What's your favorite fast food?

[samhexum]

Boy, 5, Sneaks Out for Chick-fil-A While Family Sleeps, Has 1 Question for Police When Found

APPLE.NEWS

---

He was craving some chicken minis.

 

[samhexum]

https://www.aol.com/articles/12-kfc-items-customers-suggest-164000308.html

12 KFC Items Customers Suggest You Avoid, According To Reviews

Reddit, Yelp, and Google, as well as countless social media pages, are filled with some harsh truths about fast-food restaurants across the country, including KFC. In fact, KFC is a repeat offender and is rated one of the worst fast-food chains worldwide. One of the top consumer review sites has more than 6,000 bad reviews, with the majority being only one out of five stars.

[samhexum]

https://stocks.apple.com/AkvZzZGwUTz-KIKyDSknoNA
 

McDonald’s may bring its 1,057-calorie Big Arch to America soon. Why it could be a billion-dollar burger

Already a feature on McDonald’s menus in other countries, the plus-size sandwich has two beef patties — reportedly weighing in at 8 ounces combined — along with three slices of white cheddar cheese, lettuce, pickles, onions and something called Big Arch sauce, all on a poppy-and-sesame-seed bun.

 

It adds up to 1,057 calories of burger feasting, per the British McDonald’s website, which is more than three times the calorie count of the standard McDonald’s cheeseburger (303 calories) and about double the count of a Big Mac (509 calories).

The bigger-burger story goes beyond McDonald’s, with other fast-food and fast-casual chains rolling out their own hefty offerings of late. Carl’s Jr., never a chain to shy away from meaty affairs, introduced its Cali XL burger, with two 3.5-ounce beef patties, in November. And Shake Shack SHAK brought out a Big Shack burger, which has two 4-ounce beef patties, as a limited-time item last fall.

And even if Burger King QSR hasn’t introduced any new supersize burgers recently, it does offer customers the option to up their Whopper game by making the sandwich a Double Whopper or even a Triple Whopper with added patties. The Triple version has a whopping 1,170 calories.

 

[MikeBiDude]

The industry is still hurting, PIzza Hut closing locations:

https://www.restaurantdive.com/news/pizza-hut-2026-250-closures-yum-strategic-review/811332/

[samhexum]

The Whopper is getting a makeover.

On Thursday, Feb. 26, it was announced that Burger King’s beloved burger will change for the first time in nearly 10 years.

The alterations are inspired by guests’ feedback, according to a press release, and make for a “higher-quality Whopper experience.” Specifically, three elements are new to the burger.

First, the bread is being swapped for a “more premium, better tasting” bun. But Whopper loyalists, fear not: it will still be a sesame seed-coated bun.

The presentation will shift in terms of the burger’s packaging. Rather than being wrapped in paper, the upgraded Whopper will be served in a box.

Lastly, the toppings will get an update. Each Whopper will come “stacked tall with freshly cut onions and tomatoes and crisp lettuce, tangy pickles,” per a release — all of which were ingredients already on the burger. Plus Whoppers will come with “better tasting mayo.”

The ¼-lb. beef patty will remain the same as its predecessor.

McDonald’s has a brand-new burger coming to U.S. locations.

The chain is introducing the Big Arch Burger, its “most McDonald’s, McDonald’s burger,” on Tuesday, March 3, per a press release. The burger is the chain’s “biggest” burger, according to the McDonald’s website.

The limited-time burger features two quarter-pound beef patties, three slices of white cheddar cheese, crispy onions, slivered raw onions, lettuce, pickles and Big Arch Sauce. The namesake condiment is described as having “a perfect balance of mustard, pickle and sweet tomato flavors,” per the release. The components are all sandwiched between a toasted sesame and poppy seed-coated bun.

The burger was previously tested in various European countries and Canada. It is a permanent menu item in the U.K. and Ireland.

[+ Vegas_Millennial]

2 hours ago, samhexum said:

The presentation will shift in terms of the burger’s packaging. Rather than being wrapped in paper, the upgraded Whopper will be served in a box.

Isn't it humorous that, every few years, fast food corporations change their packaging back and forth from boxes to wrappers?!

"The product looks cheap... Put it in a box"

...then a few years later "Cut costs and save the environment, wrap it in paper instead of a box"

... Then a few years later "The product looks cheap... Put it in a box"

... Repeat and repeat...

Edited February 26 by Vegas_Millennial

[samhexum]

Social media went wild after an Instagram video of McDonald’s CEO and Chairman, Chris Kempczinski, introducing the fast food chain’s newest Big Arch burger and taking the smallest nibble of it made its rounds.

Despite claiming he “loves this product, it is so good,” people online were shocked that a person in Kempczinski’s position would look as reluctant as he did when trying his own brand’s menu item, which rolled out nationally today.

“Why does he look like he’s scared to bite it?” quipped a commenter.

“Man’s aura screams kale salad,” wrote someone else.

Just a few short days later, as a (very) subtle jab, Burger King President Tom Curtis one-upped the Golden Arches restaurant in a new TikTok video posted by the chain, captioned, “Thought we’d replay this,” by taking a rather massive bite of their new and improved Whopper, which was coincidentally released a few days before the Big Arch.

Expectedly, people ran to the comment section of BK’s video to further instigate this beef between the two chains.

“It’s good to be King,” joked one person.

