Worst Sandwiches -- Double-Fisted Diet Wreckers (2024)

Medically Reviewed by Christine Mikstas,RD,LD on February 25, 2023

Written by Jon Cooper

Worst Sandwiches -- Double-Fisted Diet Wreckers (1)

Sandwiches to Skip, and to Enjoy

1/13

At many popular sandwich chains you can unwittingly gobble up a diet disaster -- unless you know how to order. Check out some sandwiches that are poor bets -- items that are packed with hidden calories. Then check out some better choices at the same restaurants. And beware the turkey sandwich, which has become a blank canvas for fattening additions of all kinds.

Worst Sandwiches -- Double-Fisted Diet Wreckers (2)

Burger King: Poor Bet

2/13

The Triple Whopper With Cheese is as unhealthy as its name suggests. It may have lettuce, tomato, and onion, but the three beef patties make up most of the 1,299 calories in this burger. Each Triple Whopper has almost 90 grams of total fat, 26% more than the recommended amount for an entire day. It’s also high in sodium and cholesterol.

Worst Sandwiches -- Double-Fisted Diet Wreckers (3)

Burger King: Better Bet

3/13

TheOriginal Chicken Sandwichranks among BK’s healthiest sandwiches, certainly higher than the Triple Whopper. The breaded chicken patty, topped with lettuce and mayo, comes inat a little more than 660 calories and just under 40 grams of fat -- both around half of what you get with the Triple. It’s lower in saturated fat and cholesterol, too.

Worst Sandwiches -- Double-Fisted Diet Wreckers (4)

McDonald’s: Poor Bet

4/13

The Double Quarter Pounder With Cheese is actually a worse option than the Double Big Mac. Its two beef patties, two slices of cheese, ketchup, pickles, mustard, and onion not only have more calories (740 vs. the Double Big Mac’s 730), but they’re also higher in saturated fat (20 grams vs. 16 grams), cholesterol (165 milligrams vs. 115 milligrams), and sodium (1,360 milligrams vs. 1,020 milligrams).

Worst Sandwiches -- Double-Fisted Diet Wreckers (5)

McDonald’s: Better Bet

5/13

Theclassic Filet-O-Fish sandwich is fried, but its caloric punch is surprisingly weak. The Filet-O-Fish takes a fried fish patty, a slice of processed cheddar cheese, lettuce, and tartar sauce and stacks it on a steamed bun. It comes in at a relatively healthier 400 calories, with 4 grams of saturated fat, 45 milligrams of cholesterol and 560 milligrams of sodium. McDonald's says the sandwich is made from wild-caught fish.

Chick-fil-A: Poor Bet

6/13

The Spicy Deluxe Chicken Sandwich tips the scales when it comes to calories among Chick-fil-A options. With its fried, breaded chicken breast, buttered bun, and slice of pepper jack cheese, it clocks in with 550 calories and 25 grams of fat. It also has 85 milligrams of cholesterol and a hefty 1,810 milligrams of sodium.

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Chick-fil-A: Better Bet

7/13

The Grilled Chicken Sandwich is a simpler, healthier option than the Spicy Deluxe. The chicken breast is prepared in a lemon-herb marinade then grilled and topped with a slice of tomato and lettuce and served on a multigrain bun. It comes in at 320 calories, more than 200 fewer than the Deluxe, and has almost a third of the sodium (680 milligrams) and a quarter of the fat (6 grams). (Don’t be tempted by the Grilled Chicken Club, which does not boast these lower numbers.)

Worst Sandwiches -- Double-Fisted Diet Wreckers (8)

Subway: Poor Bet

8/13

The 6-inch Chicken and Bacon Ranch Melt is a fatty choice at a restaurant better known for its healthy options. This 6-inch sub comes in at 570 calories, 29 grams of fat, 11 grams of saturated fat, and 1,280 milligrams of sodium.

Worst Sandwiches -- Double-Fisted Diet Wreckers (9)

Subway: Better Bet

9/13

Keep your calorie count low with the 6-inch Black Forest Ham Sandwich. This has 260 calories, 4 grams of fat, 1.5 grams of saturated fat, and 810 milligrams of sodium. The restaurant has other low-calorie choices. Top them with lots of veggies to keep them between 230 and 380 calories.

Worst Sandwiches -- Double-Fisted Diet Wreckers (10)

Wendy's: Poor Bet

10/13

The Asiago Ranch Classic Chicken Club can turn a quick lunch into a fatty affair that lingers on your hips. Wendy’s tops their breaded, fried filet with bacon, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and mayo for 630 calories, 31 grams of fat, 8 grams of saturated fat, and 1,800 milligrams of sodium.

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Wendy's: Better Bet

11/13

Wendy's Grilled Chicken Sandwich boasts only 350 calories, 8 grams of fat, 1.5 grams of saturated fat, and 850 milligrams of sodium. This simple yet satisfying sandwich of grilled chicken, lettuce, and tomato adds tangy honey mustard instead of high-fat mayo -- for a dietitian's delight.

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Arby's: Poor Bet

12/13

Arby's Roast Turkey Ranch & Bacon Sandwichcomes with bacon, turkey, lettuce, tomato, cheese, and ranch sauce. It all adds up to 810 calories, 35 grams of fat, 10 grams of saturated fat, and a shocking 2,420 milligrams of sodium.

Worst Sandwiches -- Double-Fisted Diet Wreckers (13)

Arby's: Better Bet

13/13

A plain Roast Beef Classic Sandwich is a decent choice for controlling calories. But skip the melted cheese, mayo, and the "horsey" sauce (60 calories and 5 grams of fat in a tiny packet.) Their Arby's sauce adds flavor with zero fat and only 15 calories. The nutrient tally before additions is 360 calories, 14 grams of fat, and 5 grams of saturated fat. The high sodium content may be a deal-breaker for some at 970 milligrams.

