Special Report

50 Least Healthful Fast Food Breakfast Items

Cheyenne Buckingham, Grant Suneson

Published: November 29, 2017 6:36 pm

Last Updated: January 12, 2020 5:55 am

For some, breakfast is the favorite meal of the day. It’s no wonder; going without food for 12+ hours can leave a person feeling a bit famished. But waking up to an incessant grumbling stomach and zero time to prepare a meal before work, many of us are tempted to opt for fast food to satisfy that morning appetite.

Fast food restaurants earned their reputation for serving unhealthy fare years ago, but that doesn’t stop people from rolling up to the drive-thru and ordering that processed, grease-ridden burger with fries. And breakfast items are no better.

Various breakfast items well exceed the daily recommended value of fat, sodium, and sugar, and some foods can have as much as two-thirds of a day’s worth of calories, based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

To identify the least healthy fast food breakfast items, 24/7 Wall St. analyzed the calorie, saturated fat, sodium, and sugar contents of all breakfast items at 22 fast food restaurants with the highest sales in America.

The least healthy breakfast items at fast food restaurants come in all shapes, sizes, and varieties. For example, seven of the top 50 unhealthiest breakfast items are platters, which can include sausage or bacon, tater tots, and pancakes — all foods that hike up the calorie, fat, sodium, and sugar contents. Other breakfast items that made the top of the list were burritos, egg sandwiches, muffins, and wraps, just to name a few.

Click here to see the least healthy fast food breakfast items.
Click here to see our detailed findings and methodology.

Source: Michael Rivera / Wikimedia Commons

50. Sausage & Egg Biscuit
> Restaurant: Hardee’s
> Calories: 690 (34.5% of 2,000-calorie daily diet)
> Saturated fat: 18 g (81.0% of daily recommended intake/ max recommended amount)
> Sodium: 1,410 mg (61.3% of daily recommended intake)
> Sugar: 3 g (5.8% of daily recommended intake)

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Source: jackinthebox.com

49. Grilled Breakfast Sandwich
> Restaurant: Jack in the Box
> Calories: 616 (30.8% of 2,000-calorie daily diet)
> Saturated fat: 10 g (45.0% of daily recommended intake)
> Sodium: 1,813 mg (78.8% of daily recommended intake)
> Sugar: 4 g (7.7% of daily recommended intake)

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48. Breakfast Burrito (bacon)
> Restaurant: Del Taco
> Calories: 640 (32.0% of 2,000-calorie daily diet)
> Saturated fat: 15 g (67.5% of daily recommended intake)
> Sodium: 1,620 mg (70.4% of daily recommended intake)
> Sugar: 2 g (3.9% of daily recommended intake)

Source: wendys.com

47. Fresh Baked Biscuit
> Restaurant: Wendy’s
> Calories: 590 (29.5% of 2,000-calorie daily diet)
> Saturated fat: 19 g (85.5% of daily recommended intake)
> Sodium: 1,290 mg (56.1% of daily recommended intake)
> Sugar: 5 g (9.7% of daily recommended intake)

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Source: Michael Rivera / Wikimedia Commons

46. Country Ham Biscuit
> Restaurant: Hardee’s
> Calories: 500 (25.0% of 2,000-calorie daily diet)
> Saturated fat: 12 g (54.0% of daily recommended intake)
> Sodium: 1,790 mg (77.8% of daily recommended intake)
> Sugar: 2 g (3.9% of daily recommended intake)

Source: whataburger.com

45. Biscuit Sandwich with Sausage
> Restaurant: Whataburger
> Calories: 630 (31.5% of 2,000-calorie daily diet)
> Saturated fat: 20 g (90.0% of daily recommended intake)
> Sodium: 1,360 mg (59.1% of daily recommended intake)
> Sugar: 2 g (3.9% of daily recommended intake)

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Source: Hephaestos / Wikimedia Commons