“yea thats a big bite. McDonald’s CEO could never. W BK,” chimed in someone else.

“Now THAT’S a man bite. Take notes McDonald’s,” read another comment.

This friendly competition kicked off when both chains simultaneously announced their newest menu items.

McDonald’s 14-ounce Big Arch burger, available for a limited time, features two quarter-pound beef patties, three slices of melted white cheddar cheese, crispy onions, slivered raw onions, lettuce, pickles and a new Big Arch Sauce, which is described as “a tangy, creamy sauce with a perfect balance of mustard, pickle and sweet tomato flavors.”

Burger King’s improved Whopper, which still has all the delicious workings of a traditional Whopper except a “more premium, better-tasting bun, “a better-tasting mayo, and a box for the sandwich to be served in, rather than the annoying paper wrapper that would often crush the burger.

Created with the intent of elevating the customer’s burger experience, this is the first time in a decade that the fast food joint has made any changes to its signature item.

“Over the past several years, we’ve focused on strengthening our operations and modernizing our restaurants to build a more consistent foundation across the system,” Curtis said in a statement.

“With that work well underway, we’re now in a position to thoughtfully elevate our core menu. The Whopper is an icon, so we didn’t set out to reinvent it. Instead, we elevated it based on direct Guest feedback,” he continued.

The 10 Most Popular Burger Chains In The US, Ranked

Chris Corlew

 

10. Burger King

 

The audacity of the name really sticks out when you're doing a ranking. Burger King stakes its claim to the throne by flame-broiling its beef patties. Even if there's not an actual charcoal-fire grill in the back of the fast food restaurant, the cooking process does give B.K.'s patties a delicious signature taste. The chain is known primarily for the Whopper, which some online call their favorite fast food burger. One Reddit commenter emphasized value, praising the size of Burger King's burgers and calling the chain "the best bang for your buck," while some online reviewers highlight the Rodeo Whopper, which comes with onion rings.

For me, the main draw with Burger King is the flame-broiled patties. Any time I can get a good burger and onion rings is a good time. Give it a little hint of char from real flames, and I can be happy. That said, B.K. is never my go-to choice. The menu as a whole has few options that I like, and I sort of resent that I have to ask for cheese on a Whopper. There are few burgers in the world I'd prefer to eat without cheese, and none of them are fast food patties.

9. White Castle

 

If you bring up White Castle in conversation, someone is inevitably going to say that the chain is "fantastic for what it is," and that's true enough. I would contend that there's more to White Castle than meets the eye. For one thing, the story behind how White Castle got its name reveals a company goal of keeping things clean, which is admirable for fast food. There's also compelling culinary and business history here, too. White Castle was one of the first fast food burger chains, and the chain's model for standardization of portions has been influential. Between the steamed patty and bun, rehydrated onions, and quick cooking, you can't deny that White Castle has its system down to a science.

White Castle's biggest achievement is making the slider the star of the show. I get irrationally excited about sliders. There's something deeply satisfying about eating a slider in three or four bites, taking a beat, and then deciding to have another one. This place probably isn't many people's favorite, but throwing back late-night White Castle burgers is one of the great food experiences. Still, this chain exists in my brain as a snack place, not a burger place. It's not somewhere you go when you're craving the best a burger has to offer, but where you go when you want something that they don't have at a corner store. White Castle makes the list, but it's a ways off from the podium.

8. Jack In The Box

 

Sourdough Jack, ultimate cheeseburger, classic smashed Jack — there are plenty of solid burger options at Jack In The Box. One thing you'll get here and almost nowhere else? Burgers with two types of cheese. The bacon ultimate cheeseburger, for instance, comes with American and Swiss cheeses.

After a somewhat low year in 2025, Jack In The Box resolved to rebound with big changes. While you can find people who still love the chain, those comments are often met with nostalgia for the way Jack used to be. Others complain about Jack In The Box getting expensive. There are those of us who remember those glory days, and hope that it can recover the old magic.

The chain's recent downturn does mean that it falls pretty low in my rankings. That said, I'll give Jack In The Box points for innovation. Not only did this chain invent the two-way drive-thru order box, but eating at Jack In The Box as a teenager was my first experience with ciabatta bread. I'm still grateful to the chain for that experience. Even if it's not in my regular rotation, I've never had that bad of a burger here.

7. Checkers and Rally's

 

If the last time you saw a Checkers and Rally's logo was in the frozen section at your local grocery store, then it's time for a road trip. Like a stock car racer, you won't want to stop until you see, well, checkered flags. Vroom vroom, it's burger time. Checkers and Rally's has been praised for its quality food and low prices. Many people go to bat for the Big Buford burger — and why not? It's got two juicy patties, the full complement of lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles, plus generous squeezes of ketchup, mustard, and mayo. It's a fully loaded burger. The praise for the seasoned fries here is near-universal, too.

Checker's and Rally's makes a great-but-not-excellent burger, in my opinion. There's a pepperiness to the burgers here, or maybe that's just the lingering taste of seasoned fries. Either way, I enjoy it. Still, nothing catapults Checkers and Rally's into the upper echelon. This chain is the exact midpoint of my personal rankings, and that feels right.

