The age of COVID-19, with its social distancing measures and restrictions on movement, is probably testing even the biggest health fanatics’ discipline when it comes to food. In these trying times, people try to live their life the best they can, doing anything that can bring a moment of joy – including eating fun food.
Comfort foods are rising in favor, and fast foods are also becoming many consumers’ foods of choice. 24/7 Tempo reviewed the nutritional content of every food item on the menus of about 20 fast food restaurant chains to identify the foods, meant to be consumed by one person in a single sitting, with more than 1,000 calories.
Fast food chains are known for their high-calorie and high-fat menu items. While many restaurants have introduced healthier options, the menus are still dominated by burgers, sandwiches, desserts, and drinks. Some items that can be bought for as little as $3 are basically caloric monstrosities.
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Some of these high-calorie foods are rich in other ingredients no doctor will ever say you should consume in abundance, like sugar, sodium, and trans fat. Many of the least healthy items on fast food menus contain nearly the entire daily recommended intake of calories, sodium, and sugar, and sometimes more. The estimated daily calorie need for moderately active adult men is 2,600, and for women it is 2,000.
Though healthy eating habits may be out the window for many people during the pandemic, life will eventually get back to normal and so will regular eating routines. For when you’re ready to ditch comfort foods, here are 29 eating habits that will change your life.
45 1,000-plus calorie fast-food items
Double Western Bacon Cheeseburger
• Restaurant: Hardee’s
• Total calories: 1,060
• Sodium (DRV: <2,300 mg): 2,080 mg (90% of Daily value)
• Fat (DRV: <78 g): 57 g (73% of Daily value)
• Trans fat (DRV: ~2 g): 2 g (100% of Daily value)
• Cholesterol (DRV: <300 mg): 150 mg (50% of Daily value)
• Sugar (DRV: <50 g): 17 g (34% of Daily value)
Churro Dipper Shake – Large
• Restaurant: Del Taco
• Total calories: 1,010
• Sodium (DRV: <2,300 mg): 680 mg (30% of Daily value)
• Fat (DRV: <78 g): 21 g (27% of Daily value)
• Trans fat (DRV: ~2 g): 0 g (0% of Daily value)
• Cholesterol (DRV: <300 mg): 40 mg (13% of Daily value)
• Sugar (DRV: <50 g): 149 g (298% of Daily value)
Hand-Spun Milkshakes Oreo Large
• Restaurant: Krystal
• Total calories: 1,010
• Sodium (DRV: <2,300 mg): 730 mg (32% of Daily value)
• Fat (DRV: <78 g): 33 g (42% of Daily value)
• Trans fat (DRV: ~2 g): 0 g (0% of Daily value)
• Cholesterol (DRV: <300 mg): 80 mg (27% of Daily value)
• Sugar (DRV: <50 g): 127 g (254% of Daily value)
Chips and Guacamole
• Restaurant: Baja Fresh
• Total calories: 1,020
• Sodium (DRV: <2,300 mg): 840 mg (37% of Daily value)
• Fat (DRV: <78 g): 55 g (71% of Daily value)
• Trans fat (DRV: ~2 g): 0 g (0% of Daily value)