44. Breakfast Platter with Sausage
> Restaurant: Whataburger
> Calories: 740 (37.0% of 2,000-calorie daily diet)
> Saturated fat: 21 g (94.5% of daily recommended intake)
> Sodium: 1,270 mg (55.2% of daily recommended intake)
> Sugar: 3 g (5.8% of daily recommended intake)

Source: Idawriter / Wikimedia Commons

43. Low Carb Breakfast Bowl
> Restaurant: Hardee’s
> Calories: 680 (34.0% of 2,000-calorie daily diet)
> Saturated fat: 20 g (90.0% of daily recommended intake)
> Sodium: 1,410 mg (61.3% of daily recommended intake)
> Sugar: 1 g (1.9% of daily recommended intake)

Source: Griffin5 / Wikimedia Commons

42. The Breakfast Burger (single)
> Restaurant: Carl’s Jr.
> Calories: 730 (36.5% of 2,000-calorie daily diet)
> Saturated fat: 16 g (72.0% of daily recommended intake)
> Sodium: 1,290 mg (56.1% of daily recommended intake)
> Sugar: 10 g (19.4% of daily recommended intake)

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Source: chick-fil-a.com

41. Sausage, Egg & Cheese Biscuit
> Restaurant: Chick-Fil-A
> Calories: 600 (30.0% of 2,000-calorie daily diet)
> Saturated fat: 18 g (81.0% of daily recommended intake)
> Sodium: 1,520 mg (66.1% of daily recommended intake)
> Sugar: 1 g (1.9% of daily recommended intake)

Source: Michael Rivera / Wikimedia Commons

40. Biscuit ‘N’ Gravy
> Restaurant: Hardee’s
> Calories: 620 (31.0% of 2,000-calorie daily diet)
> Saturated fat: 14 g (63.0% of daily recommended intake)
> Sodium: 1,670 mg (72.6% of daily recommended intake)
> Sugar: 3 g (5.8% of daily recommended intake)

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Source: Courtesy of McDonald's

39. Sausage, Egg & Cheese McGriddles
> Restaurant: McDonald’s
> Calories: 550 (27.5% of 2,000-calorie daily diet)
> Saturated fat: 13 g (58.5% of daily recommended intake)
> Sodium: 1,280 mg (55.7% of daily recommended intake)
> Sugar: 15 g (29.0% of daily recommended intake)

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Source: einsteinbros.com

38. Santa Fe Wrap
> Restaurant: Einstein Bros. Bagels
> Calories: 710 (35.5% of 2,000-calorie daily diet)
> Saturated fat: 16 g (72.0% of daily recommended intake)
> Sodium: 1,590 mg (69.1% of daily recommended intake)
> Sugar: 3 g (5.8% of daily recommended intake)

Source: mcdonalds.com

37. Big Breakfast
> Restaurant: McDonald’s
> Calories: 750 (37.5% of 2,000-calorie daily diet)
> Saturated fat: 18 g (81.0% of daily recommended intake)
> Sodium: 1,490 mg (64.8% of daily recommended intake)
> Sugar: 3 g (5.8% of daily recommended intake)

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Source: bk.com

36. Pancakes & Sausage Platter
> Restaurant: Burger King
> Calories: 610 (30.5% of 2,000-calorie daily diet)
> Saturated fat: 9 g (40.5% of daily recommended intake)
> Sodium: 1,010 mg (43.9% of daily recommended intake)
> Sugar: 30 g (58.1% of daily recommended intake)

Source: mcdonalds.com

35. Hotcakes
> Restaurant: McDonald’s
> Calories: 600 (30.0% of 2,000-calorie daily diet)
> Saturated fat: 7 g (31.5% of daily recommended intake)
> Sodium: 610 mg (26.5% of daily recommended intake)
> Sugar: 45 g (87.1% of daily recommended intake)

