Quick Answer
A Burger King Sourdough King sandwich contains approximately 850 calories. This is based on the standard sandwich recipe which includes a flame-grilled sourdough patty, American cheese, bacon, mayonnaise, and ketchup on a toasted sourdough bun. The exact calorie count may vary slightly depending on customizations and restaurant preparation.
Calorie Count Breakdown
Here is a more detailed breakdown of the estimated calories in each component of a standard Sourdough King sandwich from Burger King:
| Ingredient | Calories |
|---|---|
| Sourdough bun (toasted) | 260 |
| Sourdough beef patty | 340 |
| 2 slices American cheese | 110 |
| 2 strips bacon | 90 |
| 1 tbsp mayonnaise | 90 |
| 1 tbsp ketchup | 20 |
| Total Calories | 850 |
As shown, the bulk of the calories comes from the sourdough patty and bun which together account for about 600 calories. The cheese, bacon, mayo, and ketchup add another 250 calories.
Sourdough Patty
The sourdough patty itself provides 340 calories. Burger King’s sourdough patty is made from 100% beef and seasoned simply with just salt and pepper. A standard patty weighs around 4 ounces (pre-cooked).
The sourdough breading provides a crispy, savory outside and keeps the patty tender and juicy on the inside. Since the patty is made entirely from beef, the calorie content is similar to a regular hamburger patty.
Beef contains around 50-75 calories per ounce depending on the fat content. Using the mid-range estimate of 60 calories per ounce, a 4 ounce sourdough patty yields 340 calories (4 * 60 = 340).
Sourdough Bun
Burger King introduced the Sourdough King in 2020 featuring a brand new toasted sourdough bun. This specialty bun sets the Sourdough King apart from their classic Whopper which uses a traditional sesame seed bun.
The sourdough bun contributes 260 calories to the sandwich. A standard 6-inch sandwich bun provides around 130 calories, so the larger size and heartier texture of the sourdough bun accounts for the increased calorie count.
The ingredients in Burger King’s sourdough bun include:
– Enriched flour (wheat flour, malted barley flour, niacin, iron, thiamin, riboflavin, folic acid)
– Water
– Yeast
– Sourdough (wheat flour, water)
– Wheat gluten
– Soybean oil
– Contains 2% or less of the following: sugar, salt, dough conditioners (calcium sulfate, ammonium sulfate), calcium propionate and potassium sorbate (preservatives), phosphates, enzymes, ascorbic acid.
Cheese
The Sourdough King comes with two slices of melted American cheese adding 110 calories to the sandwich.
Each slice of American cheese typically provides around 50-60 calories. So two slices at 55 calories each makes 110 calories total.
The ooy, smooth texture of the melted cheese nicely complements the hearty sourdough patty and bun. Using a cheese like American that melts easily ensures even coverage and flavor in every bite.
Bacon
What’s a king without his bacon? The Sourdough King sandwich has two slices of crispy bacon adding 90 calories and some savory crunch.
Bacon is one of the highest calorie meat toppings typically found on burgers and sandwiches. The high fat content of bacon yields 9 calories per strip, on average.
So two average slices of bacon at 45 calories each totals 90 bacon calories on the Sourdough King.
The smoky and salty flavor of the bacon goes great with the beef patty and cheese, adding an extra dimension of flavor.
Mayonnaise
In addition to ketchup, the Burger King Sourdough King also comes spread with a tablespoon of mayonnaise. This adds another 90 calories to the sandwich.
Mayonnaise contains about 90-100 calories per tablespoon, owing to its high fat content from oil and eggs. On a sandwich, mayo adds a creamy, rich element that brings all the ingredients together.
You can request to hold the mayo on the Sourdough King to subtract 90 calories and save some calories if desired!
Ketchup
The final condiment on the Sourdough King is ketchup, which provides 20 calories per tablespoon.
Ketchup is a sweeter, more tomato-forward condiment than mayo. So it gives a nice contrast in flavor and texture.
The ketchup’s acidity also helps cut through the richness of the beef patty and cheese. Opting for ketchup over mayo can save 70 calories per tablespoon.
Customizations
Keep in mind that any customizations to your Sourdough King can alter the calorie count.
For example:
– Adding extra cheese or bacon will increase calories.
– Opting for a large size bun will add calories.
– Substituting different condiments like BBQ or honey mustard sauce will change calories.