• Cholesterol (DRV: <300 mg): 0 mg (0% of Daily value)
• Sugar (DRV: <50 g): 3 g (6% of Daily value)
SuperSONIC Bacon Double Cheeseburger with Mayo
• Restaurant: Sonic
• Total calories: 1,030
• Sodium (DRV: <2,300 mg): 1,880 mg (82% of Daily value)
• Fat (DRV: <78 g): 65 g (83% of Daily value)
• Trans fat (DRV: ~2 g): 2 g (100% of Daily value)
• Cholesterol (DRV: <300 mg): 190 mg (63% of Daily value)
• Sugar (DRV: <50 g): 12 g (24% of Daily value)
Tostada Salad – Chicken & Pinto Beans
• Restaurant: Baja Fresh
• Total calories: 1,030
• Sodium (DRV: <2,300 mg): 2,180 mg (95% of Daily value)
• Fat (DRV: <78 g): 53 g (68% of Daily value)
• Trans fat (DRV: ~2 g): 0 g (0% of Daily value)
• Cholesterol (DRV: <300 mg): 125 mg (42% of Daily value)
• Sugar (DRV: <50 g): 8 g (16% of Daily value)
Epic Scrambler – Bacon
• Restaurant: Del Taco
• Total calories: 1,040
• Sodium (DRV: <2,300 mg): 2,030 mg (88% of Daily value)
• Fat (DRV: <78 g): 62 g (79% of Daily value)
• Trans fat (DRV: ~2 g): 0 g (0% of Daily value)
• Cholesterol (DRV: <300 mg): 590 mg (197% of Daily value)
• Sugar (DRV: <50 g): 5 g (10% of Daily value)
Large Queso Loaded Nachos – Beef
• Restaurant: Del Taco
• Total calories: 1,060
• Sodium (DRV: <2,300 mg): 2,060 mg (90% of Daily value)
• Fat (DRV: <78 g): 55 g (71% of Daily value)
• Trans fat (DRV: ~2 g): 1 g (50% of Daily value)
• Cholesterol (DRV: <300 mg): 105 mg (35% of Daily value)
• Sugar (DRV: <50 g): 8 g (16% of Daily value)
Popcorn – Large
• Restaurant: Blimpies
• Total calories: 1,070
• Sodium (DRV: <2,300 mg): 1,800 mg (78% of Daily value)
• Fat (DRV: <78 g): 67 g (86% of Daily value)
• Trans fat (DRV: ~2 g): 0 g (0% of Daily value)
• Cholesterol (DRV: <300 mg): 0 mg (0% of Daily value)
• Sugar (DRV: <50 g): 0 g (0% of Daily value)
Triple Meat Whataburger
• Restaurant: Whataburger
• Total calories: 1,075
• Sodium (DRV: <2,300 mg): 1,720 mg (75% of Daily value)
• Fat (DRV: <78 g): 63 g (81% of Daily value)
• Trans fat (DRV: ~2 g): 3 g (150% of Daily value)
• Cholesterol (DRV: <300 mg): 130 mg (43% of Daily value)
• Sugar (DRV: <50 g): 12 g (24% of Daily value)
Double Original Beyond Thickburger
• Restaurant: Hardee’s
• Total calories: 1,110
• Sodium (DRV: <2,300 mg): 2,140 mg (93% of Daily value)
• Fat (DRV: <78 g): 70 g (90% of Daily value)
• Trans fat (DRV: ~2 g): 1 g (50% of Daily value)
• Cholesterol (DRV: <300 mg): 45 mg (15% of Daily value)
• Sugar (DRV: <50 g): 14 g (28% of Daily value)
Fish Nibblers – Sack
• Restaurant: White Castle
• Total calories: 1,100
• Sodium (DRV: <2,300 mg): 2,390 mg (81% of Daily value)
• Fat (DRV: <78 g): 53 g (65% of Daily value)
• Trans fat (DRV: ~2 g): 0 g (0% of Daily value)
• Cholesterol (DRV: <300 mg): 35 mg (17% of Daily value)
• Sugar (DRV: <50 g): 3 g (6% of Daily value)
Dave’s Triple
• Restaurant: Wendy’s
• Total calories: 1,110
• Sodium (DRV: <2,300 mg): 1560 mg (67% of Daily value)
