13 Healthiest Fast-Food Cheeseburgers, According to a Dietitian

Fast food is a staple in the lives of many Americans. Between busy schedules, long commutes, and the sheer convenience of drive-thrus, it's no wonder that so many people lean on fast food for their meals. And for many, nothing hits the spot quite like a classic cheeseburger.

But what if you're trying to be a little more mindful of your health but you lean on fast food for your meal? We're here to help you make informed choices without sacrificing flavor or convenience. While we wouldn't recommend living on cheeseburgers alone, indulging in the occasional American classic when you're in a pinch is totally manageable.

To create this list of the 15 healthiest fast food cheeseburgers, we set some specific criteria. We focused on factors like calorie count, saturated fat, sodium levels, and protein content—not to mention how satisfying that first bite feels (because taste matters, too). We wanted options you could grab without feeling like you've just handed over your health goals at the checkout counter. Think of these picks as the slightly more responsible cousins of your typical fast-food burgers. Yes, they're still cheeseburgers, and yes, they're still indulgent, but the goal was to find balance.

Of course, choosing a healthier cheeseburger is a step in the right direction, but don't forget—it's all about the big picture. Pair that burger with a side salad or some apple slices instead of supersized fries and super gulp soda for a more balanced meal. It's all about the little swaps that help you enjoy fast food without the foodie guilt trip.

Dairy Queen Cheeseburger

One surprising candidate for a healthier fast food cheeseburger is the Dairy Queen Cheeseburger. It boasts a reasonable calorie count compared to some of its competitors, coming in at around 400 calories, making it a more moderate choice. Additionally, the protein content is solid, providing a good balance to keep you feeling full for longer. However, it's important to note that the sodium content is nearly 1,000 mg, which is something to watch for, especially if you're managing high blood pressure. While it's a decent option from a calorie and protein perspective, pairing it with a low-sodium side or focusing on your overall sodium intake throughout the day is key to making it a smarter choice.

Wendy's Jr. Cheeseburger

Wendy's Jr. Cheeseburger features a juicy, fresh beef patty topped with a slice of melted American cheese, crunchy pickles, and onions, all nestled between a soft, toasted bun. What makes Wendy's Jr. Cheeseburger a healthier choice compared to other fast-food options is its moderate portion size. With its balanced amount of protein, carbohydrates, and essential nutrients, the cheeseburger provides a satisfying meal without excessive calories. Additionally, Wendy's commitment to sourcing fresh, never-frozen beef ensures that the burger is tasty and aligns with a more health-conscious approach to fast food.

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McDonald's Regular Cheeseburger (Single)

The McDonald's regular single cheeseburger is a classic fast-food staple. This sandwich features a juicy, seasoned beef patty topped with a slice of melted American cheese, tangy pickles, chopped onions, ketchup, and mustard, all nestled between a soft, toasted bun. This burger clocks in at 300 calories and provides a whopping 15 grams of protein. The portion size of a McDonald's cheeseburger is smaller than many other fast-food items like triple-stacked burgers or large sandwiches, which helps with portion control and reducing overall caloric intake. McDonald's has also made efforts to improve the quality of its ingredients over the years, using 100% pure beef without fillers and no artificial preservatives in their cheese.

Freddy's Veggie Burger with Cheese

Freddy's Veggie Burger with Cheese stands out as a healthy fast food cheeseburger choice, particularly for its impressive fiber content, offering 10 grams per serving. Fiber is essential for digestive health and supports feelings of fullness, making it easier to resist overeating. Additionally, the burger is made with a plant-based patty, which typically contains less saturated fat compared to traditional beef patties, contributing to better heart health. Paired with the cheesy topping, it delivers a satisfying and flavorful experience without going overboard on calories or compromising nutritional value. Order this burger sans Thousand Island dressing to reduce the fat and calorie content of this sandwich.

Shake Shack Cheeseburger

The Shake Shack cheeseburger is a perfect example of American comfort food at its finest. This burger boasts an Angus beef patty topped with a generous slice of cheese and your choice of toppings on a toasted potato bun.

The Shake Shack cheeseburger can be considered a healthier choice for several reasons. Firstly, Shake Shack emphasizes using high-quality, fresh ingredients, such as 100% all-natural Angus beef free from hormones and antibiotics. Additionally, the cheeseburgers are cooked to order, which helps retain the meat's natural flavors and nutrients.

