A study conducted by Pricelisto (via KHOU 11) has named the five healthiest fast food chains.
To tabulate the results, surveyors examined the total carbohydrates; fats; fibers; proteins; sodium; and sugars contained in an average menu item at the 20 chains examined. Each was then assigned a score out of 100, though it should be said none of the participants came close to that superlative.
In terms of the healthiest fast food options, Chipotle took top honors with a score of 66.71 out of 100. An average menu item at Chipotle contains 320 calories. Each 100 calories contain 0.67 total fat and “only” 11.7mg of sodium. Perhaps surprisingly, Burger King came in second—and it was the only burger chain to break into the top five. It scored 65.38, with an average item containing 467 calories, and 0.57 total fat and 7.9 mg of sodium per 100 calories.
Chick-Fil-A squeaked in just behind BK with a score of 64.99. Though the chicken-centric chain actually boasted a lower average calorie count, the average amount of total fat (0.74) and sodium (14 mg) in their items exceeded the King.
In fourth position is Panera, somewhat ironic considering its notoriously unhealthy “charged” lemonade which caught the attention of the FDA. It received a score of 64.91. Though Panera’s average calorie count is comparatively high at 565.5, the chain boasts significantly lower amounts of total fat (0.42) and sodium (11.42 mg). Coming in fifth is fast food legend KFC, which scored 64.82 with an average calorie count of 548 calories. The average item contains 0.66 total fat and 9.51mg of sodium.
Rounding out the top 10 were Taco Bell at number six (64.23 out of 100); Panda Express (63.7); McDonald’s (63); Jimmy John’s (62.82); and Whataburger (62.64).
