16 Healthiest Fast Food Burgers Recommended by a Nutritionist in 2025

Fast food doesn't always equate to a nutritional nightmare, especially when you’ve got this guide to the healthiest fast food burgers in hand. In a sea of greasy, calorie-filled options, there are some surprisingly healthy fast food burgers waiting to be discovered.

With many studies, such as those published via the National Library of Medicine, highlighting the hidden dangers of fast and processed food, it's not surprising that consumers are looking for healthier options. This includes searching for the healthiest fast food options when you can't pass up a fast food treat, whether for necessity or to quell a craving.

To help you find a relatively healthy option, this guide will spotlight the 16 healthiest fast food burgers, catering to those seeking a delicious yet lighter fast food experience.

Whether you're searching for the healthiest fast food cheeseburger, the lowest calorie hamburger or simply the best tasting option, this list is sure to have the healthy fast food hamburger you're craving.

 Jump to Section

• The 16 Healthiest Burgers at Fast Food Joints
• What Is the Healthiest Fast Food Burger?

The 16 Healthiest Burgers at Fast Food Joints

1. Burger King Hamburger

Looking for the healthiest items at Burger King? If so, this simple flame-grilled beef patty is a top pick. Often considered one of the best fast food burgers, it also tastes incredible and is topped with flavorful ingredients like pickles, mustard and ketchup.

It's one of the top contenders for the title of healthiest fast food burger due to containing only 240 calories and 4 grams of saturated fat. To reduce the 5 grams of sugar this burger contains, customize it by removing the ketchup.

The Burger King entry for the healthiest hamburger at a fast food restaurant is a good option for when you are craving fast food but still want to keep on track with healthy eating. It's also one of the lowest-calorie fast food hamburgers, if calories are your primary concern.

Burger King Hamburger Nutritional Info

• Calories: 240 
  
• Total Fat: 11.1 grams
• Saturated Fat: 4 grams
• Sodium: 520 milligrams
• Total Carbs: 26.1 grams
• Total Sugars: 5 grams
• Protein: 10.3 grams

2. 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 vegetarian options in the fast food world, making it a standout choice for those seeking some of the healthiest fast food burgers that forgo meat.

While it's small in size, it's big in flavor and packs a decent 8 grams of protein. You can also customize this pick for the healthiest fast food hamburger 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 3.5 grams of saturated fat. Even the cheese version has only 230 calories and 6 grams of saturated fat. So, if you're searching for the best vegetarian fast food that's also low in calories, this healthy veggie burger is a top pick.

White Castle Impossible Slider Nutritional Info

• Calories: 190
• Total Fat: 10 grams
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 grams
• Sodium: 530 milligrams
• Total Carbs: 16 grams
• Total Sugars: 2 grams
• Protein: 8 grams

3. Shake Shack Single Hamburger

Wondering how to start eating healthy but not willing to give up on your favorite fast food? Then, turn to the Shake Shack single hamburger. 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 also a relatively light option among the healthiest fast food burgers available at this chain. It has 370 calories and contains 8 grams of saturated fat compared to the Shackburger, which packs 500 calories and has 12 grams of saturated fat. 

Shake Shack Single Hamburger Nutritional Info

• Calories: 370
• Total Fat: 18 grams
• Saturated Fat: 8 grams
• Sodium: 850 milligrams
• Total Carbs: 24 grams
• Total Sugars: 8 grams
• Protein: 25 grams

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 healthy 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 and carb intake as it has only 230 calories and 3 grams of carbs. It’s also a solid pick when you’re craving one of the healthiest fast food burgers because it contains 6 grams of saturated fat and 22 grams of protein, making this healthy hamburger one of the best high-protein fast food options on this list.

Compared to many other fast food burgers loaded with extra cheese, bacon and heavy sauces, Freddy's single steakburger offers a less indulgent experience. However, if you're searching for the healthiest fast food burger, the pared-back ingredients in this top pick will likely appeal to you.

Freddy’s Single Steakburger Lettuce Wrap Nutritional Info

• Calories: 230
• Total Fat: 15 grams
• Saturated Fat: 6 grams
• Sodium: 750 milligrams
• Total Carbs: 3 grams
• Total Sugars: 2 grams
• Protein: 22 grams

5. BurgerFi Burger, Single

This is the healthiest fast food burger at BurgerFi and a top pick for those after a healthy hamburger that doesn't compromise on flavor. Featuring juicy Angus beef, fresh lettuce, ripe tomato and signature sauce, it rivals many of the options at the unhealthiest fast food chains in terms of taste.

BurgerFi's commitment to using natural Angus beef without added hormones or antibiotics also sets it apart, offering some of the healthiest hamburger meat on the fast food scene.

The single burger contains 521 calories and 10 grams of saturated fat. It also has 24 grams of protein per serving, and for a healthier twist, you can opt for it "Green Style" and enjoy this pick for the healthiest fast food hamburger wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun.

A primary drawback is that it contains 9 grams of sugar, but removing the sauce can help lower this number a little. This customization will also reduce the amount of fat and saturated fat, which may also be of concern for some.