• Fat (DRV: <78 g): 73 g (93% of Daily value)
• Trans fat (DRV: ~2 g): 4 g (200% of Daily value)
• Cholesterol (DRV: <300 mg): 260 mg (87% of Daily value)
• Sugar (DRV: <50 g): 8 g (16% of Daily value)
Monterey Melt
• Restaurant: Whataburger
• Total calories: 1,115
• Sodium (DRV: <2,300 mg): 2,510 mg (109% of Daily value)
• Fat (DRV: <78 g): 71 g (91% of Daily value)
• Trans fat (DRV: ~2 g): 2 g (100% of Daily value)
• Cholesterol (DRV: <300 mg): 130 mg (43% of Daily value)
• Sugar (DRV: <50 g): 12 g (24% of Daily value)
Epic Cali Bacon Burrito – Beyond Meat
• Restaurant: Del Taco
• Total calories: 1,120
• Sodium (DRV: <2,300 mg): 2,260 mg (98% of Daily value)
• Fat (DRV: <78 g): 67 g (86% of Daily value)
• Trans fat (DRV: ~2 g): 0 g (0% of Daily value)
• Cholesterol (DRV: <300 mg): 80 mg (27% of Daily value)
• Sugar (DRV: <50 g): 5 g (10% of Daily value)
Epic Scrambler – Huevos Rancheros
• Restaurant: Del Taco
• Total calories: 1,120
• Sodium (DRV: <2,300 mg): 2,100 mg (91% of Daily value)
• Fat (DRV: <78 g): 62 g (79% of Daily value)
• Trans fat (DRV: ~2 g): 0 g (0% of Daily value)
• Cholesterol (DRV: <300 mg): 615 mg (205% of Daily value)
• Sugar (DRV: <50 g): 7 g (14% of Daily value)
Cheese Curd Bacon Burger
• Restaurant: Buffalo Wild Wings
• Total calories: 1,210
• Sodium (DRV: <2,300 mg): 2,790 mg (121% of Daily value)
• Fat (DRV: <78 g): 83 g (106% of Daily value)
• Trans fat (DRV: ~2 g): 4 g (200% of Daily value)
• Cholesterol (DRV: <300 mg): 210 mg (70% of Daily value)
• Sugar (DRV: <50 g): 9 g (60% of Daily value)
Double Bacon Smokehouse Burger
• Restaurant: McDonald’s
• Total calories: 1,130
• Sodium (DRV: <2,300 mg): 1,920 mg (83% of Daily value)
• Fat (DRV: <78 g): 67 g (86% of Daily value)
• Trans fat (DRV: ~2 g): 3 g (150% of Daily value)
• Cholesterol (DRV: <300 mg): 220 mg (73% of Daily value)
• Sugar (DRV: <50 g): 18 g (36% of Daily value)
Fajitas – Chicken & Pinto Beans – Flour
• Restaurant: Baja Fresh
• Total calories: 1,250
• Sodium (DRV: <2,300 mg): 2,510 mg (109% of Daily value)
• Fat (DRV: <78 g): 44 g (56% of Daily value)
• Trans fat (DRV: ~2 g): 0 g (0% of Daily value)
• Cholesterol (DRV: <300 mg): 135 mg (45% of Daily value)
• Sugar (DRV: <50 g): 10 g (20% of Daily value)
Bacon King Sandwich
• Restaurant: Burger King
• Total calories: 1,147
• Sodium (DRV: <2,300 mg): 2,154 mg (94% of Daily value)
• Fat (DRV: <78 g): 79 g (101% of Daily value)
• Trans fat (DRV: ~2 g): 0 g (0% of Daily value)
• Cholesterol (DRV: <300 mg): 239 mg (78% of Daily value)
• Sugar (DRV: <50 g): 11 g (22% of Daily value)
15 Piece – Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders Box
• Restaurant: Hardee’s
• Total calories: 1,320
• Sodium (DRV: <2,300 mg): 3,870 mg (168% of Daily value)
• Fat (DRV: <78 g): 63 g (81% of Daily value)
• Trans fat (DRV: ~2 g): 0 g (0% of Daily value)
• Cholesterol (DRV: <300 mg): 345 mg (115% of Daily value)
• Sugar (DRV: <50 g): 0 g (0% of Daily value)
