Otto von Bismarck is often credited with saying that if you like sausages and respect the law, it’s best not to see how either one is made. As it turns out, the same maxim need not be applied to most fast-food burgers.
A surprisingly high percentage of the fast food chains we looked into really do only use 100% pure ground beef for their burger patties. Many didnt always use pure beef, but here in 2023, the picture is a better one.
Those burgers are then often covered in sauce, topped with cheese, bacon, a lot of salt, and more. Don’t even think about calling these healthy foods. It’s only fair that we praise these burger shops because they could have saved money by using fillers, additives, pink slime, and other things like that. But they don’t.
Thats right, McDs is on the straight and narrow when it comes to ground beef. Per the companys own site, “every patty is 100% real beef with no fillers, additives or preservatives. “Other than that, nothing else is added,” and they season the meat with “just a punch of salt and pepper” (we think that was suppose to say “a pinch”). ” Were taking the chain on its word here.
It’s not a surprise that guys whose restaurants only have refrigerators and no freezers use 100% fresh beef with no fillers or preservatives, right? Five Guys is even committed to getting its fresh, 100% pure beef from farms as close to its restaurants as possible.
Yep, just like McDs, Burger King uses 100% beef patties in its Whoppers, Cheeseburgers, Rodeo Burgers, and more. According to the chain’s website, BK beef patties are made with 100% Australian beef and have no fillers, preservatives, additives, or other nonsense. ” Now, what youll find in the Chicken Fries? That gets a bit more… cloudy.
Like Donny says of In-n-Out in The Big Lebowski, “those are good burgers. And if he meant the meat that was used to make the patties, he was right there as well. Not only are the burgers at this classic California chain made with 100% USA ground chuck, but that’s how things have been since the late 1940s when the company first opened. 6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e.
Wendy’s makes a big deal about how their ground beef is fresh and never frozen, and it turns out they could also say that their burger patties are 100% real beef. Per the companys site, the “beef is 100% real” and it is delivered fresh (never frozen, e. g. ) to each restaurant several times weekly. Thats how this real beef manages to be fresh, never frozen. FYI, Wendys really wants you to know their beef is never frozen but is indeed fresh.
They really care about making great burgers, which is good since they charge a lot for them. Their 100% all-natural Angus beef patties come from cattle that have never been given hormones. By the way, their chicken is also 100% all-natural and free of hormones and antibiotics.
Like Wendys, Whataburger always uses ground beef that is fresh and has never been frozen. The burgers at these Texas chains are made from 100% pure ground beef, with no fillers or additives, and they come on a properly big five-inch bun. And thats how things have been since the first location opened back in 1950.
This chain’s main burger patties weigh a whopping third of a pound, which is more than twice as much as those on the Whopper. Maybe “Largeburger” would be a better name for it. The burger patties from Fatburger are made with 100% pure, fresh ground beef, just like the Whopper, an In-N-Out burger, and many more. And ironically, given the chains name, the burgers are made with lean ground beef. Steven John: Steven John is a freelance writer for Eat This, Not That! who lives not far from New York City.
The Beef Behind Sonic Burgers: 100% Real or Not?
Sonic Drive-In is known for its signature slushes, roller skating carhops, and old-fashioned drive-in feel. But are its burgers made with 100% real beef or is there a catch? As a fast food chain, Sonic has faced scrutiny over the years regarding the quality of its ingredients. So let’s settle this debate once and for all – are Sonic burgers made with real beef?
As a long-time Sonic fan I was curious about what really goes into their iconic burgers. After digging into their sourcing policies, and new menu additions, here’s the lowdown on the beef behind Sonic burgers.
Sonic’s Beef is 100% Real
The good news is that Sonic uses 100% real beef in their burger patties. This means their burgers are made from pure ground beef with no fillers, extenders, or other ingredients mixed in. According to Sonic, their beef patties are made from “100% pure ground beef that’s produced in USDA inspected plants.”
Sonic implemented an animal welfare policy back in 2010 that ensures their beef is sourced responsibly. The policy states that all beef will be “processed in the U.S. exclusively in USDA inspected plants.” This guarantees that the plants meet federal requirements for food quality and safety.
As a result, Sonic burgers qualify as “100% ground beef patties” according to USDA’s standards. So when you bite into a juicy Sonic cheeseburger or Fritos chili pie, you can rest assured you’re getting real, American beef.
The New Blended Burgers
Recently, Sonic added a new blended burger called the Signature Slinger to their menu. This sparked some confusion over whether their beef is still 100% real.