Whether you're watching your waistline or simply seeking a cleaner fast food choice, this menu item is a great pick for those seeking the healthiest fast food burgers that taste just like an unhealthier option.

BurgerFi Burger, Single Nutritional Info

• Calories: 521
• Total Fat: 27 grams
• Saturated Fat: 10 grams
• Sodium: 685 milligrams
• Total Carbs: 44 grams
• Total Sugars: 9 grams
• Protein: 24 grams

6. 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 and simple pick among the many healthiest fast food burger options.

The Jr. hamburger has 250 calories, making it one of the lowest-calorie fast food hamburgers. It also contains only 4 grams of saturated fat and 5 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, as well as one of the healthiest items at Wendy's.

Wendy's Jr. Hamburger Nutritional Info

• Calories: 250
• Total Fat: 11 grams
• Saturated Fat: 4 grams
• Sodium: 440 milligrams
• Total Carbs: 25 grams
• Total Sugars: 5 grams
• Protein: 13 grams

7. Jack in the Box Jr. Jumbo Jack

The Jr. Jumbo Jack from Jack in the Box might just be your new favorite, especially once you learn that it ranks high on lists of the healthiest items at Jack in the Box. This mini masterpiece packs a lighter punch at 420 calories compared to the 520 calories the regular-size burger contains.

Featuring a smaller beef patty, classic healthy vegetable toppings like onions and pickles and a soft bun, it's a satisfying option for those looking for the healthiest fast food burgers that retain the classic hamburger ingredients.

It is quite high in fat and sodium, so while not the healthiest fast food burger, it is still a lot healthier than other options on the Jack in the Box menu.

Jack in the Box Jr. Jumbo Jack Nutritional Info

• Calories: 420
  
• Total Fat: 26 grams
• Saturated Fat: 7 grams
• Sodium: 560 milligrams
• Total Carbs: 33 grams
• Total Sugars: 6 grams
• Protein: 14 grams

8. Whataburger Jr.

This mini version of the classic Whataburger packs a flavorful punch without overwhelming your calorie count. At 310 calories, 3 grams of saturated fat and 6 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. Notably, it has some of the lowest calories among fast food hamburgers, making it one of the healthiest fast food burgers available for those who want to quell a craving without ruining their diet.

Whataburger Jr. Nutritional Info

• Calories: 310
  
• Total Fat: 11 grams
• Saturated Fat: 3 grams
• Sodium: 750 milligrams
• Total Carbs: 37 grams
• Total Sugars: 6 grams
• Protein: 14 grams

9. 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.

In-N-Out protein-style offers a healthier take on a fast food classic, swapping out the bun for a bed of crisp lettuce, making it a lower-carb option without sacrificing flavor. For those following a high-protein diet such as Whole30, the protein-style burger is also one of the best Whole30 fast food options.

This In-N-Out secret menu item sees a beef patty, melted cheese, onion and fresh tomato all wrapped up in a refreshing lettuce leaf, resulting in one of the healthiest fast food cheeseburgers around. This protein-packed burger is a significantly lighter choice compared to traditional fast food options at 330 calories, 9 grams of saturated fat, and 7 grams of sugar. 

It offers a tasty way to indulge without feeling overly guilty, making it one of the top contenders for the healthiest fast food burger, especially if you're interested in cutting carbs. However, with 720 milligrams of sodium, you may want to skip this choice if you need to reduce sodium intake.

In-N-Out Cheeseburger With Onion, Protein-Style Nutritional Info

• Calories: 330
  
• Total Fat: 25 grams
• Saturated Fat: 9 grams
• Sodium: 720 milligrams
• Total Carbs: 10 grams
• Total Sugars: 7 grams
• Protein: 18 grams

10. In-N-Out Hamburger With Onion

In-N-Out has yet another option to add to this list of the healthiest fast food hamburgers! 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 saturated fat. Moderation is key, but if you're looking for one of the healthiest fast food burger options, the In-N-Out hamburger is undoubtedly a top pick, with 360 calories, 4.5 grams of saturated fat and 8 grams of sugar. 

In-N-Out Hamburger With Onion Nutritional Info

• Calories: 360
  
• Total Fat: 16 grams
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 grams
• Sodium: 660 milligrams
• Total Carbs: 37 grams
• Total Sugars: 8 grams
• Protein: 16 grams

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 on this list, 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 other offerings at Shake Shack, making it one of the healthiest fast food burgers the chain offers.

Shake Shack 'Shroom Burger Nutritional Info

• Calories: 510
• Total Fat: 27 grams
• Saturated Fat: 10 grams
• Sodium: 670 milligrams
• Total Carbs: 49 grams
• Total Sugars: 7 grams
• Protein: 18 grams

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 who are searching for the healthiest fast food burger.

Forget dry and boring veggie burgers — this one is a standout among the healthiest fast food burgers thanks to a patty filled with vegetables and spices and fresh, crisp salad toppings.

The standard burger has 520 calories, plus 18 grams of protein and 7 grams of dietary fiber. You can also customize it to your heart's content with added vegetable toppings and enjoy a flavorful, meat-free meal without compromising on taste.