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Source: bk.com

34. King Croissan’wich with Double Sausage
> Restaurant: Burger King
> Calories: 700 (35.0% of 2,000-calorie daily diet)
> Saturated fat: 20 g (90.0% of daily recommended intake)
> Sodium: 1,410 mg (61.3% of daily recommended intake)
> Sugar: 5 g (9.7% of daily recommended intake)

Source: jackinthebox.com

33. Loaded Breakfast Sandwich
> Restaurant: Jack in the Box
> Calories: 707 (35.4% of 2,000-calorie daily diet)
> Saturated fat: 16 g (72.0% of daily recommended intake)
> Sodium: 1,690 mg (73.5% of daily recommended intake)
> Sugar: 4 g (7.7% of daily recommended intake)

Source: whataburger.com

32. Jalapeño Cheddar Biscuit Sandwich with Sausage
> Restaurant: Whataburger
> Calories: 680 (34.0% of 2,000-calorie daily diet)
> Saturated fat: 23 g (103.5% of daily recommended intake)
> Sodium: 1,460 mg (63.5% of daily recommended intake)
> Sugar: 0 g (0.0% of daily recommended intake)

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Source: Anthony92931 / Wikimedia Commons

31. Coffee Cake Muffin
> Restaurant: Dunkin’ Donuts
> Calories: 590 (29.5% of 2,000-calorie daily diet)
> Saturated fat: 8 g (36.0% of daily recommended intake)
> Sodium: 410 mg (17.8% of daily recommended intake)
> Sugar: 51 g (98.7% of daily recommended intake)

Source: Courtesy of Bojangles

30. Country Ham Biscuit
> Restaurant: Bojangles
> Calories: 450 (22.5% of 2,000-calorie daily diet)
> Saturated fat: 9 g (40.5% of daily recommended intake)
> Sodium: 2,222 mg (96.6% of daily recommended intake)
> Sugar: 2 g (3.9% of daily recommended intake)

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Source: bk.com

29. Fully Loaded Croissan’wich
> Restaurant: Burger King
> Calories: 610 (30.5% of 2,000-calorie daily diet)
> Saturated fat: 17 g (76.5% of daily recommended intake)
> Sodium: 1,680 mg (73.0% of daily recommended intake)
> Sugar: 5 g (9.7% of daily recommended intake)

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Source: Courtesy of Sonic

28. SuperSONIC Breakfast Burrito
> Restaurant: Sonic
> Calories: 600 (30.0% of 2,000-calorie daily diet)
> Saturated fat: 12 g (54.0% of daily recommended intake)
> Sodium: 2,070 mg (90.0% of daily recommended intake)
> Sugar: 3 g (5.8% of daily recommended intake)

Source: Michael Rivera / Wikimedia Commons

27. Hardee Breakfast Platter (bacon)
> Restaurant: Hardee’s
> Calories: 900 (45.0% of 2,000-calorie daily diet)
> Saturated fat: 14 g (63.0% of daily recommended intake)
> Sodium: 1,940 mg (84.3% of daily recommended intake)
> Sugar: 4 g (7.7% of daily recommended intake)

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Source: Jimmy Baikovicius / Wikimedia Commons

26. Chorizo Sunrise Signature Sandwich (two eggs)
> Restaurant: Einstein Bros. Bagels
> Calories: 870 (43.5% of 2,000-calorie daily diet)
> Saturated fat: 20 g (90.0% of daily recommended intake)
> Sodium: 1,470 mg (63.9% of daily recommended intake)
> Sugar: 8 g (15.5% of daily recommended intake)

Source: bojangles.com

25. Country Ham & Egg Biscuit
> Restaurant: Bojangles
> Calories: 500 (25.0% of 2,000-calorie daily diet)
> Saturated fat: 10 g (45.0% of daily recommended intake)
> Sodium: 2,336 mg (101.6% of daily recommended intake)
> Sugar: 2 g (3.9% of daily recommended intake)

