Top 15 Unhealthiest Fast Food Chains in 2025
While most people know fast food isn't overly healthy, you may be questioning, "Which are the unhealthiest fast food chains?" Fast food is convenient, cheap and a good option if you're in need of something quick (the clue’s in the name, after all). But, and it’s no secret that most dishes served at these establishments are high in fat, salt and calories.
However, some fast food chains are much less healthy than others, and knowing which are the unhealthiest can help you make better dietary choices. Whether you’re wondering which menu items to avoid or you just want a clearer picture of how good (or not so good) the unhealthiest fast food chains really are for you, this guide can help.
Our list of the 15 unhealthiest fast food chains shows you the places that should be an occasional treat while also covering the least nutritious menu items at each one.
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The 15 Unhealthiest Fast Food Restaurants
1. Wendy’s
Wendy’s is a convenient pitstop for cheap fast food while you’re out and about, but it's also a contender for the title of unhealthiest fast food chain. In fact, Wendy's often ranks within the top 10 unhealthiest fast food restaurants in the United States, sometimes even being considered the number one unhealthiest fast food chain in the country.
But why is Wendy's so unhealthy? It's primarily due to the fact that the brand's menu features so many of the unhealthiest items around, from an array of fried foods to ultra-processed meats like bacon. These are all packed with sodium, saturated fat and calories.
Cholesterol is also very high in Wendy's meat items, with high cholesterol intake being linked to heart disease. Many items at Wendy's additionally come with high-calorie sauces, such as its line of Saucy Nuggs.
If you find yourself at this unhealthy fast food chain and have to order something, what should you absolutely avoid? The unhealthiest fast food items at Wendy's are generally those with lots of sauces and ingredients high in calories, fat and sodium, such as cheese, multiple meat patties and bacon.
The Baconator
One of the unhealthiest fast food items comes from the Wendy's breakfast menu. The famous breakfast Baconator burger is one of the most popular dishes, but it clocks in with 46 grams of fat, 18 grams of which is saturated fat; that's nearly your whole recommended daily allowance of about 20 grams of saturated fat.
This dish also has 1,580 milligrams of sodium, which, by some recommendations, exceeds your daily recommended allowance by 80 milligrams. Even if you're following the recommendation of 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day, this breakfast burger provides almost 70% of your daily allowance.
Other Unhealthy Fast Food Items at Wendy's
Other highly unhealthy fast food items include all the Frosty flavors that are incredibly high in added sugar (a small chocolate Frosty has 41 grams of added sugar!), a Dave's Single burger (with 36 grams of fat, 14 of which are saturated, and 1,080 milligrams of sodium) and any of the double or triple burgers.
Adding fries, especially a medium or large fries, will also result in an even unhealthier fast food order. In fact, a large fries will add 470 calories, 21 grams of fat (3.5 grams of which are saturated) and 740 milligrams of sodium to your order. The topped and loaded fries, such as Baconator Fries, should also be avoided.
Be cautious of ordering from Wendy's secret menu as well. While there are some fun custom dishes to be enjoyed via menu hacks, they are often high in calories and it can be challenging to get the full nutritional information connected to these secret menu items.
Are There Any Healthier Items at Wendy's?
While there are a few somewhat healthy items at Wendy's, such as the salads and chili, it's only recommended to order these if you're forced to refuel at Wendy's. Otherwise, head somewhere else for a healthy and convenient meal.
Unhealthiest Fast Food Items at Wendy's Overview
- Baconator
- Frostys
- Loaded Fries
- Medium and Large Fries
- Double or Triple Patty Burgers
2. Burger King
Like its closest rival, McDonald's, Burger King is known for burgers and fries. In fact, the famous Whopper was invented in the 1970s as direct competition to the golden arches, and this unhealthy fast food chain is often ranked as having the best fast food burgers.
While the burgers (and many other items on the menu at Burger King) may be good value, tasty and convenient, they’re also high in fat and sodium, resulting in Burger King's inclusion in our rundown of the unhealthiest fast food chains.
The Whopper
This unhealthy fast food chain's signature item is generally considered one of its unhealthiest items. A standard Whopper without cheese comes in at 670 calories, with 39 grams of fat, 12 grams of saturated fat and 1,170 milligrams of sodium. However, this is not the worst order at this unhealthy fast food chain.
For example, the Triple Whopper clocks in at 1,170 calories. It also has 78 grams of fat, of which 27 grams are saturated fat (exceeding your daily allowance by 7 grams with just one sandwich!), and 1,300 milligrams of sodium. Add cheese and/or bacon to any of the Whoppers and these values get even unhealthier.
Other Unhealthy Fast Food Items at Burger King
If you avoid Whoppers at this unhealthy fast food chain, are you okay? Well, not really.
