Fast foods, cheeseburger; single, large patty; plain
Whole food · Fast Foods
Photo: Wikipedia
A classic plain cheeseburger is a single, large beef patty topped with a slice of melted American or cheddar cheese, served on a soft sesame seed bun. Its appeal lies in the straightforward, savory satisfaction of juicy, seasoned beef and creamy, salty cheese without competing toppings. Nutritionally, it's a dense source of protein and fat, providing a quick energy boost but also a significant calorie load for its size.
Calorie split: 22% protein · 31% carbs · 46% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love the pure, umami-rich combination of savory beef and melted cheese, a comforting and nostalgic flavor profile. Its simplicity makes it a reliable, no-fuss meal that satisfies a hearty appetite quickly.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
A single large patty can be high in saturated fat and sodium, which may concern those monitoring heart health or blood pressure. The refined white bun can cause a rapid blood-sugar spike. Counteract this by pairing it with a side salad or vegetable sticks to add fiber, and consider a whole-grain bun option if available.
Key benefits
- High-quality complete protein for muscle maintenance.
- Provides essential minerals like iron, zinc, and B12.
- Quick and accessible source of energy and calories.
- Simple composition makes it a predictable, customizable base.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The term 'cheeseburger' was trademarked in 1935 by Louis Ball of the Humpty Dumpty Drive-In in Denver, Colorado.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 40.7 g |
| Energy | 310 kcal |
| Energy | 1298 kj |
| Protein | 17.3 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 16.0 g |
| Ash | 2.0 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 24.1 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 1.7 g |
| Total Sugars | 4.7 g |
| Sucrose | 0.00 g |
| Glucose | 1.6 g |
| Fructose | 1.8 g |
| Lactose | 0.76 g |
| Maltose | 0.50 g |
| Galactose | 0.00 g |
| Starch | 18.3 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 114 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 2.6 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 24.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 163 mg |
| Potassium, K | 210 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 481 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 2.8 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.10 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.26 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 19.6 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.00 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.26 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.35 mg |
| Niacin | 4.6 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.57 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.22 mg |
| Folate, total | 62.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 30.0 ug |
| Folate, food | 31.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 83.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 31.3 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 1.0 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 58.0 ug |
| Retinol | 53.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 58.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 2.0 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 275 iu |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 30.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.52 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Tocopherol, beta | 0.09 mg |
| Tocopherol, gamma | 0.67 mg |
| Tocopherol, delta | 0.17 mg |
| Tocotrienol, alpha | 0.03 mg |
| Tocotrienol, beta | 0.33 mg |
| Tocotrienol, gamma | 0.00 mg |
| Tocotrienol, delta | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 2.0 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.10 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 4.6 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 6.9 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.08 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.06 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.04 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.11 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.13 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.69 g |
| SFA 15:0 | 0.09 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 3.6 g |
| SFA 17:0 | 0.14 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 1.9 g |
| SFA 20:0 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 22:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 24:0 | 0.01 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 5.8 g |
| MUFA 14:1 | 0.12 g |
| MUFA 15:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.40 g |
| MUFA 16:1 c | 0.35 g |
| MUFA 17:1 | 0.08 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 5.1 g |
| MUFA 18:1 c | 4.6 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.05 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 c | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 24:1 c | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 1.5 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 1.3 g |
| PUFA 18:2 n-6 c,c | 1.1 g |
| PUFA 18:2 CLAs | 0.07 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.12 g |
| PUFA 18:3 n-3 c,c,c (ALA) | 0.12 g |
| PUFA 18:3 n-6 c,c,c | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 18:3i | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:2 n-6 c,c | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 20:3 | 0.02 g |
| PUFA 20:3 n-3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:3 n-6 | 0.02 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.03 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 22:4 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans | 0.63 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans-monoenoic | 0.54 g |
| TFA 16:1 t | 0.05 g |
| TFA 18:1 t | 0.49 g |
| TFA 22:1 t | 0.00 g |
| TFA 18:2 t not further defined | 0.09 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans-polyenoic | 0.09 g |
| Cholesterol | 51.0 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
| Tryptophan | 0.16 g |
| Threonine | 0.58 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.77 g |
| Leucine | 1.3 g |
| Lysine | 0.98 g |
| Methionine | 0.39 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.76 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.49 g |
| Valine | 0.88 g |
| Arginine | 0.92 g |
| Histidine | 0.49 g |
| Alanine | 0.89 g |
| Aspartic acid | 1.3 g |
| Glutamic acid | 3.8 g |
| Glycine | 0.91 g |
| Proline | 1.8 g |
| Serine | 0.72 g |
| Hydroxyproline | 0.27 g |
FAQ
How does a plain cheeseburger differ from a hamburger?
The primary difference is the addition of a slice of melted cheese on the beef patty. A plain hamburger typically contains only the patty, bun, and basic condiments like ketchup or mustard.
Is a plain cheeseburger a good post-workout meal?
It can be. The large beef patty provides ample protein for muscle repair, and the carbohydrates from the bun can help replenish glycogen stores. However, the high fat content might slow digestion for some individuals.
What's the best cheese for a classic plain cheeseburger?
American cheese is the traditional choice due to its superior melting properties and creamy, mild flavor that complements the beef. Cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack are popular alternatives for a sharper taste.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 3.10 kcal/g · 22% calories from protein · 1.7 g fiber · 4.7 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 2.29 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.