To clarify, the Signature Slinger blends pure ground beef with savory mushrooms to create an enhanced flavor profile. The mushrooms are mixed directly into the beef patty, not placed on top.
Sonic states that it still contains “100% real beef” along with mushrooms and seasoning. The addition of mushrooms allows them to offer a lower calorie option without compromising on taste.
Blended burgers are a growing trend in the fast food industry. They reduce the amount of beef needed in each patty, which lowers the environmental impact. Despite the added mushrooms, Sonic’s beef patties in all their burgers are still made from nothing but pure American beef.
Why Quality Beef Matters to Sonic
From the beginning, Sonic has prided itself on serving high-quality, classic American fare like burgers, hot dogs, and milkshakes. Their commitment to using real beef in their burgers is an important part of upholding their brand promise.
Over the past decade, Sonic has worked to improve sourcing policies and offer customers more choices. In addition to their beef policy, they also swear off gestation crates for pork and are transitioning to cage-free eggs.
As trends change, Sonic adapts to meet customer demand. The Signature Slinger allows them to appeal to health-conscious consumers while sticking to their roots with always-real beef.
Customers expect fast food chains to be transparent about ingredients. Sonic recognizes this and makes sure all their beef patties continue to earn the USDA’s “100% ground beef patty” seal of approval.
Why Beef Production Matters Too
Using high-quality beef is important for chains like Sonic, but so is considering the environmental impacts of beef production.
The beef industry is resource-intensive, requiring substantial amounts of land, water, and feed. Cows also produce methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change.
That’s why innovative options like blended burgers are so important. They allow chains to reduce the amount of beef needed for each burger, thereby lowering the environmental footprint.
Sonic’s Signature Slingers offer a more sustainable option without reducing beef quality. The mushrooms blended into the patty provide moisture, nutrients, and umami flavor while using fewer resources than beef.
It’s encouraging to see Sonic taking steps to offer delicious burgers in a socially responsible way – with 100% real beef and now more plant-based options, too.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sonic’s Beef
Over the years, fans have had plenty of questions about what really goes into Sonic’s iconic burger patties. Here are some of the most common FAQs:
Is Sonic beef 100% ground chuck?
No, Sonic does not claim their beef patties are made from chuck specifically. They state it is “100% ground beef” sourced from USDA-inspected facilities. Different cuts may be used.
Does Sonic use pink slime?
Absolutely not. Sonic burgers are made from pure ground beef with no fillers, extenders, or “pink slime.” Their animal welfare policy ensures responsible sourcing.
Are Sonic burgers cooked to order?
Yes. Sonic burgers are always cooked to order and prepared fresh when you place your order. They are not pre-made or kept warm under heat lamps.
Does Sonic use frozen patties?
No. While the raw patties are delivered frozen for food safety, they are thawed and cooked fresh when you order. Patties are never refrozen after being cooked.
Can you request a beef patty with no seasoning?
Yes! Any Sonic burger can be ordered with a plain beef patty at no extra charge. Customizing your order is part of the Sonic experience.
So rest assured when you bite into a juicy Sonic burger, you’re getting the real deal – 100% pure American beef, seasoned just how you like it and cooked to order. Sonic’s commitment to quality ingredients and classic drive-in fare make it a go-to for burger lovers.
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Sonic Drive-In – The Rise and Fall…And Rise Again
FAQ
What kind of meat does Sonic use for their hamburgers?
Are Sonic burgers processed?
Which fast food uses real beef?
Is Wendy’s Hamburgers 100% beef?
Does Sonic have a cheeseburger?
In a news release, Sonic says it “revamped the traditional American cheeseburger” to offer “all the flavor with none of the guilt.” The new burger debuted on the menu Monday and starts at under 350 calories. The recipe includes three ingredients, the company says: 100 percent pure beef, mushrooms and seasonings.
What is a burger made of at Sonic?
The burger is made with beef, 25-30% mushrooms, and seasonings, and served on a brioche bun with mayo, onions, lettuce, tomato, pickles. [Photo: courtesy Sonic]
Will Sonic make a beef-Mushroom Burger?
In an earlier study of another blended recipe, consumers preferred a beef-mushroom mix in tacos to 100% beef. After a 60-day trial in some yet-to-be-announced markets, Sonic will decide whether to make the blended burger a permanent offering at its more than 3,500 locations.
What is inside a sonic Mushroom Burger?
The Newest Burger At Sonic Blends The Beef With Mushrooms So You Eat Less Meat Want people to eat a little less meat? Fill the burger with something else (that tastes as good). The burger is made with beef, 25-30% mushrooms, and seasonings, and served on a brioche bun with mayo, onions, lettuce, tomato, pickles.