Other unhealthy fast food menu items at Burger King include the Bacon and Swiss Royal Crispy Chicken Sandwich, which has 740 calories, 43 grams of fat (11 grams of which are saturated fat) and 1,920 milligrams of sodium, and the Mozzarella Fries. This side order with eight pieces provides you with 490 calories, 24 grams of fat, 8 grams of saturated fat and a whopping 1,570 milligrams of sodium.
Watch out for the sides and desserts too — the Chocolate Oreo Shake contains 670 calories and an eyewatering 91 grams of sugar.
Burger King Breakfast Menu
What about the Burger King breakfast menu? Does this unhealthy fast food chain offer something nutritional to start the day? Again, no, there aren't many choices.
If you must grab an early morning meal at this unhealthy fast food chain, avoid breakfast sandwiches with bacon and cheese, notably, the Fully Loaded Croissan'wich with Egg should be avoided, containing 710 calories, 49 grams of fat, 22 grams of saturated fat and 2,240 milligrams of sodium (that's basically your daily sodium allowances gone with one menu item!)
Are There Any Healthier Items at Burger King?
Not much would be considered healthy at Burger King; however, a few dishes can work in a pinch. If you need to pick something up at BK, the healthiest items at Burger King include wraps and a standard hamburger without cheese or bacon.
Unhealthiest Fast Food Items at Burger King Overview
- Whoppers
- Fully Loaded Croissan'wich with Egg
- Burgers or Chicken Sandwiches With Cheese and Bacon
- Mozzarella Fries
- Medium and Large Fries
- Desserts and Milkshakes
3. Dairy Queen
A beloved purveyor of American fast food, Dairy Queen is also one of the unhealthiest fast food chains. Known for its signature soft serve, including the extensive menu of Dairy Queen Blizzard flavors, these treats are nostalgic, delicious, and unfortunately, unhealthy.
The rest of the menu items at this unhealthy fast food chain don't fare much better. Burgers, chicken strips and fries are packed with sodium, saturated fat and calories, with many items here reaching or exceeding daily recommended allowances.
Blizzards
So, starting with this unhealthy fast food chain's most famous item, how bad for you are Blizzards? Well, this can depend on the size you order. These super thick desserts come in mini, small, medium and large sizes. Obviously, the bigger the size Blizzard you order at this unhealthy fast food chain, the worse it will be nutritionally.
You also have to keep the flavor in mind, as the mix-ins used will affect the final nutritional profile. From the Signature Creations menu (flavors that are generally always on the DQ menu, the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough is the least healthy.
A mini has 420 calories, 16 grams of fat, 9 grams of saturated fat and 46 grams of sugar — and that's the smallest size available. Go for the biggest, a large, and you'll be consuming 1,340 calories, 53 grams of fat, 32 grams of saturated fat and an incredible 143 grams of sugar!
Other flavors only have slightly lower values, so if you want a Blizzard from this unhealthy fast food chain, you'll have to acknowledge that it's not going to be good for you. If you must get an ice cream dessert, a Kid's Vanilla Ice Cream Cone or a Dilly Bar is generally the best choice.
Other Unhealthy Fast Food Items at Dairy Queen
Now we know you won't be getting a Blizzard if you want to eat healthy-ish at Dairy Queen, what must you avoid on the rest of the menu? All the triple and double burgers should be avoided due to high amounts of calories, saturated fat, cholesterol and sodium.
While this unhealthy fast food chain makes some of the best fast food chicken tenders, these also are not the thing to order when keeping good nutrition in mind, especially in the case of the six-piece chicken strip basket.
Despite having 48 grams of protein, these six chicken tenders provide you with 1,300 calories, 61 grams of fat, 11 grams of saturated fat and a huge 2,750 milligrams of sodium, greatly exceeding your daily sodium allowance.
Going for the chicken strips with sauce makes these values even higher. For example, a six-piece chicken strip basket with Parmesan garlic sauce clocks in with 4,290 milligrams of sodium (remember, the absolute maximum amount of sodium per day suggested by the American Heart Association is 2,300 milligrams), making this one of the most unhealthy fast food items for those watching sodium intake.
If you can't go without chicken strips from this unhealthy fast food chain, opt for a three-piece, ideally without sauce.
Are There Any Healthier Items at Dairy Queen?
Dairy Queen is one of the unhealthiest fast food chains; we got that. But can you find something decent to eat healthwise at DQ? Yes, there are a few things that, while not healthy, won't completely derail a healthy eating plan if you must order here.
The healthiest items at Dairy Queen include salads (ideally with no or minimal dressing), a single-patty hamburger, and even a kids' meal with a side of fruit or unsweetened fruit sauce.
Unhealthiest Fast Food Items at Dairy Queen Overview
- Blizzards
- Chicken Strip Baskets
- Double and Triple Burgers
4. Taco Bell
Taco Bell might be considered a strange addition to our list of the unhealthiest food chains. After all, there are lots of low-calorie options and certain dishes can even push it into the realm of the healthiest fast food chains.