Worst Sandwiches -- Double-Fisted Diet Wreckers (2024)

FAQs

What is the healthiest fast-food sandwich to eat? ›

Eat This Not That: The Healthiest Fast Food Options
  • Burger King. Eat This: Grilled Chicken Sandwich. ...
  • McDonald's. Eat This: Grilled Chicken Wrap. ...
  • Taco Bell. Eat This: Fresco Soft Taco. ...
  • Subway. Eat This: Turkey Breast Sub. ...
  • KFC. Eat This: Grilled Chicken Breast. ...
  • Starbucks. Eat This: Spinach, Feta & Cage-Free Egg White Wrap.
Apr 19, 2024

Which is healthier, Whopper or chicken sandwich? ›

Tendergrill Chicken Sandwich

"This grilled chicken sandwich without mayo is a lower-calorie alternative to the classic Whopper. It contains fewer calories and less fat. You can customize your order to make it healthier.

What is the number 1 most unhealthy food? ›

The Top 10 Worst Foods to Eat
  • Processed meats like bacon, hot dogs, and cold cuts.
  • Sodas.
  • White bread.
  • French fries.
  • Fast food burgers.
  • Donuts.
  • Processed cheese.
  • Potato chips.

What is the unhealthiest deli meat? ›

“Fatty, processed luncheon meats like bologna, salami and pepperoni have large amounts of saturated fat and sodium, both of which have been linked to cancer, obesity and heart disease,” Zumpano shares. In fact, processed meats are actually considered carcinogenic.

What is the healthiest fast food ever? ›

  • Panda Express String Bean Chicken Breast. Panda Express. ...
  • Chick-fil-A Market Salad. Chick-fil-A. ...
  • Panera Bread Mediterranean Bowl With Chicken. ...
  • Dairy Queen Hamburger Kids' Meal. ...
  • Taco Bell Power Menu Bowl - Veggie. ...
  • Pizza Hut Veggie Lover's Pizza With Thin and Crispy Crust. ...
  • Wendy's Baked Potato and Chili. ...
  • Hardee's & Carl's Jr.
Feb 14, 2024

What is the world's healthiest sandwich? ›

Lean meats such as turkey, chicken, or grilled fish are preferable over processed meats like bacon or salami, which are often high in sodium and saturated fats. Additionally, selecting sandwiches with plenty of vegetables not only adds flavor and texture but it provides a nutritional boost.

Which sandwich at McDonald's is the healthiest? ›

McChicken. The McChicken sandwich has fewer calories and grams of fat than McDonald's Quarterpounder (which has 630 calories and 37 g of fat). Paired with apple slices, this can be a decent option to up your protein intake while at the same time not ingesting as much sodium as when you eat the other burger options.

Why are fast-food restaurants getting rid of grilled chicken sandwiches? ›

As another has said, grilled chicken takes a long time to cook and doesn't sell well. Chicken breasts are also a high food cost item, so you especially don't want to waste them. It's always been hard to keep the price at something people are willing to pay and still make a profit on them.

Is Chick Fil A Grilled Chicken Sandwich healthy for you? ›

✓ Grilled Chicken Sandwich

The grilled chicken sandwich delivers 380 calories, 11g fat, 2g saturated fat, 44g carbohydrates, 28g protein, and 755mg sodium. With a marinated boneless chicken breast, lettuce, and tomato, served on a multigrain bun, this sandwich is the most nutritious menu option overall.

Is the KFC chicken sandwich healthy? ›

Quick and portable chicken sandwiches are another popular option at KFC, though they aren't among the healthiest choices. Adding bread to already breaded and battered chicken makes KFC's sandwich options some of the highest carb items on the menu.

Is a Whopper healthier than a Big Mac? ›

Which is healthier, the Big Mac or the Whopper? Surprise: They're actually about the same. "Put these two iconic fast-food burgers head-to-head, and they come close to being neck-and-neck nutrition-wise, given the fact that the Big Mac has about 1 ounce less meat pre-cooked than the Whopper," says Walsh.

What can a diabetic eat at Burger King? ›

Top diabetes-friendly Burger King menu items
  • Egg & Cheese Croissan'wich. Burger King's Egg & Cheese Croissan'wich is a better breakfast pick for blood sugar management. ...
  • 8 Piece Chicken Fries. ...
  • Mott's Applesauce. ...
  • Soft Serve Cup.
Jun 10, 2024

What is the most unhealthiest lunch? ›

Worst Restaurant Meals
  • Ham and Cheese Omelet. 1/15. The Count: Approximately 512 calories, 37 grams of fat, 1,277 milligrams of sodium. ...
  • Chicken and Waffles. 2/15. ...
  • Bacon Double Cheeseburger. 3/15. ...
  • Baby Back Ribs (Full Rack) 4/15. ...
  • Chicken Alfredo. 5/15. ...
  • Pepperoni Stromboli. 6/15. ...
  • General Tso's Chicken. 7/15. ...
  • Beef Chimichangas. 8/15.
Mar 16, 2024

What is the most unhealthy fast food item? ›

Hardee's Fried Chicken 12 Piece and 6 Biscuits tops the list as the unhealthiest fast food item, with an eye-watering 6,490 calories. Founded in 1960, Hardee's is a staple of the American fast food world, known for its Thickburgers, hand-breaded chicken tenders, and indulgent breakfast offerings.

What makes a sandwich unhealthy? ›

March 22, 2023—A sandwich may seem like a healthy choice for lunch, but experts say that they can hide high amounts of sodium and saturated fat.

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