6. Five Guys

 

After Five Guys began franchising in 2003, it quickly became one of the faces of the fast casual trend of the 2010s. That luster has maybe worn off a bit, as food prices have been climbing in the 2020s. With a price tag of $11.89 for a cheeseburger at the Five Guys I checked, some people contend that Five Guys is too expensive to be considered fast food. That said, there's a quality of ingredients here that cannot be ignored. Most complaints about cost usually have the caveat that Five Guys makes a great product. These are really tasty burgers. Every sandwich is incredibly customizable, meaning you can come back again and again and always be trying a new combination of toppings. The chain even has helpful suggested toppings listed on its website, catering to people who want their burgers to have specific sets of flavors.

Five Guys sits in a strange middle ground for me. Good, quality burgers, sure. The slightly elevated price is a drawback, but that's not my main concern. With two 3.3-ounce patties, the size of the main burger is a touch off-putting. To get a single burger, you have to order the pejorative "little" cheeseburger. There's a time and a place for a burger that's larger than six ounces of beef, and lunchtime is not it.

5. McDonald's

 

 

The face of American fast food, for multiple reasons. McDonald's has locations across the globe, and its reputation precedes it. I've even seen restaurants borrow the lyrics to the Big Mac jingle to describe their own burgers. More than just fame, though, there's also the fact that the food here simply tastes good. As one Reddit commenter said, "I could eat a Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese every day and not get sick of it."

Of course, McDonald's is sometimes a conversational shorthand for cheap or low quality. Sure, the chain isn't threatening to win a Michelin star any time soon. I'm certainly not arguing that McDonald's is the greatest spot for burger lovers. Still, the sheer amount of very good options here is staggering. Big Mac, Quarter Pounder, McDouble, Daily Double — all of those burgers bring something unique to the table. The toppings are varied, too: A McDouble keeps things simple with ketchup, mustard, onions, and pickles, while the Big Mac has its famous special sauce and crispy lettuce.

No one should say McDonald's is the best. I think, though, that the burgers at the Golden Arches deserve recognition for being constantly imitated and yet never totally duplicated. Whether you prefer a Big Mac or a Double Quarter Pounder, you know you can get something tasty at Ronald's house. Yes, there are better burgers out there, but McDonald's still merits a high ranking.

4. Wendy's

 

Two peculiarities stick in the mind about burgers at Wendy's. One is the corners of those square patties peaking out from under the bun. If you're anything like me, you save a corner for the last bite. One last bit of beefy taste to linger on the palate. That ties in with the other memorable thing about Wendy's burgers, which is how the chain uses fresh, never-frozen beef. I'm not the only person who can taste the difference. Link Neal of Good Mythical Morning on YouTube called Wendy's "the best burger if you isolate it." Hey, no one's buying a burger for the tomato. The main component of the sandwich needs to be on point, and Wendy's delivers. Of course, the crisp lettuce and juicy tomato are big selling points for a Dave's single. Both burger and veggies at Wendy's are good quality.

Another thing Wendy's has going for it is relatively low prices, in spite of the inflation of the early 2020s. Some say they think Wendy's has the best value deal in the fast food game, and value menu burgers like the Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger are excellent. For me, Wendy's is easily the best of the nationwide chains. Maybe it's the fresh beef, or maybe the square patty tricks me into thinking I'm eating something special. If you're looking for good off-menu items, Wendy's secret menu burgers are great, too. Whatever it is about Wendy's, the place is my go-to on road trips.

3. In-N-Out

 

If you've never had In-N-Out, but you spend time on the internet, then chances are good that you're sick of hearing about the place. Trust me when I say, though, that the burgers are absolutely worth the hype — but not quite so much that you should book a flight to Los Angeles purely for the chance to go animal style. Being a resident of the Midwest, I have only had In-N-Out a couple of times. The limited reach of this chain is part of the reason it falls below the top two. How highly I'm ranking this place should tell you how good an animal style burger is, though, and how much I appreciate In-N-Out's no-nonsense menu.

One thing people seem to like about In-N-Out is how, despite its cult following and outsized reputation, the restaurant manages to be a relatively simple throwback to old-school burger joints. The ingredients are fresh, the patties are small and inexpensive, and the burger is customizable.

You'll find this spot near the top of many internet rankings, and deservedly so. Some praise the size, price, and taste, and they're right to do so. There's something to be said for a fast food spot that loves burgers enough to have specially trained butchers making patties by hand every day. There's also something to be said about the genius of cooking a burger patty in mustard. In-N-Out might get hyped up, but I, for one, was not disappointed.

2. Culver's

 

This Midwestern chain, specializing in butterburgers, is another regional chain that's worth the hype. People have praised it as having not only the best burgers, but the best fish and onion rings, too. "Nothing comes close to Culver's," said one Reddit commenter, talking specifically about regional burgers. Even if having locations in 26 states stretches the definition of "regional," Culver's wears its origins on its sleeve. Between butterburgers, cheese curds, and frozen custard, this is a restaurant that could only exist near endless cow pastures. Culver's respects the animal, too. The burgers are made from fresh, never frozen beef, and are cooked to order.

Call me a homer for living in Chicago and ranking Culver's second if you want. I'll contend that Culver's is every bit as good as people say it is. Using fresh beef and buttering the buns goes a long way. The patty melts are great, too — both a standard sourdough melt and the funkier Wisconsin Swiss melt are excellent choices for those who like toasted bread. Every time I've tried a limited edition burger from this place, I've loved it. Oh, and if you ever want to switch things up? Culver's has one of the best chain restaurant fried fish baskets out there. The whole menu here is great, but I regret to inform my Midwestern neighbors that Culver's still takes second place.