While there is a selection of lower-calorie picks on the menu, a lot of items at this relatively unhealthy fast food chain are high in calories, as well as saturated fat and sodium. This unhealthy fast food chain also adds sauces to many of its menu items. While tasty, Taco Bell sauces can add extra sodium, calories, saturated fat and occasionally added sugar to your meal.
Crunchwraps
One of the most popular Taco Bell items, the Crunchwrap, can also be one of the least healthy, depending on which one you order.
A good example is the breakfast Crunchwrap with sausage, which comes loaded with eggs, hash browns and a sausage patty. At 750 calories and with 49 grams of fat (17 grams saturated fat) and 1,210 milligrams of sodium, it’s not the healthiest start to the day, especially if you get anything on the side.
While lower in calories (690), fat (40 grams) and saturated fat (13 grams) than the sausage variety, the bacon breakfast Crunchwrap has even more sodium, 1,300 milligrams to be exact.
The non-breakfast Crunchwraps are a little better, with a classic Crunchwrap Supreme having 530 calories, 20 grams of total fat and 7 grams of saturated fat, but it still ranks as one of the least healthy items at this relatively unhealthy fast food chain. This item also has 1,220 milligrams of sodium.
Other Unhealthy Fast Food Items at Taco Bell
Additional items to be nutritionally wary of at this unhealthy fast food chain include the BBQ Slow Roasted Chicken Nacho Fries, Chiller drinks, Crispy Chicken Burrito BBQ + Spicy Ranch, four-piece chicken strips and the Dulce de Leche Cinnabon Delights. These items have the highest calories, saturated fat, sodium and/or added sugar of all Taco Bell menu items.
Are There Any Healthier Items at Taco Bell?
As briefly mentioned, you can eat somewhat healthy at Taco Bell. But what are the best Taco Bell orders that will keep your diet on track?
We previously noted that secret menus can help to make unhealthy fast food chains even unhealthier. However, the Taco Bell secret menu can help to make your meal a little lower in calories and saturated fat.
By ordering "Fresco-Style," you'll remove cheese, sour cream and any other sauces, replacing them with chopped tomatoes or guacamole. Official menu dishes ranking among the healthiest items at Taco Bell include bean burritos, veggie bowls, crunchy tacos and soft tacos.
Unhealthiest Fast Food Items at Taco Bell Overview
- Breakfast Crunchwraps
- Crispy Chicken Burrito BBQ + Spicy Ranch
- BBQ Slow Roasted Chicken Nacho Fries
- Chicken Strips
- Dulce de Leche Cinnabon Delights
- Chillers
5. Chick-fil-A
The chicken sandwich here is famous, but this chicken fast food chain also offers a varied menu of other items. Unfortunately, many of them are very high in calories, fat and salt, making this another of the unhealthiest fast food chains in the United States.
As with other restaurants on our list of the worst fast food chains for healthy eating, Chick-fil-A serves up many items that are high in calories, saturated fat and sodium. The focus on lean chicken at this unhealthy fast food chain means that cholesterol and the health concerns associated with processed red meats are lowered. Yet many of the chicken items feature breading and are fried, making them as unhealthy of the likes of processed beef burger patties and bacon.
Chicken Sandwiches
Frequently named the best fast food chicken sandwich, Chick-fil-A's sandwich with breaded and fried chicken comes in three varieties: Original, Deluxe, and Spicy. These have 420, 490 and 450 calories respectively.
The Deluxe at this unhealthy fast food chain is the least healthy of the three. It sees the standard chicken sandwich (with breaded chicken filet and pickles in a toasted bun) expanded with the addition of lettuce, tomato and cheese. Overall, the Deluxe sandwich with American cheese has 490 calories, 22 grams of fat, 6 grams of saturated fat and 1,700 milligrams of sodium.
Opting for colby jack or pepper jack cheese increases calories by 20 and 30, respectively, and saturated fat by 2 grams in both cases. Sodium is the same for colby jack and a little lower, at 1,610 milligrams for the pepper jack.
Compared to other items served at unhealthy fast food chains, these values aren't too bad (except for the sodium), yet, a Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich should be avoided if you're looking for healthy fast food.
Other Unhealthy Fast Food Items at Chick-fil-A
It’ll come as no surprise that fried chicken is not the healthiest option, least not at one of the unhealthiest fast food chains, but what is shocking is the nutritional makeup of the Chick-fil-A breakfast items.
The hash brown scramble burrito with sausage contains 720 calories, 47 grams of fat, 16 grams of which are saturated fat, and 1,450 milligrams of sodium, making it a heavy (and salty) way to start your day. The biscuit breakfast sandwiches are also not the healthier choice for your first meal of the day.
Another surprise item to avoid at this unhealthy fast food chain? Some of the salads. In fact, the Cobb Salad with Spicy Filet is one of the highest sodium items on the menu, with 2,400 milligrams of sodium.
Milksahkes and excess sauces should also be avoided here, packing in calories, saturated fat and added sugar.