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Source: whataburger.com

24. Pancakes
> Restaurant: Whataburger
> Calories: 630 (31.5% of 2,000-calorie daily diet)
> Saturated fat: 5 g (22.5% of daily recommended intake)
> Sodium: 1,350 mg (58.7% of daily recommended intake)
> Sugar: 36 g (69.7% of daily recommended intake)

Source: Courtesy of Jack in the Box

23. Meat Lovers Breakfast Burrito
> Restaurant: Jack in the Box
> Calories: 790 (39.5% of 2,000-calorie daily diet)
> Saturated fat: 21 g (94.5% of daily recommended intake)
> Sodium: 1,706 mg (74.2% of daily recommended intake)
> Sugar: 4 g (7.7% of daily recommended intake)

Source: Michael Rivera / Wikimedia Commons

22. Farmhouse Signature Sandwich (egg white)
> Restaurant: Einstein Bros. Bagels
> Calories: 680 (34.0% of 2,000-calorie daily diet)
> Saturated fat: 14 g (63.0% of daily recommended intake)
> Sodium: 2,010 mg (87.4% of daily recommended intake)
> Sugar: 8 g (15.5% of daily recommended intake)

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Source: krystal.com

21. Sausage Gravy Scrambler Breakfast Bowl
> Restaurant: Krystal
> Calories: 600 (30.0% of 2,000-calorie daily diet)
> Saturated fat: 21 g (94.5% of daily recommended intake)
> Sodium: 1,870 mg (81.3% of daily recommended intake)
> Sugar: 3 g (5.8% of daily recommended intake)

Source: sonicdrivein.com

20. Ultimate Meat & Cheese Breakfast Burrito
> Restaurant: Sonic
> Calories: 800 (40.0% of 2,000-calorie daily diet)
> Saturated fat: 18 g (81.0% of daily recommended intake)
> Sodium: 2,140 mg (93.0% of daily recommended intake)
> Sugar: 1 g (1.9% of daily recommended intake)

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Source: Michael Rivera / Wikimedia Commons

19. Bacon, Swiss, Chicken and Egg Biscuit
> Restaurant: Hardee’s
> Calories: 840 (42.0% of 2,000-calorie daily diet)
> Saturated fat: 18 g (81.0% of daily recommended intake)
> Sodium: 2,040 mg (88.7% of daily recommended intake)
> Sugar: 4 g (7.7% of daily recommended intake)

Source: bk.com

18. Egg-Normous Burrito
> Restaurant: Burger King
> Calories: 910 (45.5% of 2,000-calorie daily diet)
> Saturated fat: 16 g (72.0% of daily recommended intake)
> Sodium: 2,020 mg (87.8% of daily recommended intake)
> Sugar: 8 g (15.5% of daily recommended intake)

Source: mcdonalds.com

17. Hotcakes and Sausage
> Restaurant: McDonald’s
> Calories: 790 (39.5% of 2,000-calorie daily diet)
> Saturated fat: 13 g (58.5% of daily recommended intake)
> Sodium: 890 mg (38.7% of daily recommended intake)
> Sugar: 45 g (87.1% of daily recommended intake)

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Source: einsteinbros.com

16. French Toast Egg Sandwich – 2 egg signature
> Restaurant: Einstein Bros. Bagels
> Calories: 800 (40.0% of 2,000-calorie daily diet)
> Saturated fat: 17 g (76.5% of daily recommended intake)
> Sodium: 1,380 mg (60.0% of daily recommended intake)
> Sugar: 27 g (52.2% of daily recommended intake)

Source: Michael Rivera / Wikimedia Commons

15. Hardee Breakfast Platter (ham)
> Restaurant: Hardee’s
> Calories: 880 (44.0% of 2,000-calorie daily diet)
> Saturated fat: 17 g (76.5% of daily recommended intake)
> Sodium: 2,250 mg (97.8% of daily recommended intake)
> Sugar: 5 g (9.7% of daily recommended intake)