1. Shake Shack

 

One of the chains at the forefront of the smash burger trend, Shake Shack takes beef patties seriously. Using fresh beef, seasoned simply with salt and pepper, these burgers get smashed on the grill until they're crispy but not overcooked. A Shackburger is topped simply with crisp lettuce, juicy tomato, and Shack sauce. Put all that on a perfectly squishy, but not soggy, potato bun? Absolute burger nirvana. Personally, I like adding cherry peppers. They're finely diced enough to not be obstructive, and the spice and acid are such welcome additions to the overall taste.

The internet is full of burger debates, and you can find plenty of people who have Shake Shack high in their personal rankings. The crispiness of the patties is a big selling point, too.

If you ask me, Shake Shack gets the nod over In-N-Out for having a farther reach, while it gets the nod over Culver's because of the looser pack on the patty and the crispiness on the beef. If it helps bolster the case for Shake Shack, I'll admit that this is the only spot on this list that I'll eat on my birthday. There's a Goldilocks feeling every time I eat a Shake Shack burger, where I feel like I could have more, but am content without more. It leaves me satiated but not stuffed, and I'm already thinking about my next one.

[samhexum]

https://apple.news/ARCFLv0cUTFa0sc7tltymUQ

The Forgotten New York Burger Chain That Lost The Fast-Food Wars

Though today we live in a world where fast food empires can stretch from Boston to Beijing, for much of the 20th century, few franchises could claim to have achieved national saturation, much less global. Instead, it was an age of regional restaurant chains, many of which did not survive the ensuing fast food wars between their larger competitors. One such example is Wetson's, a burger franchise probably only remembered by New Yorkers of a certain generation.

[BuffaloKyle]

I haven't had Panera in almost 20 years but we had it at work the other day. I got a toasted Italino and the toasted bread was so hard to bite and chew it was crazy. How do people eat this? My co-worker said that's why you get a soup with it and dip the bread into it. I recently got a dental crown and was scared to death about biting anything on that side of my mouth while eating it. 😅

Toasted Italiano

[Charlington]

8 hours ago, BuffaloKyle said:

I haven't had Panera in almost 20 years but we had it at work the other day. I got a toasted Italino and the toasted bread was so hard to bite and chew it was crazy. How do people eat this? My co-worker said that's why you get a soup with it and dip the bread into it. I recently got a dental crown and was scared to death about biting anything on that side of my mouth while eating it. 😅

Toasted Italiano

The only thing I will eat at Panera are the soups in a bread bowl, mainly the broccoli cheddar soup. And the cinnamon crunch bagels. I think their food in general is a bit overpriced for the quality you get.

[BuffaloKyle]

3 hours ago, Charlington said:

I think their food in general is a bit overpriced for the quality you get.

That's exactly why I never go. I didn't have to pay, the bosses did. 💰

[BuffaloKyle]

 

[+ azdr0710]

Just finished a late lunch at Five Guys. Still very good and the slightly higher prices reflect that. For those who don't know, a small fries is huge/more than plenty. Staff seemed hard-working and happy (good manager??). Franchise and all that, but good operation. Many know of its early origins in DC. Enjoyed reading the famously prolific reviews from obscure media from 18 years ago on the walls!! 

[BigDMike]

Here in California...In-N-Out reigns supreme...but while I like it, I don't go out of my way for it.

I saw Culvers listed above and when I travel to the midWest, I always stop in...not for a burger but for Frozen Custard...a treat I can't find everywhere.

Personally, I love McDonalds for Breakfast.  I eat at Starbucks a lot too....but no one makes a better Egg McMuffin.

I really enjoy Del Taco which I think it primarily a West Coast thing.  I also enjoy Chipotle.

 

[MikeBiDude]

2 hours ago, BigDMike said:

I saw Culvers listed above and when I travel to the midWest, I always stop in...not for a burger but for Frozen Custard...a treat I can't find everywhere.

Me too!

Also enjoy Del Taco.

[samhexum]

It’s easy to categorize fast food restaurants as being unhealthy just by the name of a chain, but experts say it’s about the choices you make when ordering to support your goals. 

“From a weight-loss standpoint, the most helpful fast-food meals tend to provide enough protein and volume without being overly calorie-dense,” explains Johannah Katz, RD, a dietitian with Consumer Health Digest. “Protein can help with satiety and preserving lean muscle during weight loss, which is a big reason I emphasize it with clients.” 

Katz adds that when it comes to maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, she recommends choosing meals that include a combination of protein, vegetables, healthy fats and fiber-rich carbs. “Fiber is another key piece because it slows digestion, supports fullness and can help blunt the blood sugar response to a meal,” she adds.

7 fast foods that are good for you at popular spots

You don’t have to skip these fast-food favorites. Here are our experts' top healthy choices at a few of the most popular chains. 

Wendy’s: Grilled Chicken Wrap

Nutrition info: 420 calories, 27 grams of protein, 31 grams of carbs, 3 grams of fiber, 20 grams of fat 

What makes it healthier fast food: The high protein content can help suppress hunger while keeping calories in check, says Sadia Saeed, MD, physician and medical advisor with Welzo. She adds that protein may help reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes, supporting healthier blood sugar levels.