Are There Any Healthier Items at Chick-fil-A?
Despite the above making it sound like this is an all-around unhealthy fast food chain, there are a few healthy dishes to turn to if you have to stop by Chick-fil-A.
Many of the healthiest items at Chick-fil-A use grilled chicken over the breaded and fried variety. For example, grilled nuggets paired with the Kale Crunch salad is a healthy and filling dish for on-the-go.
While it comes with white bread, the grilled chicken sandwich can be a good choice as long as you don't add sauces. For breakfast, opt for the fruit and yogurt parfait or an Egg White Grill.
Unhealthiest Fast Food Items at Chick-fil-A Overview
- Duluxe Chicken Sandwich
- Some of the Salads
- Hash Brown Breakfast Burritos
- Biscuit Breakfast Sandwiches
- Milkshakes
6. Jack in the Box
Similar to McDonald’s and Sonic, Jack in the Box started as a drive-through (it was the first major chain to utilize an intercom system) and now has hundreds of locations across the U.S. Offering quick service and budget-friendly food, Jack in the Box is not the place to visit if you’re trying to count calories; in fact, it's another of the unhealthiest fast food chains you can find in the USA.
Like our other contenders for the title of the unhealthiest fast food chain, ultra-processed ingredients and high amounts of saturated fat and sodium, plus lots of added sugar in sweets, are the reason behind Jack in the Box gaining a spot in our guide.
Burgers
The two main dishes this unhealthy fast food chain is known for are burgers and tacos, including its famous Tiny Tacos. Most of the tacos, to the relief of their loyal fans, are not the unhealthiest items to get at Jack in the Box, despite not being healthy. However, the burgers do rank as some of the unhealthiest fast food menu items found here.
For example, the Bacon Double Smashed Jack — with 1,120 calories, 83 grams of fat (30 grams of saturated fat) and 2,070 milligrams of sodium — is perhaps the unhealthiest item on the menu, with the other burger options not faring much better. The regular hamburger is the order to go for if you absolutely need a Jack in the Box burger.
Other Unhealthy Fast Food Items at Jack in the Box
What else should be avoided at this unhealthy fast food restaurant? In terms of sodium, the worst offender is a five-piece chicken strip meal, with 2,940 milligrams of sodium. The Chicken Teriyaki Bowl is a close second with 2,310 milligrams per serving. While it does have just 1 gram of saturated fat, 6 grams of total fat and 610 calories, excess sodium consumption can lead to negative health outcomes like an increased risk of stroke or heart attack, so it's best to skip this dish even as an occasional treat.
Additional items to avoid at this unhealthy fast food chain include the Homestyle Ranch Chicken Club, the Sourdough Breakfast Sandwich from the Jack in the Box breakfast menu, and the shakes, notably the Oreo Cookie Shake (which has 128 grams of sugar in a large with whipped topping!) Jack in the Box taco fans will also want to avoid the loaded Tiny Tacos.
Are There Any Healthier Items at Jack in the Box?
Unlike a few places on this list of the unhealthiest fast food chains that have some decently healthy options, there's not a lot to go for here. The healthiest items at Jack in the Box would be salads, wraps and sandwiches with grilled chicken. As mentioned, a single patty hamburger can also work in a pinch, as could a taco or two with seasoned beef.
Unhealthiest Fast Food Items at Jack in the Box Overview
- Most Burgers
- Loaded Tiny Tacos
- Chicken Teriyaki Bowl
- Homestyle Ranch Chicken Club
- Sourdough Breakfast Sandwich
- Milkshakes
7. KFC
KFC’s signature fried chicken is popular around the world, but it’s also the reason the brand makes it onto our guide to the unhealthiest fast food chains. Not only is the fried chicken high in calories, but it’s also high in sodium and saturated fat. Excess consumption of these can lead to weight gain, high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney problems and increased levels of bad cholesterol.
Many people will also add sides to their order at this unhealthy fast food chain, with combo meals complete with fried chicken and sides being heavily promoted. But, we aren't talking side salads. KFC sides like biscuits and gravy, fries and mac and cheese are packed with calories and saturated fat, making an already unhealthy dish of fried chicken even unhealthier.
Fried Chicken
In this guide to the unhealthiest fast food chains, we've made an effort to give a nutritional overview of each restaurant's most famous dish, and what could be more iconic at KFC than the fried chicken; it's in the name, after all. However, healthy it is not.
Sodium is of most concern when ordering the fried chicken, but cholesterol and calories are also high. An Original Recipe Chicken Breast has 1,190 milligrams of sodium, plus 390 calories, 21 grams of fat, 4 grams of saturated fat and 120 milligrams of cholesterol.
What makes this extra unhealthy is the portion size. Most people will get a multi-piece chicken dish, often with at least four to six pieces, which sees calories, fat, cholesterol and sodium skyrocket.