However, with 57 grams of carbs, this won't be the healthiest fast food burger to go for if you're reducing carbohydrates in your diet. The 820 milligrams of sodium may also be too high for some.

BurgerFi VegiFi Burger Nutritional Info

• Calories: 520
  
• Total Fat: 25 grams
• Saturated Fat: 9 grams
• Sodium: 820 milligrams
• Total Carbs: 57 grams
• Total Sugars: 11 grams
• Protein: 18 grams

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 Culver’s healthiest fast food burger by choosing a different bun — rye bread being the healthiest bread option — and adding vegetable toppings to enhance nutritional value. This is also one of the highest protein contenders for the title of healthiest fast food burger, with 20 grams of protein and only 390 calories.

Culver's ButterBurger, Single Nutritional Info

• Calories: 390
  
• Total Fat: 17 grams
• Saturated Fat: 7 grams
• Sodium: 480 milligrams
• Total Carbs: 38 grams
• Total Sugars: 6 grams
• Protein: 20 grams

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 is actually one of the lowest-calorie fast food hamburgers, with 350 calories. This healthy fast food hamburger also has 16 grams of protein and only 6 grams of saturated fat. Plus, skipping the cheese and extra toppings keeps this burger lighter, pushing it closer to the top of any list of the healthiest fast food burgers.

Remember, moderation is still key, but if you're looking for one of the healthiest fast food burgers out there that doesn't lack in taste, the Steak 'n Shake single steakburger is definitely worth considering.

Steak 'n Shake Single Steakburger Nutritional Info

• Calories: 350
  
• Total Fat: 17 grams
• Saturated Fat: 6 grams
• Sodium: 420 milligrams
• Total Carbs: 33 grams
• Total Sugars: 6 grams
• Protein: 16 grams

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 with 330 calories, 6 grams of saturated fat and 4 grams of sugar. It also packs in 23 grams of protein.

This isn't your average fast food fare either; it's crafted with 100% grass-fed, organic beef, making it one of the healthiest fast food burgers out there if you're looking for something with high-quality, healthy hamburger meat. You can also customize this healthy fast food burger with a variety of fresh toppings and opt for a lettuce wrap instead of a bun for an even lighter option. 

Elevation Single Burger Nutritional Info

• Calories: 330
  
• Total Fat: 14 grams
• Saturated Fat: 6 grams
• Sodium: 520 milligrams
• Total Carbs: 29 grams
• Total Sugars: 4 grams
• Protein: 23 grams

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 healthy 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 lowest-calorie cheeseburgers available, especially compared to many other fast food burgers, with just 380 calories and 7 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; however, this option is a solid contender for the healthiest fast food burger, especially if you're searching for the lowest-calorie cheeseburger.

The only real drawback is the sodium content, with one burger having 1160 milligrams. The carb count, at 37 grams per burger, may also disqualify this as a healthy fast food burger option for those lowering daily carbohydrate consumption.

Checkers All-American Cheeseburger Nutritional Info

• Calories: 380
  
• Total Fat: 15 grams
• Saturated Fat: 7 grams
• Sodium: 1160 milligrams
• Total Carbs: 37 grams
• Total Sugars: 8 grams
• Protein: 17 grams

What Is the Healthiest Fast Food Burger?

When picking out the healthiest fast food burgers, prioritize options that offer a good amount of protein to keep you full. While beef is the most popular option for patties, you could also consider leaner proteins like healthy burgers with grilled chicken or turkey patties. Wholegrain buns are also a great choice if available, as they provide valuable fiber. 

Additionally, remember that a good number of fast food hamburger calories come from the toppings and sauces. Try to steer clear of high-calorie toppings like bacon, American cheese and high-fat sauces. Even the healthiest cheeses, like feta or goat cheese, can affect the overall calorie and fat count of your burger, so you may want to avoid those, depending on your exact health goals.

For instance, the lowest calorie hamburger is often a plain hamburger with ketchup and mustard. You can also explore creative alternatives like swapping the bun for a lettuce wrap, reducing your overall carbohydrate content of the burger.

Sodium is also of concern, with even some of the healthiest fast food burgers having close to half the recommended daily allowance. According to the American Heart Association, you should consume no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day, aiming for closer to 1,500 milligrams per day. So keep these recommendations in mind when deciding on the best healthy fast food burger for you.

And don’t forget about the sides! Swap those fries for a side salad or healthy fruits, such as apple slices, for a more balanced fast food meal.

What is the Healthiest Burger at McDonald’s?

If you're craving a burger at McDonald’s, you'll be pleased to know that a classic hamburger is one of the healthiest items at McDonald's. While it's certainly not a salad bar, some choices like this burger are less damaging to your health goals.

The classic hamburger is often considered the healthiest burger at McDonald’s because it has only 250 calories with 3.5 grams of saturated fat and 6 grams of sugar. It's lower in calories and fat compared to the cheeseburger and other larger counterparts like the Big Mac or McDonald's Chicken Big Mac.

To make this popular McDonald's item even healthier, consider skipping the high-calorie and high-sugar McDonald's sauces. And always remember, even the healthiest burgers at McDonald’s should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

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 when choosing the healthiest burger. In general, 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.