste, inviting diners to enjoy its richness while grappling with its nutritional implications.

14. Fatburger XXXL Triple Kingburger

Fatburger XXXL Triple Kingburger
© The Burger Beast

Nearly 2,000 calories on its own, the Fatburger XXXL Triple Kingburger is a monumental offering in the world of oversized meals. Its triple beef patties and layers of cheese create a massive, flavorful experience that challenges both appetite and diet. This burger is an ode to excess, daring those with a hearty appetite to take it on. Despite its daunting size, it remains a favorite among those seeking a serious indulgence. The Kingburger exemplifies the spirit of lavish dining, pushing the boundaries of portion and pleasure in fast food.

15. Checkers/Rally’s Baconzilla

Checkers/Rally’s Baconzilla
© 24/7 Wall St.

Checkers/Rally’s Baconzilla is a loaded burger that exceeds sodium and fat guidelines in one bite. With multiple patties and thick bacon strips, it presents a formidable flavor profile. This burger is known for its hefty indulgence, providing a satisfying yet nutritionally challenging meal. Its bold taste appeals to those who appreciate a robust culinary experience, while its nutritional content prompts caution. The Baconzilla represents the quintessential fast-food indulgence, offering a delicious escape for those inclined to embrace its richness and ignore its dietary impact.