Philly Cheesesteak – Large
• Restaurant: Blimpies
• Total calories: 1,150
• Sodium (DRV: <2,300 mg): 2,790 mg (121% of Daily value)
• Fat (DRV: <78 g): 56 g (72% of Daily value)
• Trans fat (DRV: ~2 g): 0 g (0% of Daily value)
• Cholesterol (DRV: <300 mg): 140 mg (47% of Daily value)
• Sugar (DRV: <50 g): 13 g (26% of Daily value)
12 Spicy Wings
• Restaurant: Krystal
• Total calories: 1,170
• Sodium (DRV: <2,300 mg): 2,940 mg (128% of Daily value)
• Fat (DRV: <78 g): 90 g (115% of Daily value)
• Trans fat (DRV: ~2 g): 3 g (150% of Daily value)
• Cholesterol (DRV: <300 mg): 405 mg (135% of Daily value)
• Sugar (DRV: <50 g): 12 g (24% of Daily value)
Chicken Cheddar Bacon Ranch – Large
• Restaurant: Blimpies
• Total calories: 1,180
• Sodium (DRV: <2,300 mg): 3,530 mg (153% of Daily value)
• Fat (DRV: <78 g): 53 g (68% of Daily value)
• Trans fat (DRV: ~2 g): 0 g (0% of Daily value)
• Cholesterol (DRV: <300 mg): 145 mg (48% of Daily value)
• Sugar (DRV: <50 g): 15 g (30% of Daily value)
Chicken Livers – 10 pieces
• Restaurant: Popeyes
• Total calories: 1,190
• Sodium (DRV: <2,300 mg): 2,070 mg (90% of Daily value)
• Fat (DRV: <78 g): 80 g (103% of Daily value)
• Trans fat (DRV: ~2 g): 5 g (250% of Daily value)
• Cholesterol (DRV: <300 mg): 765 mg (255% of Daily value)
• Sugar (DRV: <50 g): 3 g (6% of Daily value)
Quesadilla: Chicken
• Restaurant: Baja Fresh
• Total calories: 1,210
• Sodium (DRV: <2,300 mg): 1,920 mg (83% of Daily value)
• Fat (DRV: <78 g): 80 g (103% of Daily value)
• Trans fat (DRV: ~2 g): 0 g (0% of Daily value)
• Cholesterol (DRV: <300 mg): 255 mg (85% of Daily value)
• Sugar (DRV: <50 g): 3 g (6% of Daily value)
Triple Whopper Sandwich with Cheese
• Restaurant: Burger King
• Total calories: 1,216
• Sodium (DRV: <2,300 mg): 1,473 mg (64% of Daily value)
• Fat (DRV: <78 g): 82 g (105% of Daily value)
• Trans fat (DRV: ~2 g): 0 g (0% of Daily value)
• Cholesterol (DRV: <300 mg): 278 mg (93% of Daily value)
• Sugar (DRV: <50 g): 11 g (22% of Daily value)
Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Tenders Pressure Fried – 10 pieces
• Restaurant: McDonalds
• Total calories: 1,230
• Sodium (DRV: <2,300 mg): 3,540 mg (154% of Daily value)
• Fat (DRV: <78 g): 73 g (94% of Daily value)
• Trans fat (DRV: ~2 g): 0 g (0% of Daily value)
• Cholesterol (DRV: <300 mg): 280 mg (93% of Daily value)
• Sugar (DRV: <50 g): 1 g (2% of Daily value)
Chocolate Shake – Cincinnati region – Large
• Restaurant: White Castle
• Total calories: 1,230
• Sodium (DRV: <2,300 mg): 670 mg (29% of Daily value)
• Fat (DRV: <78 g): 32 g (41% of Daily value)
• Trans fat (DRV: ~2 g): 0 g (0% of Daily value)
• Cholesterol (DRV: <300 mg): 65 mg (22% of Daily value)
• Sugar (DRV: <50 g): 168 g (336% of Daily value)
6 Boneless Wings & 6 Traditional Wings
• Restaurant: Buffalo Wild Wings
• Total calories: 1,280
• Sodium (DRV: <2,300 mg): 2,360 mg (103% of Daily value)
