Hamburger, from fast food, 1 small patty
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
A small, single-patty hamburger from a fast-food chain is a compact, savory sandwich built around a seasoned beef patty, a soft, slightly sweet bun, and classic condiments. It delivers a satisfying combination of a juicy, umami-rich meat center with the soft, yielding texture of the bun and a crisp, fresh bite from lettuce and pickle. Nutritionally, it's a dense source of protein and calories, providing a quick energy boost in a familiar, handheld package.
💚 Why it's loved
People love it for the iconic, craveable flavor combination of savory beef, melted cheese, tangy pickles, and sweet ketchup, all held together by a soft bun. It's a symbol of convenience, affordability, and a universally recognized comfort food that fits into countless casual eating occasions.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The combination of refined carbohydrates, saturated fat, and often high sodium can contribute to blood-sugar spikes and is a concern for those managing heart health or hypertension. To counteract, pair it with a side salad or vegetables for fiber, opt for a single patty instead of double, and choose water or unsweetened tea over sugary sodas.
Key benefits
- High-quality protein source for muscle maintenance
- Convenient, calorie-dense energy source
- Contains essential minerals like iron and zinc from beef
- Familiar comfort food for quick satiety
- Often fortified with B vitamins in the bun
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The term 'hamburger' likely derives from Hamburg, Germany, where a similar style of minced beef steak was popular, but the sandwich as we know it was perfected in the United States in the early 20th century.
Full nutrition (scales with serving)
| Water | 42.8 g |
| Energy | 285 kcal |
| Protein | 15.5 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 11.7 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 28.3 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 1.0 g |
| Total Sugars | 4.1 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 86.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 3.0 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 21.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 132 mg |
| Potassium, K | 201 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 396 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 2.5 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.10 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 24.7 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.70 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.32 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.24 mg |
| Niacin | 4.7 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.22 mg |
| Folate, total | 62.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 30.0 ug |
| Folate, food | 32.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 83.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 40.6 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 1.3 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 3.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.15 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.10 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 3.7 ug |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 4.3 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 | 0.31 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 2.4 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 1.3 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 4.5 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.31 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 4.1 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.03 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 1.3 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 1.2 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.12 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 36.0 mg |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
FAQ
Is a small fast-food hamburger a good source of protein?
Yes, for its size, it's quite protein-dense. A typical small patty provides around 12-15 grams of high-quality complete protein, essential for muscle repair and satiety.
How does the nutritional profile change with different buns or toppings?
A whole-wheat bun adds fiber and nutrients. Skipping high-sugar sauces like ketchup and adding extra vegetables like lettuce, tomato, and onion can improve the micronutrient and fiber content without significantly increasing calories.
What's the main difference between a 'hamburger' and a 'cheeseburger'?
Nutritionally, the primary difference is the addition of a slice of cheese, which adds about 50-80 calories, 4-7 grams of fat, and a significant amount of calcium and sodium.