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In-N-Out Cheeseburger with Onion, Protein Style

The beloved fast-food joint of celebs and California tourists offers a burger that can be a healthier choice than many of its other menu offerings. In-N-Out uses fresh, high-quality ingredients—the beef is free of additives and preservatives, and the vegetables, including the onions, are always fresh, never frozen. Eating fresh produce and quality meat can be part of a balanced diet.

Additionally, the simple ingredient list and absence of artificial additives make it a cleaner option for those looking to avoid overly processed foods.

Finally, customizing your cheeseburger to make it Protein Style will substitute the bun with a lettuce wrap, which can significantly reduce calorie and carbohydrate intake, aligning better with specific dietary preferences or restrictions. At less than 300 calories per burger, it's a better choice for those watching their caloric intake.

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White Castle Cheese Slider

The White Castle Cheese Slider is a bite-sized delight renowned for its unique taste and convenience. This iconic slider features a perfectly steamed, juicy beef patty cooked on a bed of onions, allowing the flavors to infuse into the meat. The patty is then topped with a slice of American cheese.

The White Castle Cheese Slider can be a surprisingly viable choice when considering healthier fast-food options. These sliders are smaller, making portion control more manageable than larger burgers. Additionally, White Castle uses 100% beef, free from additives and fillers, ensuring a more natural protein source. The cheese adds calcium, and the onions provide vitamins and fiber.

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Whataburger—For The Kids Burger with slice of cheese

Whataburger's Justaburger from the kids' menu, with an added slice of cheese, is another solid option for a healthier fast food choice. Don't overlook the kids' menu when seeking smaller portion sizes, as they often provide just the right amount of food without unnecessary extras. The Justaburger's smaller patty and controlled portion help keep calories and fat in check, while still offering a good source of protein to keep you satisfied. Adding cheese enhances the flavor and adds a bit of calcium for bone health. For those looking to prioritize moderation and nutrition, this scaled-down burger is a smart pick.

Five Guys Little Cheeseburger

The Five Guys Little Cheeseburger comprises a hand-formed beef patty nestled between a soft, toasted sesame seed bun. Melted American cheese layers each patty, adding a creamy, flavorful richness. Customization is key at Five Guys, allowing customers to personalize their cheeseburger with various fresh toppings, such as crispy lettuce, ripe tomatoes, crunchy pickles, grilled onions, and an array of sauces. This customization enables diners to add nutrient-rich vegetables to their meal. Furthermore, Five Guys cook their burgers on the spot, which means no heat lamps or microwaves are involved, helping to maintain the nutritional integrity of the ingredients.

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Jack in the Box Jr. Cheeseburger

The Jack in the Box Jr. Cheeseburger is a classic fast-food delight that satisfies cravings for a hearty, delicious meal. This burger features a juicy beef patty, topped with a slice of melted American cheese. Nestled between a soft, toasted bun, the 100% beef burger is complemented by melty American cheese, one pickle, ketchup, and mustard on a toasted buttery bakery bun.

This burger contains a modest calorie count compared to other fast-food offerings, helping those who are mindful of their caloric intake. The cheeseburger also provides a balanced mix of macronutrients, offering protein from the beef patty, essential for muscle repair and growth.

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Hardee's Mushroom and Swiss Single

Hardee's Mushroom and Swiss Single features a Quarter Pound 100% Angus beef patty topped with melted Swiss and finished with mushroom sauce, all served on a perfectly toasted potato bun. While this burger is loaded with sodium and has a significant amount of saturated fat, it is lower in calories than many of the other Hardees offerings. It also contains some fiber and a boost of protein, which can help promote satiety, possibly helping combat hunger pangs. This burger's sodium and saturated fat are relatively high, so if you are focused on your heart health, this one may be an option to skip.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

Sonic Quarter Pound Double Cheeseburger

Surprisingly, this double cheeseburger is one of the "better for you" choices at this restaurant, using the term "better for you" as a relative one. This Sonic Cheeseburger is a classic American favorite that combines savory flavors with hearty ingredients. It starts with two beef patties with two slices of American cheese, pickles, ketchup, and mustard on a toasted bun.

Again, this burger's calories, sodium, and saturated fat make it a less-than-stellar choice for people focused on their heart health. But this sandwich does clock in at a lot less than 1,000 calories, making it a better choice when compared to other options on the Sonic menu.

Checker's All American Cheeseburger

Checkers' Cheeseburger features a hamburger patty, topped with cheese, pickles, ketchup and mustard, all on a sesame seed bun.

This cheeseburger is relatively lower in calories and saturated fat than other options. However, it does offer a boost of sodium, clocking in at over 1,000 calories per sandwich, making it another cheeseburger you should limit or avoid if you are focused on heart health.