Burgers and fries are classic American comfort food. The combination of a juicy burger patty with melty cheese crispy bacon fresh veggies and a side of hot fries is hard for many to resist. However, this popular meal is often high in calories, fat and sodium.
If you are watching your weight or have certain dietary restrictions, you may be wondering exactly how many calories are in a typical bacon cheeseburger with fries from a restaurant In this article, we will break down the calorie count and nutrition information so you can make an informed decision when indulging in this tasty treat
Calorie Range for a Bacon Cheeseburger with Fries
The number of calories in a bacon cheeseburger with fries can vary significantly depending on the restaurant and specific ingredients. Here is an overview of the typical calorie range:
- Fast food bacon cheeseburgers with fries: 800-1500 calories
- Casual dining restaurant bacon cheeseburgers with fries: 1000-1600 calories
- Gourmet burger restaurant bacon cheeseburgers with fries: 1300-2000+ calories
As you can see, a bacon cheeseburger with fries meal can pack a hefty caloric punch, with most options supplying well over half of the daily recommended 2000 calories for an average adult
Extra large burgers, higher fat meats like angus beef, avocado, specialty sauces, fried onions, and larger portion fries can all drive up the calories. Going bun-less or swapping fries for a side salad will lower the numbers.
Breakdown of an Average Bacon Cheeseburger with Fries
To get a better idea of the typical nutrition numbers, let’s look at a specific example:
An average bacon cheeseburger with fries from a casual dining chain like Applebee’s contains approximately:
- 1320 calories
- 104g carbs
- 85g fat
- 56g protein
For the burger alone:
- 890 calories
- 71g carbs
- 59g fat
- 43g protein
And for the fries:
- 430 calories
- 33g carbs
- 26g fat
- 3g protein
As you can see, both the burger and fries are high in fat and calories. The burger supplies nearly half the calories, while the fries add another 430.
Nutrients and Ingredients Adding Calories
What gives this popular meal such a high calorie count? Here are the main contributing factors:
The Burger Bun
- The refined white flour bun adds roughly 200 calories.
Beef Patty
- The large 4-8 oz beef patty provides 150-300 calories depending on size. It also contains saturated fat.
Cheese
- Cheese slices add 50-100 calories and more saturated fat. Common cheeses used are American, cheddar or Swiss.
Bacon
- 2-3 strips of bacon can add 150-200 calories and nitrates.
Condiments
- Ketchup, mayo, and other condiments add 100-200 calories. Specialty sauces even more.
Fries
- A large serving of fried potatoes cooked in oil contributes 400-500 calories on average.
Beverage
- A 20oz soda, milkshake or alcoholic drink can add 200-800+ calories.
When all these high calorie ingredients are combined into one meal, it really adds up! Even just the burger or fries alone are pretty substantial in calories.
Health Concerns of Bacon Cheeseburgers and Fries
Beyond just calories, bacon cheeseburgers and fries can also be high in:
- Saturated fat
- Sodium
- Nitrates from processed meat
- Refined carbs
- Low fiber
- High glycemic load
Frequent consumption is linked to increased risk of:
- Obesity
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
- Certain cancers
For optimal health, this type of meal should be limited to only occasional intake as part of an overall balanced diet. Those with certain medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure may need to restrict intake even further.
Tips for Lightening Up Your Bacon Cheeseburger and Fries
If you want to enjoy a bacon cheeseburger and fries while reducing the calorie load, here are some simple tips:
- Choose a smaller sized burger patty or kid’s meal burger.
- Skip the bacon or choose turkey bacon.
- Pick whole grain bun or lettuce wrap instead of white flour bun.
- Limit condiments and sauces or ask for them on the side.
- Select a side salad instead of fries.
- Opt for baked fries or sweet potato fries over regular fried.
- Share the fries or just eat half.
- Swap soda, shakes and alcohol for unsweetened iced tea, water with lemon or seltzer.
- Watch portion sizes and avoid supersizing meals.
While these swaps can help reduce calories, sodium, saturated fat and refined carbs, the meal still needs to be consumed in moderation for health. Homemade burgers and oven-baked fries are an even healthier option.
The Bottom Line
So how many calories are in a bacon cheeseburger with fries? On average, expect around 1300 calories or more depending on the restaurant. A large fast food version can supply over 1500 calories, while gourmet burgers with higher fat meats and toppings can exceed 2000 calories.
The refined flour bun, meaty burger patty, bacon, cheese, fries cooked in oil and caloric condiments all contribute substantial calories and fat. This popular meal should be limited to occasional intake, and lighter preparation options chosen to reduce health risks.