– Ordering king size with double patty and cheese doubles patty and cheese calories.
On the flip side:
– Opting for no mayo or ketchup subtracts those calories.
– Choosing a veggie patty instead of beef reduces patty calories.
– Requesting a lettuce wrap instead of a bun significantly reduces carb and calorie count.
So be mindful of any substitutions or additions you choose for your sandwich if closely monitoring your calorie intake!
Nutrition Facts
Here are the detailed nutrition facts for a standard Sourdough King sandwich from Burger King:
| Nutrition Facts | Sourdough King |
|---|---|
| Calories | 850 |
| Carbohydrates | 48g |
| Protein | 39g |
| Total Fat | 49g |
| Saturated Fat | 18g |
| Trans Fat | 1.5g |
| Cholesterol | 135mg |
| Sodium | 1380mg |
| Sugars | 6g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
As you can see, the Sourdough King packs a whopping 49 grams of fat, 48 grams of carbs, and 1380 milligrams of sodium. So while deliciously indulgent, this sandwich is quite high in calories, fat, and sodium compared to recommended daily values.
Daily Calorie Needs
To put the 850 calories of a Sourdough King in context, here is a look at recommended daily calorie intake based on age, gender, and activity level according to the USDA Dietary Guidelines:
| Gender | Age | Sedentary | Moderately Active | Active |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 19-30 years | 2400 calories | 2800 calories | 3000 calories |
| Male | 31-50 years | 2200 calories | 2600 calories | 3000 calories |
| Male | 51+ years | 2000 calories | 2400 calories | 2800 calories |
| Female | 19-30 years | 2000 calories | 2400 calories | 2400 calories |
| Female | 31-50 years | 1800 calories | 2200 calories | 2400 calories |
| Female | 51+ years | 1600 calories | 2000 calories | 2200 calories |
As shown, the 850 calories in a Sourdough King represent 35-50% of most people’s recommended daily intake! For an inactive female over 50, it’s over half the daily 1600 calorie goal.
So while occasionally enjoying a Sourdough King can be part of a balanced diet, making it a regular meal would likely result in weight gain for most people. Going with a smaller sandwich or side salad is advisable for more frequent visits to Burger King.
Sourdough King vs Whopper
How does the new Sourdough King compare to Burger King’s signature Whopper in terms of calories and nutrition?
Here’s a comparison of the nutrition facts:
| Sandwich | Sourdough King | Whopper |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 850 | 670 |
| Total Fat | 49g | 39g |
| Carbs | 48g | 49g |
| Protein | 39g | 25g |
| Sodium | 1380mg | 960mg |
The Sourdough King is higher in calories, fat, and protein compared to the Whopper. This is largely due to the bigger sourdough patty used in the Sourdough King versus the standard hamburger patty in the Whopper.
However, the Whopper has slightly more carbs from its sesame seed bun versus the sourdough bun. Both sandwiches are quite high in sodium at over 900mg.
So the Sourdough King clocks in at about 180 more calories and 10 more grams of fat than the classic Whopper. The extra heft of the sourdough patty comes at a caloric cost!
Healthier Options
While the Sourdough King tastes great, its high calorie, fat, and sodium count aren’t ideal for regular eating. Here are some tips for lighter Burger King meals:
– Choose a smaller sandwich like the Cheeseburger (290 calories) or Chicken Sandwich (370 calories)
– Opt for a side salad instead of fries for a nutrient-dense lower calorie option
– Request less calorie-dense condiments like mustard instead of mayo
– Skip the bacon and extra cheese to cut back on fat and calories
– Order a veggie burger for a lower calorie, plant-based patty option
– Get your sandwich “Protein Style” wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun
– Substitute soda, shakes, or desserts for water, low-fat milk, or apple slices
With some simple substitutions, you can still enjoy Burger King while maintaining a healthier diet most of the time. An occasional Sourdough King can be part of that balance too!
Conclusion
A Burger King Sourdough King packs a hefty caloric punch, containing approximately 850 calories. This comes from its large sourdough beef patty, toasted sourdough bun, cheese, bacon, sauces, and condiments.
While indulging in this calorie bomb isn’t advised daily, an occasional Sourdough King can be part of an overall balanced diet. Just balance it with lighter meals before and after.
Opting for smaller sandwiches, salads, or customizing your order can keep your Burger King meals healthier. But when you want to treat yourself to something special, the Sourdough King delivers a truly royal burger experience!