Other Unhealthy Fast Food Items at KFC
As covered, the side dishes at this unhealthy fast food chain should be concerning to those trying to eat healthy, notably due to high amounts of sodium. The worst sides nutritionally include BBQ baked beans, Secret Recipe Fries and mac and cheese, which come with 650, 1,100 and 590 milligrams of sodium per individual order, respectively.
Additionally, in common with many of the unhealthiest fast food chains, the sandwiches here pack a calorie punch. The Spicy Chicken Sandwich, for instance, has 620 calories, 33 grams of fat, 4 grams of saturated fat and 2,140 milligrams of sodium, which is almost all of the top end of your recommended allowance for a day.
Are There Any Healthier Items at KFC?
Is there anything healthy at this unhealthy fast food chain? Not really. If you want to eat at KFC, we would generally recommend you do so once in a while and order what you want, because there isn't that much here that fits into a balanced diet. That said, if you need to add some healthier dishes to your order, the healthiest items at KFC include plain mashed potatoes, corn, salads and the kids' meal options.
Unhealthiest Fast Food Items at KFC Overview
- Fried Chicken
- Fried Chicken Sandwiches
- Most Sides
8. Quiznos
The addition of Quiznos to our list of the unhealthiest fast food chains might come as a surprise. After all, these are sandwiches rather than burgers and use fresh ingredients. However, many of the sandwiches at Quiznos come with high levels of sodium and lots of calories. Portion sizes are also quite large.
Subs
While most will understand that the white bread in Quiznos sandwiches makes them a little unhealthy, most don't realize that it's the wealth of sandwich fillings (like salty and processed meats, plus fat-filled, calorific sauces) that pushes the chain into unhealthiest fast food restaurant territory.
The Honey Mustard Chicken Sub is a good example; for a large size sub, you’re looking at 1,340 calories, 61 grams of total fat, 17 grams of saturated fat, 2,660 milligrams of sodium and 14 grams of sugar. While you can go for a smaller size, these values don't drop that drastically when you do.
Other Unhealthy Fast Food Items at Quiznos
There aren't really too many items other than sandwiches to worry about at this relatively unhealthy fast food chain (although these sandwiches do dominate the menu). Chips and desserts are best avoided if trying to eat healthy, as are the loaded tots.
Are There Any Healthier Items at Quiznos?
Of all the places featured on our guide to the unhealthiest fast food chains, Quiznos is one of the places where it's relatively easy to put together a healthier meal. If you want a sandwich, go for the smallest-sized sub or opt for a Sammy.
Next, remove calorific sources and prioritize lean, minimally processed proteins. Add extra salad vegetables as well to boost nutrient and fiber content.
The Chef Salad and Apple Harvest Salads are also good choices, as long as you opt for dressing on the side and use a minimal amount.
Unhealthiest Fast Food Items at Quiznos Overview
- Classic Italian Sub
- Honey Bacon Club
- Chicken Carbonara Sub
- Honey Mustard Chicken Sub
- Southwest Chicken Sub
- Potato Chips
- Cookies and Brownies
9. Sonic
Sonic offers a nostalgic dining experience that recreates the golden age of drive-ins, but it’s also one of the unhealthiest fast food chains in the U.S. The burgers at Sonic contain an average of 800 to 1,000 calories, but it’s the Blast desserts that take the title of unhealthiest item.
Across the board, Sonic has the same reasons as most other eateries for appearing on this list of the unhealthiest fast food chains. Its menu items are some of the highest calorie options on the market, with most also being very high in sodium, saturated fat, cholesterol and/or added sugar.
Burgers
At this unhealthy fast food chain, burgers are, on average, the least healthy savory item to go for. The burgers at Sonic are packed with fillings like bacon, multiple slices of cheese, sauces and multiple patties. On the current regular menu, four of the burgers have over 1,000 calories and over 2,000 milligrams of sodium.
Of these, the worst option at this unhealthy fast food chain is the Supersonic Bacon Double Cheeseburger With Mayo, which has a whopping 1,130 calories, 75 grams of fat, 22 grams of saturated fat, 150 milligrams of cholesterol and 2,000 milligrams of sodium. The Jr. Double Cheeseburger with 500 calories is the healthiest of all the burgers at this unhealthy fast food chain.
Other Unhealthy Fast Food Items at Sonic
As mentioned, the Blast desserts are one of the worst items to order healthwise from this unhealthy fast food chain (despite being one of the best tastewise). A medium Blast with M&M's Minis has a shocking 126 grams of sugar, plus 38 grams of total fat, 25 grams of saturated fat and close to 1,000 calories (960 to be exact).
Additional items to avoid at Sonic from a health perspective include milkshakes, Toaster Sandwiches, Premium Chicken Bites (primarily due to high sodium) and the majority of the sandwiches from the Sonic breakfast menu, again with sodium being the primary concern.
Are There Any Healthier Items at Sonic?