Expert tip: Dr. Saeed recommends skipping sauces, which can pack a lot of extra calories into a small serving, and choosing water instead of a sugary beverage like soda if your meal comes with a drink.

McDonald’s: Egg McMuffin

Nutrition info: 310 calories, 17 grams of protein, 30 grams of carbs, 4 grams of fiber, 13 grams of fat

What makes it healthier fast food: The Egg McMuffin is a portion-controlled breakfast option that provides a good balance of protein and other nutrients, making it a smarter choice than many sugary breakfast sandwiches and pastries, says Dr. Saeed. She adds that the balance of nutrients from the egg, meat and cheese may help support healthier blood sugar levels compared to sweeter breakfast foods.

Expert tip: Try pairing the Egg McMuffin with black coffee or unsweetened tea for a low-calorie beverage option, Dr. Saed suggests.

Starbucks: Spinach, Feta & Egg White Wrap

Nutrition info: 290 calories, 20 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber

What makes it healthier fast food: The Starbucks Spinach, Feta & Egg White Wrap provides a good amount of protein for fewer than 300 calories, making it a portion-controlled breakfast option that may feel more satisfying than a sugary muffin or pastry, explains Katz.

Expert tip: Katz recommends pairing the wrap with water, unsweetened coffee or a plain latte. If you'd like additional food, opt for a side of fruit instead of a pastry.

Jimmy John’s: The Unwich

Nutrition info: 330 calories, 31 grams of protein, 5 grams of carbs, 2 grams of fiber

What makes it healthier fast food: Katz says an Unwich (a lower-carb, lettuce-wrapped sandwich) can be a helpful option for someone who loves Jimmy John's sandwiches but wants to consume fewer carbs by skipping the bread. She adds that the meal can still feel substantial thanks to its protein-rich meat and veggies packed into a lettuce wrap. She specifically likes The Bootlegger Club Unwich as a high-protein option. 

Expert tip: Ask for light mayo or skip it altogether to reduce saturated fat and calories, Katz suggests, and add extra veggies like tomato, cucumber, peppers and lettuce. She says it's also important to keep an eye on the sodium content of the sandwich you choose.

Panera: Half Green Goddess Cobb Salad with Chicken 

Nutrition info: 370 calories, 20 grams of protein, 37 grams of carbs, 9 grams of fiber, 17 grams of fat

What makes it healthier fast food: “This is a great example of a meal that is not just ‘low calorie,’ but actually has staying power,” says Katz. “You get protein from the chicken and egg, volume from the vegetables and fiber from the salad and apple.” She adds that the combination of protein, fat, veggies and fiber may help support steadier blood sugar levels than a meal that includes chips or a sugary drink while also supporting weight loss through its modest calorie count.

Expert tip: Katz recommends choosing the apple as your side instead of a baguette, since it provides fiber for fewer calories. She also suggests ordering the dressing on the side so you can control how much you use. And if the salad isn't enough for you, she says a broth-based soup like Homestyle Chicken Noodle could help satisfy you, but encourages people to double-check the amount of sodium in any additional menu items.

Subway: 6-Inch Oven-Roasted Turkey Sandwich

Nutrition info: 280 calories, 18 grams of protein, 46 grams of carbs, 5 grams of fiber, 4 grams of fat

What makes it healthier fast food:Kezia Joy, RDN, a medical advisor with Welzo, says the fiber-rich whole-grain bread and protein from the turkey can help you feel full for longer while keeping calories in check for weight loss. She adds that specifically choosing whole-grain bread rather than white bread and vegetables helps to slow how quickly carbohydrates are absorbed into the body, supporting steadier blood sugar levels. No wonder it’s one of Subway’s best fast foods that are actually good for you!

Expert tip: Joy recommends adding extra vegetables of your choice to your sandwich and skipping sugary sauces.

Chipotle: Salad Bowl

Nutrition info: 370 calories, 42 grams of protein, 34 grams of carbs, 11 grams of fiber, 8.5 grams of fat

What makes it healthier fast food: Katz recommends customizing your salad bowl to include supergreens, fajita veggies, fresh tomato salsa, black beans and lettuce. She says to skip sour cream, vinaigrette, cheese and rice to keep it healthier. “For weight loss, it is filling without relying on high-calorie toppings like cheese, sour cream, chips or a tortilla,” adds Katz. “For blood sugar, the beans are helpful because they provide carbohydrates along with fiber and protein, which generally leads to a slower rise in blood sugar than refined carbohydrates alone.”

Expert tip: If you're looking for additional calories, guacamole could be a good add-on, Katz says. But considering your overall calorie intake for the meal is key, as it adds about 230 calories.

[+ Just Chuck]

I really like the Schlotzsky’s deli chain.  They make their own sourdough bread buns and use high quality ingredients.  

[samhexum]

On 6/2/2026 at 10:54 PM, samhexum said:

It’s easy to categorize fast food restaurants as being unhealthy just by the name of a chain, but experts say it’s about the choices you make when ordering to support your goals. 

10 healthier fast food orders that are actually worth trying

Your Best Bet at the Drive-Thru

Fast food doesn't exactly have a "health halo"—and for good reason. Many options are high in calories, sodium, and saturated fat. But if you're in a pinch, there are choices that are more balanced than others.

The key isn't finding "perfect" fast food (that's not really a thing). It's choosing options that are lower in calories, include some protein or fiber, and don't go overboard on extras like sauces and cheese.

