A recent study by PlushCare reveals that some fast food restaurants are significantly unhealthier than others. The research specifically highlights Five Guys as the least healthy option, awarding it a striking 50-point score for unhealthiness. Additionally, the restaurant’s fries also received a poor rating, scoring 28 points.
Following Five Guys, Whataburger, Smash Burger, and Carl’s Jr. ranked as the next unhealthiest options. Notably, Five Guys contains 73% more saturated fat than any other cheeseburger from fast food chains examined in the study. The analysis was based on the Department of Health’s nutrient profiling method, which evaluates menu items on their calories, sugar, saturated fat, and sodium content.
PlushCare emphasizes the importance of making informed decisions regarding food choices. They state, “Ultimately, healthy eating comes down to taking control of what you eat. This might mean avoiding fast food altogether, but it can also mean understanding which chains and products are better options.”
In a surprising turn, Burger King and McDonald’s tied for the second-lowest unhealthiness score, each earning just 18 points. Both chains offer cheeseburgers with about a quarter of the saturated fat found in Five Guys’ burger and less than half that of Wendy’s. The healthiest option on the list was Culver’s, with a score of 17 points.
When it comes to chicken sandwiches, Popeyes ranked as the least healthy with a score of 39 points. In contrast, McDonald’s McChicken emerged as the healthiest choice, scoring only 14 points. This is significantly lower than Burger King’s sandwich, which scored 31 points, and KFC’s, which scored 27 points. However, PlushCare cautions that the McChicken, while healthier, is not necessarily a nutritious choice. They note, “While the McChicken is significantly less unhealthy than other fast-food chicken burgers, it is still high in sodium, fat, and calories. The ground chicken patty used is not high-quality.”
Popeyes also claimed the title for the unhealthiest chicken nuggets, while Fatburger was rated as having the worst shake.
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