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The 7 Most Unhealthy Items at Wendy’s – Some Meals Have 2,000 Calories

Updated: November 25, 2023 by Justin Zipprich | Leave a comment

Wendy’s is a beloved fast food restaurant that’s found in the top 10 of just about any “best of” list. Any town that has a McDonalds or Burger King is likely to also have a Wendys. The restaurant that was started in 1969 has continued to be a go-to of many hungry folks ever since, but just like most other fast-food restaurants, it’s far from healthy. However, while their regular meals have a decent number of calories, there are some that are hazardous to your health if you eat them on a regular basis. Let’s look at the most unhealthy items at Wendy’s and why you should probably choose something else when it comes time to order.

Big Bacon Cheddar Cheeseburger Triple Meal

One of the most unhealthy items at Wendy’s is the Big Bacon Cheddar Cheeseburger Triple meal. It has three huge beef patties with dripping cheese over each one of them. There’s also several pieces of bacon. Finally, it’s all topped off with their trademark bacon jam. It rests between two huge buns. That burger alone clocks in at 1,420 calories. There’s also 102 grams of fat, 2,110 milligrams of sodium, and 46 grams of carbs.

If you just bought the burger, you’d already be doing yourself a disservice. However, if you get a medium serving of fries on the side, that’s another 427 calories. Top it off with a small coke, and you add on 240 calories. Add it all up, and you're looking at just over 2,000 calories. It’s a lot for one meal, so order this one sparingly.

Loaded Nacho Triple Burger

A major theme of this list will be burgers and meals that have more than one beef patty. While meat is fine in moderation, eating too much can be dangerous. Another example of this issue is with the Loaded Nacho Triple Burger, which has three beef patties that are covered with a dripping piece of cheese on each. There are also tortilla chips on top, and it’s all covered with a layer of spicy chipotle sauce. The only actual healthy part about the burger is the thin layer of lettuce and tomato. However, that doesn’t save it from having 1,280 calories, 1,930 milligrams of sodium, and 52 grams of carbs. Add on the fries and drink, and you’re getting close to the 2,000 limit, which is more than you should have for lunch.

Chili Cheese Fries

You might think that ordering a side dish will be a healthy alternative, but some of Wendy’s options are far from nutritious. One of them is the chili cheese fries, which are loaded with beans and thick cheese. The fries on their own are over 400 calories, but when you add it all together, you get 520 calories and 53 grams of carbs. However, the worst part is that the entire dish is loaded with salt that equals about 1,330 milligrams of sodium. The only good part is that the beans offer a bit of fiber, but there are better ways to get the fiber you need. Instead, eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and legumes.

Bourbon Bacon Cheeseburger Triple Meal

This is somewhat of a classier burger on the menu, but although it tastes good, it’s not good for you. It’s another burger with three meat patties on it. Although meat is not terrible in moderation, if you eat this much of it at once, you’re asking for trouble. In addition to the meat, the burger also has American cheese, fried onions, and bacon sauce. The burger has 1,280 calories and 1,940 milligrams of sodium. Plus, there are 36 grams of saturated fat. Add on the fries and drink, and you’re just under 2,000 calories, but that doesn’t make it right.

Breakfast Baconator

The calorie count in the Baconator is almost as crazy as the name. This sandwich should be a breakfast-lover’s dream with bacon, egg, sausage, and cheese. However, when you combine them altogether, you’re left with 730 calories, 1,750 milligrams of sodium, and 50 grams of fat. The problem here is that if you get it for breakfast, you’re getting more than half of your recommended sodium intake before noon, and so if you’re diet-conscious, you need to be careful the rest of the day. It’s even worse if you get it after lunch and pair it with a soft drink.

Dave's Triple Burger

This is like the Big Bacon Classic Triple Burger but without the bacon. However, it’s still one of the most unhealthy items at Wendy’s. It has 1,160 calories, 82 grams of fat, 38 grams of carbs, and 1,610 milligrams of sodium. That’s a lot of sodium. Doctors recommend only consuming 2,300 milligrams of sodium in an entire day. This single burger almost puts you at the limit. When you combine that with fries and a drink, you’re really pushing your luck. It’s okay to enjoy this burger every once in a while, but try not to make it a regular meal.

Loaded Nacho Chicken Sandwich

Another of the most unhealthy items at Wendy’s is this sandwich, which may be smaller than some of the other options on this menu, but it’s far from healthy. Combine the buns, fried chicken, nachos, and special sauce, and you’re looking at 670 calories, 2,070 milligrams of sodium, and 66 grams of carbs. If you’re going to get a chicken sandwich, try to at least get a grilled chicken sandwich.

Healthy Items to Order Instead

If you want to avoid the unhealthy items at Wendy’s, but you love the restaurant, then you’re somewhat in luck. There are several items on the menu that are healthier than others. So, consider ordering these meals instead.

Jr. Hamburger Deluxe

When you really want a burger, your best bet is to go with the regular Jr. Hamburger since it only has one patty, plus onions and pickles. All in all, you’re looking at 300 calories, 470 milligrams of sodium, and 27 grams of carbs. You can also add extra lettuce to make it a little more healthy. You can also get the Jr. Cheeseburger for a similar caloric intake.

Apple Pecan Chicken Salad

When you go into a fast food restaurant, your best option is to go for a salad, and this one with grilled chicken is a great idea. You’re getting fruit, protein, lettuce, and more. There’s even dairy in the blue cheese dressing. It has 570 calories, but it also has 36 grams of protein, and it’s a lighter dish, so you won’t feel as bloated after you’re eating.

Southwest Avocado Chicken Salad

This is another great salad option. Avoid the ranch dressing to make it as healthy as possible. The real star of the show is the avocados, which are a great source of monounsaturated (good) fats, and fiber. Plus, avocados are filling, and they’re also low in carbs.

Berry Burst Chicken Salad

Choose this salad when you want to get that tasty chicken and a mix of vegetables and berries. The nuts and the chicken provide a good amount of protein. The salad only has 470 calories, and you’re getting 39 grams of protein.

Grilled Chicken Wrap or Grilled Chicken Sandwich

Depending on which mood you’re in, either of these options is a healthy alternative to the standard Wendy’s meal. Grilled chicken is much better than fried chicken, and in any instance, you’re eating fewer calories. You can make it even less by getting rid of the bun on the sandwich.

Chili

Many might consider this to be a side dish, but it eats like a meal. Their famous chili has beans, vegetables, and more. It only has 270 calories. Plus, it provides a great amount of fiber and protein. However, it does have 1,260 milligrams of sodium, so don’t eat it every day.

Apple Bites

The healthiest thing you can order at Wendy’s is the apple slices. They are crunchy and delicious. They have 35 calories but zero grams of fat and zero milligrams of sodium.

Conclusion

These are the unhealthy items at Wendy’s that you should probably skip if you want to avoid a stomach ache while sticking to your diet plan. While there are some healthy options, it’s best to eat here or at any fast food restaurant in moderation. In the meantime, be smart when you order, and you’ll enjoy your food a lot more.