WENDY'S, Jr. Hamburger, with cheese
Whole food · Fast Foods
Photo: Wikipedia
A classic fast-food staple, the Wendy's Jr. Hamburger with Cheese is a compact, savory patty nestled in a soft, toasted bun. It delivers a satisfying, beefy flavor with a mild, creamy cheese melt and a soft, slightly steamed texture. Nutritionally, it's a moderate-calorie option that provides a solid protein boost for its size.
Calorie split: 20% protein · 39% carbs · 40% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love it for its reliable, comforting flavor profile—the savory beef, melted American cheese, and soft bun create a nostalgic, satisfying bite. Its smaller size makes it a versatile choice for a light lunch, a snack, or part of a larger meal with sides.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The sodium content can be high, which may be a concern for those monitoring salt intake. The refined white bun and lack of fiber can lead to quicker blood-sugar spikes. To counteract, pair it with a side salad or apple slices for fiber, and drink water instead of a sugary soda.
Key benefits
- Good source of protein (13g) for muscle maintenance
- Moderate calorie count (256 kcal) for a quick meal
- Contains calcium from the cheese
- Convenient and widely available
- Provides quick energy from carbohydrates
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
Wendy's was the first major fast-food chain to offer a hamburger made with fresh, never-frozen beef, a distinction the Jr. Hamburger with Cheese carries on.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 48.1 g |
| Energy | 256 kcal |
| Energy | 1070 kj |
| Protein | 13.1 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 11.5 g |
| Ash | 2.4 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 25.0 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 1.4 g |
| Sucrose | 0.00 g |
| Glucose | 2.1 g |
| Fructose | 2.2 g |
| Lactose | 0.23 g |
| Maltose | 0.15 g |
| Starch | 16.6 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 92.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 2.8 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 22.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 134 mg |
| Potassium, K | 178 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 660 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 2.2 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.11 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.24 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 21.9 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.60 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.36 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.17 mg |
| Niacin | 3.1 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.30 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.96 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 1.3 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 4.2 ug |
| Vitamin K (Dihydrophylloquinone) | 0.00 ug |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 5.2 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.10 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.07 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.04 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.08 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.10 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.48 g |
| SFA 15:0 | 0.06 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 2.7 g |
| SFA 17:0 | 0.11 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 1.4 g |
| SFA 20:0 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 22:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 24:0 | 0.01 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 4.4 g |
| MUFA 14:1 | 0.08 g |
| MUFA 15:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.38 g |
| MUFA 16:1 c | 0.34 g |
| MUFA 17:1 | 0.04 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 3.9 g |
| MUFA 18:1 c | 3.5 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.03 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.01 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 1.2 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 1.0 g |
| PUFA 18:2 n-6 c,c | 0.96 g |
| PUFA 18:2 i | 0.05 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.12 g |
| PUFA 18:3 n-3 c,c,c (ALA) | 0.12 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.03 g |
| PUFA 20:2 n-6 c,c | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:3 n-6 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.02 g |
| PUFA 20:4 n-6 | 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 |
| Fatty acids, total trans | 0.47 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans-monoenoic | 0.42 g |
| TFA 16:1 t | 0.04 g |
| TFA 18:1 t | 0.39 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans-polyenoic | 0.05 g |
| Cholesterol | 36.0 mg |
Amino acid profile (per 100g)
| Tryptophan | 0.13 g |
| Threonine | 0.44 g |
| Isoleucine | 0.48 g |
| Leucine | 0.87 g |
| Lysine | 0.70 g |
| Methionine | 0.25 g |
| Cystine | 0.16 g |
| Phenylalanine | 0.50 g |
| Tyrosine | 0.26 g |
| Valine | 0.55 g |
| Arginine | 0.58 g |
| Histidine | 0.30 g |
| Alanine | 0.59 g |
| Aspartic acid | 0.92 g |
| Glutamic acid | 2.5 g |
| Glycine | 0.65 g |
| Proline | 0.90 g |
| Serine | 0.54 g |
FAQ
How does the Jr. Hamburger with Cheese compare nutritionally to a standard hamburger?
It is smaller and lower in calories and fat than a standard single-patty hamburger, making it a lighter option while still providing a good amount of protein.
Is this suitable for a low-carb diet?
Not as served, due to the bun. For a lower-carb option, you could order it 'protein style' (lettuce-wrapped) if the restaurant allows, or simply remove the bun.
What are the main allergens?
The primary allergens are wheat (from the bun) and milk (from the cheese). The beef patty may contain soy. Always check with the restaurant for specific allergen information.
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 2.56 kcal/g · 20% calories from protein · 1.4 g fiber · 0.0 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: 3.71 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.