We as a society are becoming more and more curious (and aware) of what exactly is in our food. With a focus on better ingredients, there’s more of a want for even our quickest and cheapest food options to be of good quality.

So many of us these days are just busy and on the move. From lugging kids to school and practice to family road trips, many times we find ourselves having to grab some grub on the go. That brings us to our next observation. So what are the better options when it comes to fast food?

Let’s take a look at the classic choice–the burger. We’re not just looking at popularity of burger chains, but the actual quality of the burgers served. We looked at recent articles from The Takeout, a food site that claims to provide expert-level analysis and observation, and AOL to determine the highest and lowest quality fast-food burgers in 2024.

What’s the difference between a high and low quality fast food burger?
According to Google AI, a high-quality fast food burger will usually use a better quality, and better-sourced beef. It’ll also be prepared with less fillers, fresh toppings, and maybe even more attention to detail. A low-quality burger will be the opposite. It’ll have cheaper, processed meat, and less fresh toppings. Also there would be less focus on flavor and presentation and more attention to being mass-produced.

Highest (and Lowest) Quality Fast Food Burgers
A look at the highest and lowest quality fast-food burgers in 2024.

HIGH: In-N-Out
No surprise people wait hours for this one. It’s quality comes from them not freezing, pre-packaging, or microwaving their food. Plus, they control the entire process. They hand make each patty (remove bones, grind meat, smash) using only fresh, individually inspected, whole chucks from premium cattle. The patties are made up of 100% USDA ground chuck — free of additives, fillers and preservatives. Once that’s complete they deliver them from their patty-making facilities to stores.

LOW: Dairy Queen
While it doesn’t contain fillers, all they say is “ground beef patty.” They aren’t bragging about any USDA grades, which is likely in indicator that there isn’t anything to brag about when it comes to quality.

HIGH: Shake Shack
They use 100% all Angus beef patties with no anitbiotics or hormones ever. Plus, they source their ingredients “in strict accordance with our industry-leading animal welfare practices.”

LOW: McDonald’s
While the chain is wildly popular, the quality of the product is sub-par partially due to the demands of mass production. They freeze their burgers as it takes 2-3 weeks to get from the processing facility to a storefront. The Takeout reports that they get their beef from a company which quietly supplies protein for high-volume producers, and that they haven’t mentioned if antibiotics are used or not.

HIGH: Smashburger
They source their beef from local family-owned farms throughout the U.S. so they don’t have to freeze it. A fresher product with solid toppings.

LOW: Burger King
While they use real beef (no additives, fillers) they don’t mention where they get it, the farming practices used, or its USDA grade. Their patties most likely are frozen to make the long trip from overseas sources.

HIGH: Wendy’s
“Fresh, never frozen” is true and burgers are made to order. They partner with high-quality suppliers and source responsibly.

LOW: Sonic
Claim to be a “100% pure seasoned beef patty,” but no mention of fillers or a USDA pedigree. Again, likely poor quality, treated beef.

HIGH: MooYah
Another chain that prides itself on never-frozen and certified Angus beef. That’s fresh!

LOW: White Castle
A late night favorite, but even one look at it would tell you it’s not the highest quality beef.

HIGH: BurgerFi
Made with 100% American Angus beef that’s free of antibiotics, steroids, growth hormones, chemicals, and additives. Plus, fresh ingredients from top-suppliers around the country.

LOW: Jack in the Box
This favorite made the low list. Although, it’s a popular spot for hungry late night visitors. The company hasn’t disclosed where or how their meat is processed. The Takeout reports that its ingredients list reveals that Jack in the Box uses two kinds of patties. One of whic, the quarter-pound “Signature” patty, that’s loaded with fillers, chemicals, and modifiers including salt, and a bunch of other stuff.

HIGH: Culver’s
Another always fresh, never-frozen patty (we’re seeing a trend here). Plus, it’s always seared after you order.

MrBeast Burger
This crumbly burger didn’t impress when it comes to quality. Also, being a virtual dining concept, it’s hard to control quality/consistency.

HIGH: Habit Burger Grill
Freshly chargrilled burgers that pack some big flavor.
If you’re looking for a better quality burger option when you’re in a rush, it might be good to keep these on your go-to list for to gos.

Source https://tasteofcountry.com/ixp/341/p/fast-food-burger-qualities/

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