Photo by Arby's

Arby's Classic Roast Beef Sandwich

This is one of the simpler options on Arby's menu. It's relatively moderate in calories (around the mid-300s) and provides a decent amount of protein. Skipping extra sauces or cheese helps keep it lighter.

Photo by Panera

Panera Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich

Panera tends to offer more veggie-forward options, and this sandwich is a solid example. It includes hummus, vegetables, and feta, which adds flavor without relying heavily on processed meats. It's still around 500+ calories for a full sandwich, so portion size matters.

Photo by Chick-Fil-A

Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Grilled chicken is generally a better choice than fried, and this sandwich reflects that. It's typically under 400 calories and offers a good protein boost. As with most fast food, sauces can quickly increase calories and sodium.

Photo by McDonald's

McDonald's Fruit & Maple Oatmeal

This is one of the more balanced breakfast options available at McDonald's. It includes whole-grain oats and fruit, though it contains added sugar from toppings. It's a reasonable choice if you're looking for something warm and not fried.

Starbucks

Starbucks Tomato & Mozzarella Sandwich

This sandwich leans more plant-forward, with tomato, mozzarella, and pesto. It's moderate in calories (often in the 350–400 range), but the pesto and cheese do add fat and sodium. Still, it's a lighter option compared to many pastries or heavier sandwiches.

Photo by Dunkin

Dunkin' Wake-Up Wrap

The Wake-Up Wrap is smaller than most breakfast sandwiches, which helps keep calories lower (generally around 180–300, depending on fillings). It's not especially filling on its own, but it's a more controlled portion if you're watching intake.

Noodles & Company

Noodles & Company Zucchini Noodles with Grilled Chicken

Swapping traditional pasta for zucchini noodles lowers overall carbs and calories. Adding grilled chicken provides protein, making the meal more balanced. Just be aware that sauces can still add sodium and calories.

Photo by Wendy's

Wendy's Sour Cream and Chive Baked Potato

A baked potato can be a more straightforward option compared to fries. It provides fiber and can be relatively moderate in calories, though toppings like sour cream add fat. It works best as part of a balanced meal rather than the entire meal.

Photo by Chipotle

Chipotle Salad (Customized)

Chipotle's build-your-own format can work in your favor. Starting with a salad base and adding lean protein, beans, and veggies can create a nutrient-dense meal. The biggest calorie spikes usually come from cheese, sour cream, and large portions.

 

Panda Express Bowl with Super Greens and Kung Pao Chicken

Choosing Super Greens instead of rice lowers calories and adds vegetables. Kung Pao Chicken is one of the lower-calorie entrée options, but like most fast food, it's still relatively high in sodium. Portion awareness helps here.

 

[samhexum]

While plenty of fast food chains serve frozen treats that look and taste like ice cream, many actually fall into categories like soft serve, "frozen dairy dessert," or "frozen dairy treat." The difference largely comes down to milkfat content. According to FDA standards, ice cream must contain at least 10% milkfat. Anything below that threshold gets categorized differently.

If you're looking for the chains serving the real thing, here's where to go and where not to go.

Fast Food Chains That Serve Real Ice Cream

Culver's

Culver's doesn't serve traditional ice cream; it serves frozen custard. And that's even better.

Made with milk, cream, and egg yolks, frozen custard is richer, denser, and creamier than standard ice cream. It's also made fresh throughout the day in small batches. Whether you're ordering a Concrete Mixer, sundae, or scoop of the Flavor of the Day, you're getting a product that exceeds the milkfat requirements of traditional ice cream.

Shake Shack

Much like Culver's, Shake Shack builds its entire dessert menu around frozen custard. The chain's shakes, cups, cones, and concretes all start with the same rich custard base.

The result is one of the most premium frozen desserts you'll find at a major fast food chain. If you've ever wondered why a Shake Shack shake tastes noticeably richer than most competitors, frozen custard is the reason.

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

Freddy's isn't exactly subtle about what it's serving.

The chain's frozen custard is made fresh throughout the day and serves as the foundation for its sundaes, shakes, and concretes. Like other custard-based chains, the addition of egg yolks creates a thicker, creamier texture than traditional soft serve.

Sonic 

Sonic made headlines more than a decade ago when it announced it was switching its shakes to real ice cream. While the chain still serves various frozen desserts and soft-serve-style products, many of its shakes are made using a real ice cream base rather than a lower-fat frozen dairy dessert. It's one of the reasons Sonic's shake menu has developed such a loyal following.

Fast Food Chains That Do Not Serve Real Ice Cream 

Dairy Queen

Despite the name, Dairy Queen's famous soft serve does not technically qualify as ice cream under FDA standards because it contains about 5% milkfat. That's why the company refers to its signature product as soft serve rather than ice cream.

That doesn't stop millions of people from ordering Blizzards every year, but legally speaking, it's not ice cream.

Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A's Icedream falls into a similar category.

The chain markets it as a "frozen dairy treat" rather than ice cream, largely because its milkfat content falls below the FDA's minimum requirements. It's lighter than traditional ice cream, which some customers actually prefer.

McDonald's, Burger King & Wendy's

The frozen desserts at these chains are generally classified as soft serve or frozen dairy desserts rather than as premium ice cream.

That doesn't mean they're bad. McFlurries, Frostys, and soft-serve cones remain among the most popular fast food desserts. But if we're being technical, they don't belong in the same category as traditional ice cream or frozen custard.

