A Baconator is a popular burger sold at Wendy’s restaurants. With two beef patties, bacon, cheese and condiments stacked between a bun, this indulgent burger lives up to its name.
But just how many calories are in a Baconator? As a popular menu item, many people are curious about the Baconator’s calorie count and nutritional information.
Baconator Calories and Nutrition Facts
The number of calories in a Baconator can vary slightly depending on the size ordered. According to the Wendy’s nutrition information website:
- A small Baconator has 670 calories
- A medium Baconator has 840 calories
- A large Baconator has 970 calories
So on average, a Baconator contains about 830 calories. That’s without any customizations – adding extras like cheese or sauces will increase the calorie count further.
Here is the full nutrition breakdown for a medium Baconator:
| Nutrition Facts | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 840 |
| Total Fat | 54g |
| Saturated Fat | 22g |
| Trans Fat | 1.5g |
| Cholesterol | 155mg |
| Sodium | 1770mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Total Sugars | 9g |
| Protein | 54g |
As you can see, the Baconator packs a hefty caloric punch. The majority of its 840 calories comes from fat, with 54g total fat and 22g saturated fat. It also contains a whopping 1770mg of sodium.
On the flip side, the Baconator does provide 54g of protein. But overall, this burger should be enjoyed as an occasional indulgence rather than a regular menu item.
Baconator Ingredients
What exactly goes into a Baconator that gives it such high calorie and fat content? Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients in a Baconator:
- 2 beef patties – Wendy’s uses fresh, never frozen beef for their burgers. Each patty provides protein and fat.
- 3 strips of bacon – Bacon adds a significant amount of fat and sodium.
- 2 slices American cheese – More fat and calories from the cheese.
- Ketchup and mayo – These creamy condiments add even more fat and calories to the burger.
- Bun – The bun contributes carbohydrates and calories.
- Onions, pickles and tomatoes – These veggies provide a little fiber and moisture.
The combination of fatty beef, bacon, cheese and sauces is what stacks up the calories. The abundance of protein and fat makes the Baconator a very dense, high-calorie sandwich.
Baconator Calories Compared to Other Burgers
How does the Baconator stack up against the calorie counts of other popular fast food burgers? Here’s a comparison:
| Burger | Calories |
|---|---|
| Wendy’s Baconator (medium) | 840 |
| McDonald’s Big Mac | 563 |
| Burger King Whopper | 670 |
| In-N-Out Double Double | 670 |
| Five Guys Bacon Cheeseburger | 920 |
The Baconator has 270-380 more calories than a Big Mac or Whopper and about 170 calories more than an In-N-Out Double Double burger. The only burger with more calories is Five Guys’ Bacon Cheeseburger.
So the Baconator definitely ranks on the higher end for calorie count compared to other popular fast food burgers. The combination of two beef patties plus bacon in one sandwich packs a big caloric punch.
Tips for Making the Baconator Less Caloric
If you want to enjoy a Baconator but reduce the calorie impact, there are a few ways to cut some calories:
- Order a small size – The small Baconator has 170 fewer calories than the medium.
- Skip the soda – Pair it with a zero-calorie beverage like water or unsweetened iced tea.
- Leave off one patty – Getting a single patty burger saves about 200 calories.
- Say no to mayo – Skipping the mayo decreases fat and calories.
- Get it “junior style” – Ordered without the center bun slice to remove carbs.
- Share it – Split a Baconator with a friend to cut calories in half.
Making just a couple small tweaks can reduce the calorie impact of your Baconator. But keeping it as an occasional treat, rather than a regular menu item, is best for your health.
Should You Eat a Baconator?
Given its high calorie count, is a Baconator really a good choice if you’re watching your diet? Here are some things to consider:
- At over 800 calories, a medium Baconator is very high in calories for a single meal. It’s more than half the daily recommended calorie intake for many people.
- All those calories from the beef patties and bacon pack a whopping 54g total fat and 22g saturated fat. Too much saturated fat has been linked to increased cholesterol levels and heart disease risk.
- With 1770mg sodium, a Baconator also contains dangerously high levels of sodium that exceed the recommended daily limit.
- On the plus side, the 54g protein provides energy, keeps you full and helps maintain muscle mass. But you can get protein from lower calorie sources.
- While it provides some protein, the Baconator is lacking in other nutrients. It’s low in fiber, vitamins and minerals.
Overall, the Baconator is a high calorie, high fat, high sodium burger. While it can be worked into an overall healthy diet in moderation, it may be best suited for an occasional treat. Choosing lower calorie burgers or sandwiches more often is a better option for your daily nutrition.
Healthier Wendy’s Options
If you want to eat at Wendy’s but make a healthier choice, here are some lower calorie Baconator alternatives to consider:
| Menu Item | Calories |
|---|---|
| Junior Hamburger | 230 |
| Crispy Chicken Sandwich | 340 |
| Chili | 210 |
| Caesar Side Salad | 170 |
| 4 pc Chicken Nuggets | 190 |
Opting for lower calorie items like grilled chicken sandwiches, chili, salads and nuggets can let you satisfy a fast food craving while keeping calories in check.
Conclusion
A Baconator from Wendy’s packs a serious caloric punch, with about 830 calories in a medium-size burger. All that beef, bacon and cheese adds up to a high fat, high sodium sandwich. While it can be enjoyed in moderation, the Baconator is one of the unhealthiest burgers on the fast food market due to its exceptionally high calorie count.
Making small tweaks like opting for a small size or skipping the mayo can reduce the calorie impact. But for your daily fast food fix, choosing lower calorie menu items like grilled chicken, salads or chili is a healthier bet.
Indulge in a Baconator occasionally if you must, but don’t make it a regular habit if watching your diet and health. When a fast food burger craving strikes, opt for more balanced options to get a taste without derailing your nutrition goals.
