Score a First Look at McDonald's New Gourmet Burgers (Including Guac!)
McDonald's is trying to shake up Shake Shack…and Five Guys, and Burger King, and Wendy's, and Red Robin, and the whole burger world. Today, the fast food chain will begin selling a new series of premium burgers they call Signature Crafted. "We're celebrating the people who step through our front doors every day, inspiring us to create bold new flavors made up of authentic, premium ingredients," says the company, which proudly features real Haas avocados, additive-free meats and creative combos in the new line. Each one goes for about $5.
Eat This, Not That! researchers scored a first-look at the three burgers—Pico Guacamole, Sweet BBQ Bacon and Maple Bacon Dijon—and here's what they found inside. And speaking of Mickey D's, click here to see why We're Shocked McDonald's Just Axed This Menu Item!
Maple Bacon Dijon with Artisan Grilled Chicken
Says McDonald's: "Layered with thick-cut Applewood smoked bacon sprinkled with sweet maple seasoning, creamy dijon sauce, grilled onions, smooth white cheddar, and crisp leaf lettuce. On a grilled chicken breast made with 100% chicken breast filet. Choose an artisan roll or sesame seed bun."
Says Eat This, Not That!: Of all the new burgers, this one has the highest sodium count, with 3/4 a day's recommended allowance in one meal. At least save yourself a few milligrams of salt—and a few calories—by ordering this on the sesame seed bun.
Nutrition:
On the Artisan Roll: 550 calories, 21 g fat (8 g saturated), 1,890 mg sodium, 14 g sugar, 48 g protein
On the Sesame Seed Bun: 530 calories, 21 g fat (7 g saturated), 1,800 mg sodium, 10 g sugar, 46 g protein
Pico Guacamole with Artisan Grilled Chicken
Says McDonald's: "Layered with guacamole made with real Haas avocados; freshly prepared Pico de Gallo made with Roma tomatoes, onions, and the flavors of lime and cilantro; creamy buttermilk ranch sauce; smooth white cheddar; and crisp leaf lettuce. On a grilled chicken breast made with 100% chicken breast filet. Choose an artisan roll or sesame seed bun."
Says Eat This, Not That!: A scoop of guacamole may be one of the most effective hunger-squashers known to man. In a study published in Nutrition Journal, participants who ate half a fresh avocado with lunch reported a 40 percent decreased desire to eat for hours afterward.
Nutrition:
On the Artisan Roll: 550 calories, 20 g fat (7 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat), 1,320 mg sodium, 49 g carbs (4 g fiber, 12 g sugar), 43 g protein
On the Sesame Seed Bun: 470 calories, 18 g fat (5 g saturated, 0 g trams fat), 1,450 mg sodium, 40 g carbs (3 g fiber, 7 g sugar), 38 g protein
Sweet BBQ Bacon with 100% Pure Beef ¼ Lb Patty
Says McDonald's: "Layered with sweet onion BBQ sauce, thick-cut Applewood smoked bacon, grilled and crispy onions and smooth white cheddar. On a quarter pound of 100% pure beef with absolutely no fillers, additives or preservatives. Choose an artisan roll or sesame seed bun."
Says Eat This, Not That!: With the highest calorie count of the three new burgers, the Sweet BBQ bacon isn't "sweet"—but we do applaud McDonald's for using preservative-free meat.
Nutrition:
On the Artisan Roll: 750 calories, 38 g fat (15 g saturated fat, 1.5 g trans fat), 1,400 mg sodium, 62 g carbs (4 g fiber, 18 g sugar), 40 g protein
On the Sesame Seed Bun: 700 calories, 38 g fat (14 g saturated, 1.5 g trans fat), 1,310 mg sodium, 52 g carbs (3 g fiber, 14 g sugar), 38 g protein
The Frork!
To accompany the Signature Crafted burgers, Mickey D's also debuted the Frork, a fork with french fries as prongs, to sop up any spills. The "unnecessarily superfluous utensil" is more marketing gimmick than useful tool. "While the Frork is supremely superfluous, it shows that McDonald's is willing to do whatever it takes to help [visitors] enjoy every last bite." If you think a french fry fork sounds unhealthy, don't miss our essential list of The 50 Unhealthiest Foods on the Planet!
