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.
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. 6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e.
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.
For over 50 years, Sonic Drive-In has been serving up signature American classics like corn dogs, tater tots, and burgers But when it comes to their burgers, many customers wonder – are Sonic burgers made with 100% real beef?
With frequent concerns over the quality of fast food ingredients, it’s a valid question. In this article, we’ll take a close look at the beef Sonic uses in their famous burgers.
Sonic’s Commitment to 100% Beef
According to Sonic, their hamburgers are made with 100% pure American beef and crafted fresh-to-order. This commitment to using 100% beef has been in place since Sonic first opened their doors in 1953.
On their website, Sonic clearly states “Our hamburgers are made with 100% pure American beef, no fillers or artificial flavors added.” They go on to emphasize that all their beef is sourced from cattle raised on American ranches and farms.
This dedication to crafting burgers entirely from beef sets Sonic apart from other chains that use beef blends or plant-based fillers in their patties. Sonic has resisted current trends of incorporating vegetables or alternate proteins into their burgers in order to continue providing the classic 100% beef patties their customers expect.
Where Does Sonic Source Their Beef?
Sonic notes that their 100% American beef is sourced exclusively from USDA-inspected processing facilities This ensures that all their beef meets government safety standards
While they do not disclose the specific ranches, farms, or regions their beef comes from, Sonic states their suppliers must meet animal welfare standards Their strict vendor requirements help guarantee a consistently high-quality beef product across all restaurant locations
Sonic’s focus on using domestic beef also reduces uncertainties about foreign beef origins or safety standards. Customers can feel confident that Sonic burgers contain only beef born and raised in America.
Why Use 100% Beef Patties?
Using pure beef patties gives Sonic burgers a signature taste and texture. Blends or fillers would alter the flavor, fat content, and mouthfeel that customers expect in a classic Sonic burger.
The rich beefiness provided by pure beef also stands up well to Sonic’s extensive topping options. Customers can choose from a variety of cheeses, veggies, sauces, and extras to create customized cheeseburgers or specialty burgers.
From a food safety perspective, using 100% pure beef eliminates risks associated with filler ingredients. With shorter supplier lists and by avoiding blended meats, Sonic can better control pathogen risks in their burgers.
Sonic’s commitment to pure beef pays off in customer satisfaction too. Guests feel assured they are getting a high-quality burger made from nothing but real beef.
How Sonic Makes Their Beef Burgers
To maintain consistency across locations, Sonic uses a proprietary patty forming system to craft uniform, American-style beef patties. Burgers are pressed into shape from fresh 100% ground chuck beef delivered routinely to restaurants.
Per their strict safety protocols, Sonic employees undergo training on proper glove use and hand washing when handling raw beef patties. Patties are kept chilled until cooking, then cooked medium well on a flat top grill to ensure food safety.
Burgers are assembled fresh when ordered, allowing customers to customize with cheese, condiments, veggies, and add-ons to suit their preferences. This just-in-time burger preparation system is key to providing hot, juicy, made-to-order burgers.
Testing Confirms 100% Beef in Sonic Burgers
Over the years, Sonic’s claims of using 100% beef have held up to scrutiny. In 2014, an Inside Edition investigation into fast food hamburgers included sending Sonic patties to a lab for testing.
Analysis results showed Sonic’s burger contained just beef – no fillers, additives or foreign DNA. The beef content was confirmed to be 100%, validating Sonic’s long-standing commitment to pure American beef patties.
Sonic’s New Lower Calorie Burger Options
While Sonic remains committed to pure beef in their original burger lineup, they have recently introduced some new lower calorie options.
In 2019, Sonic unveiled their “Slingers” – a blended beef and mushroom patty designed to be a lighter yet satisfying alternative. Slingers contain 25% mushrooms blended with 75% fresh beef to reduce calories while optimizing flavor.
Sonic also offers a Jr. Sonic Burger, with a smaller 100% beef patty minus the middle bun for 280 calories. Their Snack Jr. Burger provides a 150 calorie beef slider burger option as well.
These new menu choices give customers craving Sonic’s signature burger taste a lighter calorie option, while preserving the 100% beef composition of their original patties.
Sonic Stands By Their Beef
For over 50 years, Sonic has built their brand on serving the kind of American classics that customers crave – including juicy, indulgent burgers crafted from 100% pure beef.
Despite recent fast food trends toward plant blends, Sonic stands firm on using only fresh, never frozen American beef chuck in their original burger lineup. Their adherence to stringent safety protocols and USDA beef standards pays off in great taste and quality.
While Sonic now offers some lower calorie alternatives, their commitment remains to delivering a classic, old fashioned burger experience centered around pure, 100% American beef.
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FAQ
What kind of meat is in a Sonic burger?
What are Sonic hamburgers made of?
Does McDonald’s use 100% beef patties?
Are fast food burgers 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.