WASHINGTON, D.C. — A new analysis by dietitians with the nonprofit Cancer Project has named the top five most unhealthful quick-service value menu items. The report found that most items on value menus are high in fat, saturated fat, calories and cholesterol, and many also contain processed meats and grilled meats, which are linked to increased cancer risk.
The "Cheap Eats for Hard Times: The Five Most Unhealthful Fast Food Value Menu Items" rankings include:
- Jack in the Box's Junior Bacon Cheeseburger costs $1 and has 400 calories, 23 grams of fat, 8 grams of saturated fat, 1 gram of trans fat, 55 milligrams of cholesterol, 860 milligrams of sodium, 1 gram of fiber, processed meat, grilled beef and high-fat dairy.
- Taco Bell's Cheesy Double Beef Burrito costs 89 cents and has 460 calories, 20 grams of fat, 7 grams of saturated fat, 1.5 grams of trans fat, 40 milligrams of cholesterol, 1,620 milligrams of sodium, 5 grams of fiber, processed meat and high-fat dairy.
- Burger King's Breakfast Sausage Biscuit costs $1 and has 420 calories, 27 grams of fat, 15 grams of saturated fat, 0.5 gram trans fat, 35 milligrams of cholesterol, 1,090 milligrams of sodium, 1 gram of fiber and processed meat.
- McDonald's new McDouble costs $1 and has 390 calories, 19 grams of fat, 8 grams of saturated fat, 1 gram of trans fat, 65 milligrams of cholesterol, 920 milligrams of sodium, 2 grams of fiber and high-fat dairy.
- Wendy's Junior Bacon Cheeseburger costs $1.53 and has 310 calories, 16 grams of fat, 6 grams of saturated fat, 0.5 gram of trans fat, 50 milligrams of cholesterol, 670 milligrams of sodium, 1 gram of fiber, processed meat and high-fat dairy.
To compile the report, Cancer Project dietitians reviewed nutrition information for items on the value menus of five national QSR chains. The five most unhealthful items were ranked from worst to least bad.
The report did suggest some affordable, healthful alternatives, such as Burger King's BK Veggie, which offers a low-fat, low-cholesterol option that costs only 90 cents more than the Whopper Jr., and Taco Bell's bean burrito without cheese, which costs 99 cents and contains no cholesterol and very little fat.
The Los Angeles Times reported that Jack in the Box spokesman Brian Luscomb said its burger was a "great value for guests looking for a flavorful meal, but if you are looking for something else there are plenty of other great items on our value menu to choose from," including a chicken sandwich and a salad.
