Whole food · Fast Foods

Photo: Wikipedia
A large, single-patty hamburger with condiments is a classic fast-food staple, offering a savory, juicy bite from the beef patty complemented by the tangy, sweet notes of ketchup, mustard, and pickles. Nutritionally, it provides a moderate protein source (15.68g per 100g) with a significant carbohydrate load (22.14g) and a notable fat content (11.6g), making it a calorie-dense meal option. Its texture is a satisfying mix of soft bun, tender meat, and crisp vegetable toppings, delivering a familiar and comforting eating experience.
People love the hamburger for its iconic, savory flavor profile that combines umami-rich beef with the bright, acidic kick of condiments. Its cultural significance as a symbol of American fast food and its adaptability to personal preferences make it a universally appealing comfort food.
The high sodium content and refined carbohydrates in the bun can contribute to blood-sugar spikes and are a concern for those managing hypertension or diabetes. To counteract this, opt for a smaller portion, choose a whole-grain bun if available, and pair the meal with a side of non-starchy vegetables to add fiber and slow digestion.
The hamburger's name is often linked to the German city of Hamburg, where a similar minced beef dish was popular in the 19th century, but the modern sandwich format was likely perfected in the United States.
| Water | 48.8 g |
| Energy | 256 kcal |
| Energy | 1070 kj |
| Protein | 15.7 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 11.6 g |
| Ash | 1.8 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 22.1 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 1.1 g |
| Total Sugars | 3.7 g |
| Sucrose | 0.15 g |
| Glucose | 1.1 g |
| Fructose | 1.9 g |
| Lactose | 0.15 g |
| Maltose | 0.37 g |
| Starch | 14.9 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 87.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 1.7 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 24.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 121 mg |
| Potassium, K | 225 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 374 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 3.0 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.10 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.19 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 24.8 ug |
| Fluoride, F | 28.0 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.30 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.16 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.20 mg |
| Niacin | 4.7 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.39 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.15 mg |
| Folate, total | 22.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 13.0 ug |
| Folate, food | 9.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 31.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 33.3 mg |
| Betaine | 21.8 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 1.7 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 2.0 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 26.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 1.0 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 2.0 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 45.0 iu |
| Lycopene | 668 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 21.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.06 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Tocopherol, beta | 1.1 mg |
| Tocopherol, gamma | 0.13 mg |
| Tocopherol, delta | 0.02 mg |
| Tocotrienol, beta | 0.00 mg |
| Tocotrienol, gamma | 0.00 mg |
| Tocotrienol, delta | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3), International Units | 4.0 iu |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.10 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 5.0 ug |
| Vitamin K (Dihydrophylloquinone) | 0.00 ug |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 4.8 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.35 g |
| SFA 15:0 | 0.05 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 2.7 g |
| SFA 17:0 | 0.11 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 1.5 g |
| SFA 20:0 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 22:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 24:0 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 5.4 g |
| MUFA 14:1 | 0.10 g |
| MUFA 15:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.44 g |
| MUFA 17:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 4.8 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.04 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 1.2 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 1.00 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.10 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.06 g |
| PUFA 20:2 n-6 c,c | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.02 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 40.0 mg |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Is a hamburger a good source of protein?
Yes, a single-patty hamburger provides a decent amount of protein (about 15.68g per 100g), which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
How can I make a hamburger healthier?
You can make it healthier by using a lean beef patty, opting for a whole-grain bun, adding plenty of vegetables like lettuce and tomatoes, and choosing low-sugar condiments.
What are the main nutritional concerns with fast-food hamburgers?
The main concerns are high sodium, refined carbohydrates, and saturated fat, which can impact heart health and blood sugar levels if consumed frequently.