So the next time someone asks where to find real ice cream in fast food, the answer is surprisingly simple: skip the soft serve and head straight for the custard.

[samhexum]

7 Discontinued Fast Food Cheeseburgers Fans Still Miss

https://www.aol.com/articles/7-discontinued-fast-food-cheeseburgers-092000000.html

There's no bigger disappointment than going to your favorite fast food restaurant thinking that you're going to order your favorite fast food cheeseburger, only to discover that it's no longer on the menu. But this tragedy happens to people all the time. If you're a victim of this cruel fate, know that you're not alone. With so many (good and bad) burgers coming and going on fast food menus, old products get discontinued all the time, and new ones swoop in to take their place. If you've been on the fast food scene for a while, there's a good chance you've seen many a cheeseburger come and go. We're now taking a walk down memory lane to take a closer look at some of the fast food cheeseburgers fans miss the most.

Some of these burgers are pretty standard, with a basic combo of ingredients and a melted slice (or, in the best cases, slices) of good old American cheese. Others are more experimental, less expected from a fast food chain and the kind of thing that really sounds like it would better belong at a fancy craft burger joint. What all of these cheeseburgers share is that they've been discontinued, ripped off of the menus they once graced. But fans still remember them fondly and fantasize that one day, they'll get to taste these cheeseburgers again.

McDonald's Mushroom and Swiss Burger t'was yummy!

Hand holding McDonald's Mushroom and Swiss Burger up to camera - u/pocketvirgin/Reddit

Once upon a time, McDonald's decided that it wanted to roll out a line of fancier burgers, despite the fact that McDonald's is probably the last place you'd think of going when you wanted a higher-end meal. It was called the Signature Crafted Recipes line, and the restaurant's mushroom and Swiss burger was just one of the menu items in the lineup. 

The burger came slathered with aioli and dressed up with Swiss cheese, mushrooms, and crispy onions for that extra textural touch. It may not sound like something you'd normally order from McDonald's, but it doesn't sound bad for a sandwich that seems so different from a classic Big Mac or Quarter Pounder. Unfortunately, though, the whole line of dishes, including the mushroom and Swiss burger, was removed from the menu in 2019.

Redditors have posted on the platform about how much they miss this burger. One poster said that they missed the entire burger line, while another said that it was better "than it had the right to be." On another thread, even more customers said that they missed the burger, and one even said that it was the best burger that was ever on the McDonald's menu.

Wendy's Gouda Bacon Cheeseburger

Hands holding Wendy's Gouda Bacon Cheeseburger - Wendy's/Facebook

When you think of a fast food burger, you're probably not imagining especially fancy cheese. But Wendy's was trying to offer a higher-end burger option in 2015 and ended up coming out with its Gouda Bacon Cheeseburger. Many consider American or cheddar as the go-to cheeses for a cheeseburger, yet this product switched things up with a slightly funkier, more complex cheese, along with plenty of crispy bacon, Gruyère sauce, and garlic aioli. Apparently, it was a burger that did pretty well for Wendy's too. Despite that, it was still axed from the menu because it was only introduced as a limited time menu, much to the chagrin of gouda-loving Wendy's customers everywhere.

A Redditor once asked into the void if the burger was ever going to come back, saying that it was the chain's best limited time option. And after it was pulled from the menu, customers took to Wendy's Facebook page to ask the brand to bring the burger back. Some even asked why the chain got rid of the sandwich in the first place. Perhaps one day they'll hear the cries of the gouda fans, but for now, this fast food cheeseburger lives only in our memories.

Burger King Stackers

Burger King Double Stacker on paper wrapper - Burger King/Facebook

While a lot of the fast food cheeseburgers on this list feature some uncommon ingredients that make them stand out from the pack, that's not the case when it comes to Burger King's Stackers. The idea behind this series of sandwiches, which came in single, double, and triple varieties, was a simple one: just beef, bacon, and cheese. You could "stack" those ingredients to create a simple but indulgent burger without any fussiness. They made their debut in 2006, perhaps contributing to the bacon craze of the late 2000s. But by 2011, they were gone from the menu.

A Redditor took to the Burger King subreddit to ask others whether Stackers were still a thing on the BK menu, saying that they didn't eat fast food often but had a craving for these burgers every once in a while. Others said that it was gone, but if it came back, they'd be eating one daily. One Redditor said it was the "biggest casualty," mentioning that not only did the sandwich taste good, but it was also a great deal. While there are plenty of other fast food bacon cheeseburgers out there, for some Burger King fans, they just can't compare to the deliciousness of a classic Stacker.

McDonald's Jalapeño McDouble

McDonald's Jalapeño McDouble on a wooden plate - u/uncomfortablewraith/Reddit

McDonald's might not be the best place to go when you're craving spicy fast food (despite the fact that its spicy chicken McNuggets are pretty solid), but that doesn't mean that the chain's menu has always been devoid of spicy menu items. One of the best was McDonald's Jalapeño McDouble, which has now sadly been discontinued. 

The burger originally made its debut back in 2014, and it boasted pickled jalapenos, jalapeno crisps, and a creamy butter milk ranch sauce. Of course, you can't forget the cheese — this burger was adorned with a slice of white cheddar. It's not totally clear how long it was on the McDonald's menu, but it was brought back again in 2024. These days, though, it's back off the menu, and there's no indication whether it will once again make a reappearance.