You won't find much that's relatively healthy at this unhealthy fast food chain. Some of the healthiest items at Sonic to order if you need to include a single corn dog, the grilled chicken sandwich and a hot dog with low-calorie toppings like mustard, relish and diced onions.
Unhealthiest Fast Food Items at Sonic Overview
- Most Burgers
- Breakfast Sandwiches
- Toaster Sandwiches
- Premium Chicken Bites
- Blasts
- Milkshakes
10. McDonald’s
McDonald's is one of the most famous unhealthy fast food chains in the world. There are a staggering 40,000 McDonald's locations globally, and despite everyone knowing it's unhealthy, this hasn't slowed it down from becoming one of the most successful fast food chains.
Known for its burger meals, a standard Big Mac burger combo with large fries contains 1,060 calories and 57 grams of total fat. Ordering a McFlurry dessert could add up to 74 grams of sugar and another 570 calories to this total, definitely making McDonald’s one of the unhealthiest fast food chains.
Burgers
As with many other restaurants on this list of the unhealthiest fast food chains, burgers are the most popular item at McDonald's. They're also one of the unhealthiest. A Big Mac will provide you with 580 calories, 34 grams of total fat, 11 grams of saturated fat and 1,060 milligrams of sodium.
But, this isn't the unhealthiest burger at this unhealthy fast food chain. Currently, that would be the Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese. At 740 calories, it also has 42 grams of fat, 20 grams of saturated fat (all of your recommended daily allowance) and 1,360 milligrams of sodium.
If you can't miss out on McDonald's burgers, the classic hamburger is the healthiest choice.
Other Unhealthy Fast Food Items at McDonald's
As covered, the McFlurries at McDonald's should be avoided when looking for something healthy, as they pack in a lot of calories and added sugar. Additional picks for the title of unhealthiest item at McDonald's include the Deluxe McCrispy, McDonald's breakfast items, like the Big Breakfast, hotcakes and bagel sandwiches, and milkshakes.
Many of the McDonald's sauces also add extra calories and saturated fat to your order, so they should be avoided when possible at this unhealthy fast food chain.
Are There Any Healthier Items at McDonald's?
With so many McDonald's locations, there's a chance that you'll find yourself with this unhealthy fast food chain as the only option, whether that's on a road trip, at the airport or late at night. So, if that happens, what somewhat healthy items can you get?
The healthiest items at McDonald's include salads, wraps, apple slices and a single-patty hamburger. The McMuffins and oatmeal are decent choices for breakfast. If you're at an international McDonald's outside of the U.S., you may also find items like bean burgers and the McPlant Burger; however, keep an eye on sodium when ordering these.
Unhealthiest Fast Food Items at McDonald's Overview
- Most Burgers
- Deluxe McCrispy
- Hotcakes
- Big Breakfast
- Breakfast Bagels
- McFlurry
- Milkshakes
11. Dunkin’
If you’re looking for a quick caffeine hit, Dunkin’ might be your first stop. A cup of black coffee contains only five calories, so it's one of the best Dunkin' drinks for anyone looking for a pick-me-up, but sugary treats like the many flavored Dunkin’ iced drinks need a little more consideration. Of course, the food here generally isn't the healthiest either, especially the array of Dunkin' donut flavors.
Donuts
Unsurprisingly, the brand's donuts are one of its unhealthiest options. A glazed donut alone has 240 calories, 11 grams of fat, 4.5 grams of saturated fat and 13 grams of sugar, 12 grams of which are added sugar. And this classic option is by no means the worst donut at this unhealthy fast food chain.
The glazed jelly stick donut is generally considered the unhealthiest, with 540 calories, 30 grams of fat, 15 grams of which are saturated, and 37 grams of sugar, 36 grams of which are added sugar. This donut also has 430 milligrams of sodium.
Other Unhealthy Fast Food Items at Dunkin'
As covered, many of the beverages at this unhealthy fast food chain should be avoided, primarily due to being high in sugar, calories and fat. For example, a large serving of the signature frozen chocolate iced drink contains 890 calories, 18 grams of fat (including 13 grams of saturated fat) and 158 grams of sugar (including 148 grams of added sugar). That’s nearly half your daily calories. No wonder Dunkin’ is considered one of the unhealthiest fast food chains!
Other unhealthy options include muffins and many of the sandwiches from the Dunkin' Donuts breakfast menu.
Are There Any Healthier Items at Dunkin'?
This is an unhealthy fast food chain with very few relatively healthy items. However, if you need to order here, some of the healthiest items at Dunkin' Donuts include English muffins with lean proteins, avocado toast and multigrain bagels with cream cheese. For beverages, go with low-sugar options like black coffee or coffee with milk, matcha lattes and iced tea (ideally lightly sweetened or unsweetened).
