You'd think all fast food cheeseburgers would be equally guilty in the crime against arteries, but nope, some are way worse than others. A new study just dropped the greasy truth, and the result might surprise you.

Cheese Burger Showdown: Who's Packing The Most Punch

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We all know fast food isn't exactly kale and quinoa, but some cheeseburgers are apparently taking the whole "cheat day" thing a little too seriously. A 2024 study by PlushCare ranked major fast food chains based on how nutritionally... ambitious their burgers and fries are.

Using a point system that factored in calories, sugar, saturated fat, and sodium (yum), the study handed out "unhealthiness scores" like report cards. And the results? Let's just say some burgers are working overtime

Surprise at the Top... and Bottom

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Whataburger, Smashburger, and Carl's Jr. all made strong showings in the race to clog arteries, but one chain pulled ahead in dramatic fashion. It's cheeseburger contained 73% more saturated fat than any other on the list. Even its fries took first place, earning the highest unhealthiness score among all puds analyzed.

Meanwhile, Burger King and McDonald's (yes, really) tied for the second-least unhealthy burger, each scoring just 18 points. Their cheeseburgers had only a quarter of the saturated fat found in the top offenders.

And Wendy's? Still more indulgent than BK or the Golden Arches, but not quite tipping into double-fry danger territory.

So, Who's the Burger Boss of Bad?

Fries With That? Steve Shannon's Search for Rockford's Finest French Fries: Five Guys
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It's Five Guys. Their cheeseburger claimed the #1 spot for unhealthiness with 50 points, and their fries hit 28. The Rockford area has two of these heavy hitters, so if you're indulging, maybe bring a friend... or possibly a nap plan.

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And the best performer of all? Culver's just 17 points. ButterBurger victory dance commences.

MORE: 5 Best Places to Get Fried Chicken in Rockford Area

 

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