• Fat (DRV: <78 g): 59 g (76% of Daily value)
• Trans fat (DRV: ~2 g): 2.5 g (125% of Daily value)
• Cholesterol (DRV: <300 mg): 310 mg (103% of Daily value)
• Sugar (DRV: <50 g): 2 g (4% of Daily value)
Hardee’s
• Total calories: 1,400
• Sodium (DRV: <2,300 mg): 2,780 mg (121% of Daily value)
• Fat (DRV: <78 g): 97 g (124% of Daily value)
• Trans fat (DRV: ~2 g): 4.5 g (225% of Daily value)
• Cholesterol (DRV: <300 mg): 295 mg (98% of Daily value)
• Sugar (DRV: <50 g): 13 g (26% of Daily value)
McDonald’s
• Total calories:1,340
• Sodium (DRV: <2,300 mg):2,090 mg (91% of Daily value)
• Fat (DRV: <78 g):64 g (82% of Daily value)
• Trans fat (DRV: ~2 g):0.5 g (25% of Daily value)
• Cholesterol (DRV: <300 mg):505 mg (168% of Daily value)
• Sugar (DRV: <50 g):48 g (96% of Daily value)
White Castle
• Total calories:1,350
• Sodium (DRV: <2,300 mg):1,950 mg (85% of Daily value)
• Fat (DRV: <78 g):101 g (129% of Daily value)
• Trans fat (DRV: ~2 g):0 g (0% of Daily value)
• Cholesterol (DRV: <300 mg):0 mg (0% of Daily value)
• Sugar (DRV: <50 g):11 g (22% of Daily value)
Baja Fresh
• Total calories:1,120
• Sodium (DRV: <2,300 mg): 3,190 mg (139% of Daily value)
• Fat (DRV: <78 g):58 g (60% of Daily value)
• Trans fat (DRV: ~2 g):1 g (50% of Daily value)
• Cholesterol (DRV: <300 mg): 335 mg (112% of Daily value)
• Sugar (DRV: <50 g):8 g (16% of Daily value)
Hardee’s
• Total calories: 1,280
• Sodium (DRV: <2,300 mg): 2,710 mg (118% of Daily value)
• Fat (DRV: <78 g): 71 g (91% of Daily value)
• Trans fat (DRV: ~2 g): 1.5 g (75% of Daily value)
• Cholesterol (DRV: <300 mg): 100 mg (33% of Daily value)
• Sugar (DRV: <50 g): 26 g (52% of Daily value)
White Castle
• Total calories:1,440
• Sodium (DRV: <2,300 mg):1,830 mg (80% of Daily value)
• Fat (DRV: <78 g):110 g (141% of Daily value)
• Trans fat (DRV: ~2 g):0 g (0% of Daily value)
• Cholesterol (DRV: <300 mg):0 mg (0% of Daily value)
• Sugar (DRV: <50 g):0 g (0% of Daily value)
Blimpies
• Total calories: 1,490
• Sodium (DRV: <2,300 mg):4,170 mg (181% of Daily value)
• Fat (DRV: <78 g):78 g (100% of Daily value)
• Trans fat (DRV: ~2 g):2 g (100% of Daily value)
• Cholesterol (DRV: <300 mg):180 mg (60% of Daily value)
• Sugar (DRV: <50 g):18 g (36% of Daily value)
White Castle
• Total calories: 1,490
• Sodium (DRV: <2,300 mg):3,110 mg (135% of Daily value)
• Fat (DRV: <78 g): 111 g (142% of Daily value)
• Trans fat (DRV: ~2 g):1 g (50% of Daily value)
• Cholesterol (DRV: <300 mg):100 mg (33% of Daily value)
• Sugar (DRV: <50 g):6 g (12% of Daily value)
Sonic
• Total calories:1,540
• Sodium (DRV: <2,300 mg):680 mg (30% of Daily value)
• Fat (DRV: <78 g):80 g (103% of Daily value)
• Trans fat (DRV: ~2 g): 2 g (100% of Daily value)
• Cholesterol (DRV: <300 mg):210 mg (70% of Daily value)
• Sugar (DRV: <50 g):138 g (276% of Daily value)
Buffalo Wild Wings
• Total calories:1,590
• Sodium (DRV: <2,300 mg): 2,480 mg (108% of Daily value)
