Wendy’s
Flavor:
Kids' Cheeseburger
Ingredients:
Sandwich Bun: Enriched Flour (Wheat Flour, Malted Barley Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup and/or Sugar, Wheat Gluten, Soybean Oil, Yeast, Salt, Yellow Corn Flour, Colors (Annatto and Turmeric), Contains less than 2% of each of the following: Calcium Propionate (Added as a Preservative), Cultured Wheat Flour, Dextrin, Dough Conditioners (Contains One or More of the Following: Ascorbic Acid [Vitamin C], Calcium Iodate, Calcium Peroxide, Calcium Stearoyl Lactylate, Calcium Sulfate, Datem, Distilled Monoglycerides, Enzymes, Ethoxylated Monoglycerides and Diglycerides, Monoglycerides and/or Diglycerides, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate [SSL]), Maltodextrin, Natural Flavor, Wheat Flour, Whole Grain Corn Flour, Yeast Foods (Contains One or More of the Following: Ammonium Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, Monocalcium Phosphate), Sesame Flour. CONTAINS WHEAT, SESAME.
Jr. Hamburger Patty: Ground Beef, Salt. HAMBURGER PATTIES ARE COOKED ON THE SAME GRILL AS AND MAY COME IN CONTACT WITH INGREDIENTS THAT CONTAIN MILK AND SOY.
American Cheese Slice: Milk, Cream, Water, Sodium Citrate, Salt, Contains 2% or less of Apocarotenal and Beta Carotene (Color), Cheese Culture, Citric Acid, Enzymes, Sorbic Acid (Preservative), Soy Lecithin. CONTAINS: MILK, SOY.
Ketchup: Tomato Concentrate from Red Ripe Tomatoes, Distilled Vinegar, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Corn Syrup, Salt, Natural Flavoring, Spices, Onion Powder. CONTAINS EGG.
Rating: We Avoid
- 1 out of 5
Ingredient Score:
Rated at 1/5 green leaves, the Wendy’s Kids’ Cheeseburger is a product that our assessment deems best to avoid due to its composition of non-organic, potentially GMO ingredients, and a variety of additives and sugars that fall short of our cleaner food standards.
This cheeseburger is not organic, and there is no indication that it uses non-GMO ingredients, which already sets it back in terms of our health-conscious criteria. The presence of added sugars, including high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, and sugar, further detracts from its nutritional profile. These sweeteners are often linked to negative health outcomes when consumed in excess.
Additionally, the bun contains enriched flour and soybean oil, neither of which contribute positively to our assessment. Enriched flour is a refined product that lacks the nutritional value of whole grains, while soybean oil is often processed and may contribute to inflammation. The list of ingredients also includes various additives such as natural and artificial flavors, diglycerides, monoglycerides, soy lecithin, sodium citrate, and DATEM. These additives are typically used to enhance flavor, texture, or shelf life but are not aligned with cleaner, more natural food options.
The American cheese slice and ketchup also contain elements that our criteria find objectionable, such as artificial colors and more preservatives. The ketchup includes high fructose corn syrup as well, doubling down on this undesirable ingredient.
Given these concerns, the Wendy’s Kids’ Cheeseburger receives the lowest rating on our scale. While it may be a convenient and kid-friendly option, its ingredient list is fraught with items that our evaluation process finds contrary to the goal of promoting cleaner, healthier food choices. The product’s composition reflects a common trend in fast-food options that prioritize flavor and cost over nutritional value and ingredient purity.
Certifications:
None
Product formulations and certifications may change. For current nutrition facts and ingredient
line information, check product packaging.
Categories:
None
Alternatives
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How We Rate
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