But one thing's for sure: Customers miss this iconic, just-spicy-enough cheeseburger. In the McDonald's subreddit, one fan of the sandwich said that McDonald's should put it back on the menu, saying it was their favorite burger at the chain. Another agreed, saying they bought it all the time back in 2014. And even members of the r/spicy subreddit have paid their respects to this now-defunct sandwich.

McDonald's Cheddar Melt

McDonald's Cheddar Melt advertisement up close - Dinosaur Dracula/Facebook

You have to go pretty far back in McDonald's memory to find the chain's cheddar melt. This sandwich came out periodically in the '80s and 1990s, only for it to be revived a few times before falling off the menu completely in 2004. This burger was somewhat like a Philly cheesesteak. It started with a beef patty, topped with a creamy cheddar cheese sauce and adorned with grilled onions for extra flavor. It all sat in between two halves of a rye bun.

Even though it's been a pretty long time since this menu item has made an appearance on McDonald's menu, it's a fast food cheeseburger that customers still seem to remember. A Redditor recently said that they wish the chain would bring it back, while another claimed that it was their favorite McDonald's sandwich of all time. One commenter even said they'd do anything for McD's to give the sandwich another run. It's a real source of nostalgia for longtime McDonald's eaters, and there are plenty out there who reportedly still long for its return.

Burger King Sourdough King t'was yummy!

Burger King Sourdough King next to BK fries - Burger King/Facebook

If you're a purist, then you probably believe that burgers always belong on buns. After all, apart from the patty, isn't that what sets a burger apart from a sandwich? But Burger King apparently doesn't subscribe to this belief, and the proof is in the chain's Sourdough King, which made its debut on the Burger King menu in 2018. It came with a beef patty, of course, along with American cheese, bacon, onions, and a rich, creamy sauce. But the standout feature of this burger, of course, was the sourdough bread in place of the bun.

It's not clear when it was removed from the menu the first time, but in 2021, the chain brought it back in response to the growing sourdough trend that bloomed from the pandemic-era baking craze. However, it was only released as a limited time item, which is a huge bummer for all the sourdough burger lovers out there.

But there are still customers out there who miss the burger and wish it would come back. When it was announced that it was leaving the menu, some online commenters expressed their dismay. Once it was already gone, another Redditor questioned why the chain would discontinue a sandwich that was so good.

Wendy's Bourbon Bacon Burger

Wendy's Bourbon Bacon Burger on white wrapper - PJ Lennon/Facebook

If you like hefty, intense burgers, then Wendy's Bourbon Bacon Burger was probably right up your alley. It had the same square patty you expect on every Wendy's burger, along with a layer of melted cheese and a stack of bacon strips. Crispy onions added both a savory flavor and just the right amount of texture, and finishing it all off with a bourbon sauce made for an even more unique and decadent burger. But, alas, this cheeseburger was only on the menu for a limited time, so it was no surprise when it was finally pulled in May of 2023.

Early advertisements date the cheeseburger's release back to the 1980s. Today, it seems like fans are serious about this burger and still hope it comes back someday. One fan took to change.org to start a petition to bring the burger back. At the time of writing, it had over 620 signatures. That petition made its way to a Reddit thread, where the poster said it was the whole reason they even went to Wendy's. Other people on the forum have discussed the burger's discontinuation and insisted that Wendy's put the cheeseburger back on the menu once again. One user even said that, despite the fact that it was quite a messy burger, they were obsessed with it.

[BigDMike]

I agree with the Mushroom & Swiss Burger

[Becket]

Had a burger and fries from Culvers recently. It's a burger joint out of Wisconsin, making inroads into our area. It was delicious. But my Lord, the calories, the fat content. Definitely a place to visit no more than once a month or so. Sooooo good. 

[BigDMike]

5 minutes ago, Becket said:

Had a burger and fries from Culvers recently. It's a burger joint out of Wisconsin, making inroads into our area. It was delicious. But my Lord, the calories, the fat content. Definitely a place to visit no more than once a month or so. Sooooo good. 

I hope you had the frozen custard too!  I think I prefer that more than their burgers 

[Luv2play]

On 5/16/2026 at 5:29 PM, BuffaloKyle said:

 

I was dining in a nice upscale Italian restaurant yesterday and the two people beside me were a mother and daughter, the girl around 10 and mother 30ish.
 

From the moment they sat down both were on the their phones. The mother put her phone down to eat. The girl ate bites between keeping her head down below the level of the table to scroll her phone.

I thought to myself this will come to no good end. A parent estranged from her daughter and a socially inept young lady. 

[mtaabq]

1 hour ago, Luv2play said:

From the moment they sat down both were on the their phones. The mother put her phone down to eat. The girl ate bites between keeping her head down below the level of the table to scroll her phone.

I thought to myself this will come to no good end. A parent estranged from her daughter and a socially inept young lady. 

Yeah, well, that is the world in which we live. I don’t like it. I don’t have to like it. I detest it. I’m lucky to have friends who will put their phones away when I ask them to dinner. Or lunch. I eat out too much - mostly alone - and watch couples and families say nothing to each other as they scroll through their phone whilst they eat. Sorry, that was off-topic. I love the double meat at In & Out, the patty melt at Steak & Shake, and the frozen custard at Freddy’s.