Unhealthiest Fast Food Items at Dunkin' Overview
- Donuts
- Muffins
- Most of the breakfast sandwiches
- Sugary beverages like iced hot chocolate
12. Arby’s
Arby’s is known for fresh meat sandwiches, but might be less known for being one of the unhealthiest fast food chains. Although the meats are cooked fresh each day, the majority of the sandwiches contain an alarming amount of fat and calories.
Beef Sandwiches
The beef sandwiches served at this unhealthy fast food chain may not sound overly unhealthy, but you'd be surprised. One of the brand's most popular orders, an Arby’s Half Pound Beef ‘N Cheddar Sandwich, contains 740 calories, 39 grams of fat (14 grams of which are saturated fat, 2,530 milligrams of sodium (exceeding your recommended daily allowance) and 9 grams of sugar.
Despite this being one of the best choices for those searching for high-protein fast food (with 49 grams of protein per sandwich), it's incredibly unhealthy on all other fronts. While this sandwich alone is high in calories, pairing it with a large portion of curly fries adds another 550 calories, 29 grams of fat and 1,250 milligrams of sodium.
Other Unhealthy Fast Food Items at Arby's
What else should be avoided at this unhealthy fast food chain when trying to eat healthy? Along with the beef sandwiches, the cheesesteak sandwiches, bacon burgers and milkshakes are all exceedingly high in calories, as well as fat, sodium and/or sugar.
While there are items lower in calories, fat, sugar and sodium than the previously mentioned items, nothing here is healthy, with almost all items being primarily fried or comprised of ultra-processed meats.
Are There Any Healthier Items at Arby's?
If trying to eat healthy, it's best to avoid Arby's. In fact, it's one of the worst fast food places to dine at if you're looking for healthy food. The wraps are passable, but still contain high amounts of sodium.
Unhealthiest Fast Food Items at Arby's Overview
- Sandwiches and Burgers
- Shakes
- Fries
- Mozzarella sticks
13. Five Guys
Started in 1986 by five brothers, Five Guys is another burger joint that’s popular around the world but is also one of the unhealthiest fast food chains to eat at. This chain does benefit from using freshly ground beef to make its burgers, but large portions and high sodium and fat levels push Five Guys into the unhealthiest fast food chain realm.
Burgers
While Five Guys serves a few other main dishes, like grilled cheese and hot dogs, the burgers here are the most well-known item. But, they aren't very healthy.
One of the menu favorites, the bacon cheeseburger, contains 1,060 calories, 62 grams of fat and 1,310 milligrams of sodium. Grab a large portion of fries on the side, and you’re adding a further 1,030 calories and 41 grams of fat.
Even a standard hamburger has close to half your daily calories at 840 calories, plus 43 grams of total fat and 430 milligrams of sodium. A somewhat redeeming quality of this unhealthy fast food chain is that it offers small versions of each main menu burger ("Little Burgers"), which are a little lower in calories, fat and sodium. While these still aren't a healthy option, they're a better choice than a large size for when you're craving a Five Guys burger.
Other Unhealthy Fast Food Items at Five Guys
As mentioned, the fries here (regular and Cajun) are high in calories, fat and sodium, especially if going for a large. The hot dogs are also quite high in sodium, with the bacon cheese dog being the worst choice, with 670 calories, 48 grams of total fat and 1,700 milligrams of sodium.
Those with a sweet tooth won't be pleased to learn that the famous milkshakes at this unhealthy fast food chain are also to be avoided when trying to eat healthily.
Are There Any Healthier Items at Five Guys?
Once again, if you're trying to eat healthy, it's best to avoid this unhealthy fast food chain. However, a veggie sandwich or Little Hamburger is a good choice if you have to order something. Adding some extra lettuce, tomato or onions to these can help to make your order a little healthier as well.
Unhealthiest Fast Food Items at Five Guys Overview
- Full-Sized Burgers
- Hot Dogs
- Fries
- Milkshakes
14. Whataburger
Established in Texas in 1950, there are now over 1,000 Whataburger locations across the Southern US. Whataburger is famous for patties and buns, which aren't the healthiest, but its breakfast selection also pushes it onto our list of the unhealthiest fast food chains.
Burgers
The best-known item at Whataburger is its namesake burgers. Like all fast food burgers, these aren't the best choice if you're trying to eat a healthy diet. The healthiest of all the regular menu burgers is the Whataburger Jr. This has 310 calories as well as 11 grams of total fat, 3 grams of saturated fat and 750 milligrams of sodium.
But, which is the unhealthiest Whataburger burger? That would be the Triple Meat Whataburger if looking at calories and fat (1070 calories, 63 grams of total fat and 21 grams of saturated fat, along with 1,720 milligrams of sodium) or the Bacon and Cheese Whataburger for sodium (1,910 milligrams of sodium, plus 750 calories, 37 grams of fat and 13 grams of saturated fat).
Like with Five Guys, if you really want a burger at this unhealthy fast food chain, the smaller-sized burgers (Jr. Whataburgers) are the best choice, but they still pack in a lot of calories, sodium and fat, so are best avoided if possible.