• Fat (DRV: <78 g):105 g (135% of Daily value)
• Trans fat (DRV: ~2 g):4.5 g (225% of Daily value)
• Cholesterol (DRV: <300 mg):70 mg (23% of Daily value)
• Sugar (DRV: <50 g):23 g (46% of Daily value)
Sonic
• Total calories:1,720
• Sodium (DRV: <2,300 mg):1,040 mg (45% of Daily value)
• Fat (DRV: <78 g):104 g (133% of Daily value)
• Trans fat (DRV: ~2 g):2 g (100% of Daily value)
• Cholesterol (DRV: <300 mg):190 mg (63% of Daily value)
• Sugar (DRV: <50 g):111 g (222% of Daily value)
Sonic
• Total calories: 1,860
• Sodium (DRV: <2,300 mg):5,820 mg (253% of Daily value)
• Fat (DRV: <78 g):95 g (122% of Daily value)
• Trans fat (DRV: ~2 g):2 g (100% of Daily value)
• Cholesterol (DRV: <300 mg):330 mg (110% of Daily value)
• Sugar (DRV: <50 g):56 g (112% of Daily value)
Baja Fresh
• Total calories:1,970
• Sodium (DRV: <2,300 mg):2,610 mg (113% of Daily value)
• Fat (DRV: <78 g): 106 g (136% of Daily value)
• Trans fat (DRV: ~2 g):2 g (100% of Daily value)
• Cholesterol (DRV: <300 mg):250 mg (83% of Daily value)
• Sugar (DRV: <50 g):6 g (12% of Daily value)
Buffalo Wild Wings
• Total calories: 2,200
• Sodium (DRV: <2,300 mg):5,760 mg (218% of Daily value)
• Fat (DRV: <78 g):108 g (136% of Daily value)
• Trans fat (DRV: ~2 g):3.5 g (175% of Daily value)
• Cholesterol (DRV: <300 mg):225 mg (75% of Daily value)
• Sugar (DRV: <50 g):24 g (48% of Daily value)
McDonalds
• Total calories:2,380
• Sodium (DRV: <2,300 mg): 7,130 mg (310% of Daily value)
• Fat (DRV: <78 g): 121 g (155% of Daily value)
• Trans fat (DRV: ~2 g): 1 g (50% of Daily value)
• Cholesterol (DRV: <300 mg):560 mg (187% of Daily value)
• Sugar (DRV: <50 g):1 g (2% of Daily value)
Methodology
To identify the fast food items with the most calories, 24/7 Tempo reviewed the nutritional content of every food item on the menus of about 20 fast food restaurant chains in the United States. Some of the items on the list are offered only regionally.
Only food items intended for consumption by one person in a single sitting were included. McDonald’s 50-piece Chicken McNuggets, for example, was excluded.
We also excluded from the list whole meals. For instance, Monterey Melt Whatameal, which contains nearly 2,000 calories, was excluded.
Of food items that are the same type but come in different flavors or sizes, we only considered the one with the highest amount of calories. For example, the large version of Krystal’s Hand-Spun Milkshakes Oreo is on the list, but not the medium or small size, or the vanilla or strawberry-flavored milkshake, which have fewer calories.
Nutritional values were taken from the nutritional information posted on the official website of the varying fast food chains, with few exceptions. In those cases, calorie counts, as well as the amount of sodium, fat, sugar, and cholesterol were drawn from Nutrition Charts or Fast Food Nutrition.
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