Which Fast Food Restaurant Is Healthier: McDonald's or Burger King?

Which Fast Food Restaurant is Healthier: McDonald's or Burger King?

McDonald's and Burger King are two of the most famous restaurants in the world, and both create debates on who has healthier food. It is a known fact that neither restaurant is the healthiest option if you are attempting to live a healthy lifestyle. While the foods both restaurants offer taste somewhat the same, the nutritional value can vary greatly. To help you decide where your next fast food meal will take place, we will take a detailed look at 5 common foods both restaurants offer. We will compare the calories, fat, protein, carbohydrates and sodium to help you choose where the best option will be for you and your family.

When selecting French Fries, most people pick which one tastes better to them. Before you seek out that hot, crispy, salty goodness, take into consideration the differences for both McDonald's French Fries and Burger King's French Fries. For a medium order of French Fries from McDonald's, you will absorb 380 calories, 13 grams of fat, 2 grams of protein, 30 grams of carbohydrates and 270 milligrams of sodium (McDonald's, 2012). At the same token, for the same-sized order of French Fries at Burger King, you will absorb 400 calories, 20 grams of fat, 5 grams of protein, 43 grams of carbohydrates and a massive 590 milligrams of sodium (Burger King, 2012). Burger King's French Fries may have the higher amount of protein, but they also have an outrageous level of sodium. The fact is, McDonald's French Fries are lower in calories, fat, carbohydrates and sodium. Ultimately, McDonald's is by far, the best choice when selecting French Fries.

There is no question that Burger King's most popular menu item is the Whopper, and McDonald's is the Big Mac. You may crave that cheesy, saucy burger, but before you sink your teeth into one, you may want to consider the nutritional value between the two. Burger King's juicy Whopper includes 670 calories, 39 grams of fat, 27 grams of protein, 51 grams of carbohydrates and a whopping 1020 milligrams of sodium (Burger King, 2012). On the other hand, the scrumptious Big Mac contains 540 calories, 29 grams of fat, 25 grams of protein, 45 grams of carbohydrates and an astounding 1040 milligrams of sodium (McDonald's, 2012). While the Whopper is a little higher in both sodium and protein, the Big Mac is less in fat, calories and carbohydrates. All things measured, the Big Mac definitely is the best option between the two sandwiches.

Most of us love the crispy, tenderness of Burger King's Chicken Tenders and McDonald's Chicken McNuggets. The next time you are craving that crispy, chicken juiciness, here is what you should ponder before you go on your chicken run. Burger King's Chicken Tenders has 340 calories, 18 grams of fat, 22 grams of protein, 20 grams of carbohydrates and 600 milligrams of sodium (Burger King, 2012). Liken that to McDonald's Chicken McNuggets, which has 340 calories, 20 grams of fat, 20 grams of protein, 20 grams of carbohydrates and 400 grams of sodium (McDonald's, 2012). In essence, Burger King's Chicken Tenders ties McDonald's Chicken McNuggets in calories and carbohydrates, yet the other nutritional values are equal, except Burger King has a higher sodium level. Generally speaking, Burger King's