Other Unhealthy Fast Food Items at Whataburger
Having covered that the burgers aren't super healthy, it's important to highlight a few unhealthy dishes on the Whataburger breakfast menu. Notably, the Pancake Platter, made up of pancakes and a sausage patty with a drizzle of syrup and whipped butter, offers a very calorific way to start the day.
It may look like a fairly standard breakfast, but it’s actually hiding 830 calories, 33 grams of fat (12 grams of which are saturated fat), 1,810 milligrams of sodium and around 33 grams of sugar, depending on the amount of syrup you use.
Other dishes ranking among the unhealthiest at Whataburger include the Buffalo chicken salad (due to more than 2,000 milligrams of sodium), many of the chicken items, notably the Honey BBQ Chicken Strip Sandwich, and the sugar-packed milkshakes and malts. The Whataburger sauces, while tasty, add lots of unnecessary calories and fat to your meal, so they are best avoided.
Are There Any Healthier Items at Whataburger?
Unsurprisingly, this unhealthy fast food chain that focuses on burgers doesn't have many healthy dishes to order. As mentioned, the Whataburger Jr. burgers are a good compromise if you have a craving for a Whataburger (although they still have a lot of fat and sodium). Other healthier choices at this unhealthy fast food chain include the grilled chicken sandwich, apple and cranberry salad or green salad and apple slices.
Unhealthiest Fast Food Items at Whataburger Overview
- Full-Sized Burgers
- Chicken Sandwiches and Bites
- Buffalo Chicken Salad
- Pancake Platters
- Shakes and Malts
15. Smashburger
Smashburger was founded in 2007, making it the newest addition to our list of the unhealthiest fast food chains. It's known for its double-patty burgers, many of which are topped with unhealthy ingredients like bacon, barbecue sauce and crispy fried onions.
Burgers
As the name suggests, this unhealthy fast food chain is known for its smashburgers. These burgers may be popular, but they're packed with calories, cholesterol, saturated fat and sodium.
The unhealthiest burger on the menu here is the Double Bacon Stack Smash. It’s made with two beef burger patties topped with smoked bacon and cheese, plus lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise.
At 1110 calories, it provides more than half the recommended daily calories for most adults. It also contains a whopping 77 grams of total fat, 33 grams of saturated fat (approximately 163% of your daily recommended allowance) and 2,690 milligrams of sodium. While no burger here is healthy, other super unhealthy burgers with more than 1,000 calories include the Smoked Bacon Brisket Smash, Double BBQ Bacon Smash and Double Spicy Jalapeño Smash.
The healthiest burger choice at this unhealthy fast food chain is the Classic Smash, with 630 calories, 37 grams of total fat, 15 grams of saturated fat and 1,630 milligrams of sodium.
Other Unhealthy Fast Food Items at Smashburger
The chicken tenders are another item to avoid if trying to reduce your intake of calories and sodium. Just three Scorchin' Hot Chicken Tenders contain a total of 870 calories, 24 grams of saturated fat and 2,580 milligrams of sodium.
The high-fat, high-sugar milkshakes also top the list of the unhealthiest fast food items at Smashburger. The cookie dough variety is the least healthy, with 1,170 calories, 38 grams of saturated fat and 92 grams of sugar.
Are There Any Healthier Items at Smashburger?
You can get a salad at this unhealthy fast food chain; however, it comes with 1,520 milligrams of sodium. This can be reduced by leaving the dressing and bacon off the salad. A kids meal is also a decent compromise if you have to order something at this unhealthy fast food restaurant.
Unhealthiest Fast Food Items at Smashburger Overview
- Burgers
- Chicken Tenders
- Milkshakes
What Is the Unhealthiest Fast Food Chain?
While no single one of these unhealthiest fast food chains could be described as the unhealthiest, it’s undeniable that fast food joints have a reputation for being less than healthy choices. There’s nothing wrong with a fast food treat sometimes, but it’s important to check out the nutritional information to see how it fits into your health goals.
If you are visiting one of the unhealthiest fast food chains mentioned in our list, look out for foods high in sodium as eating these has been linked to high blood pressure, high cholesterol and an increased risk of heart disease. It's important to check the fat content, especially saturated fat, when dining at any fast food restaurant.
Many of the offerings at the unhealthiest fast food chains are also high in calories. Calorie requirements vary according to age and physical activity but, on average, most people require around 2000 calories per day. Consistently eating too many calories can lead to weight gain and obesity, increasing your risk of conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.
Eating well is essential to staying healthy, but the good news is that there are lots of ways to enjoy your favorite foods and make occasional visits to the unhealthiest fast food chains, without worrying about what you’re eating. Making simple changes, such as cutting out fries or switching to diet soda, is a good way to reduce calories and sugar but still indulge. Switching to a smaller size is a good option if you want a more calorie-friendly sweet treat, too.
For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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