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Source: jackinthebox.com

14. Grande Sausage Breakfast Burrito
> Restaurant: Jack in the Box
> Calories: 1,044 (52.2% of 2,000-calorie daily diet)
> Saturated fat: 20 g (90.0% of daily recommended intake)
> Sodium: 2,131 mg (92.7% of daily recommended intake)
> Sugar: 5 g (9.7% of daily recommended intake)

Source: bk.com

13. Fully Loaded Biscuit
> Restaurant: Burger King
> Calories: 610 (30.5% of 2,000-calorie daily diet)
> Saturated fat: 20 g (90.0% of daily recommended intake)
> Sodium: 2,170 mg (94.3% of daily recommended intake)
> Sugar: 4 g (7.7% of daily recommended intake)

Source: Dwight Burdette / Wikimedia Commons

12. Farmhouse Signature Sandwich (two eggs)
> Restaurant: Einstein Bros. Bagels
> Calories: 810 (40.5% of 2,000-calorie daily diet)
> Saturated fat: 18 g (81.0% of daily recommended intake)
> Sodium: 2,130 mg (92.6% of daily recommended intake)
> Sugar: 8 g (15.5% of daily recommended intake)

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Source: Keithready / Wikimedia Commons

11. Epic Scrambler (bacon)
> Restaurant: Del Taco
> Calories: 1,040 (52.0% of 2,000-calorie daily diet)
> Saturated fat: 23 g (103.5% of daily recommended intake)
> Sodium: 2,030 mg (88.3% of daily recommended intake)
> Sugar: 5 g (9.7% of daily recommended intake)

Source: Michael Rivera / Wikimedia Commons

10. Smoked Sausage, Egg and Cheese Biscuit
> Restaurant: Hardee’s
> Calories: 790 (39.5% of 2,000-calorie daily diet)
> Saturated fat: 24 g (108.0% of daily recommended intake)
> Sodium: 2,040 mg (88.7% of daily recommended intake)
> Sugar: 5 g (9.7% of daily recommended intake)

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Source: Courtesy of Del Taco

9. Huevos Rancheros Epic Burrito
> Restaurant: Del Taco
> Calories: 1,120 (56.0% of 2,000-calorie daily diet)
> Saturated fat: 24 g (108.0% of daily recommended intake)
> Sodium: 2,100 mg (91.3% of daily recommended intake)
> Sugar: 7 g (13.5% of daily recommended intake)

Source: Jonesdr77 / Wikimedia Commons

8. Pancake Platter (sausage)
> Restaurant: Whataburger
> Calories: 840 (42.0% of 2,000-calorie daily diet)
> Saturated fat: 12 g (54.0% of daily recommended intake)
> Sodium: 1,720 mg (74.8% of daily recommended intake)
> Sugar: 36 g (69.7% of daily recommended intake)

Source: Minnaert / Wikimedia Commons

7. The Breakfast Burger (double)
> Restaurant: Carl’s Jr.
> Calories: 1,080 (54.0% of 2,000-calorie daily diet)
> Saturated fat: 26 g (117.0% of daily recommended intake)
> Sodium: 1,870 mg (81.3% of daily recommended intake)
> Sugar: 13 g (25.2% of daily recommended intake)

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Source: sonicdrivein.com

6. Cinnabon Cinnasnacks (5-piece)
> Restaurant: Sonic
> Calories: 870 (43.5% of 2,000-calorie daily diet)
> Saturated fat: 16 g (72.0% of daily recommended intake)
> Sodium: 540 mg (23.5% of daily recommended intake)
> Sugar: 63 g (121.9% of daily recommended intake)

Source: jackinthebox.com

5. Bacon & Egg Chicken Sandwich
> Restaurant: Jack in the Box
> Calories: 649 (32.5% of 2,000-calorie daily diet)
> Saturated fat: 39 g (175.5% of daily recommended intake)
> Sodium: 1,629 mg (70.8% of daily recommended intake)
> Sugar: 1 g (1.9% of daily recommended intake)

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Source: Corey Coyle / Wikimedia Commons

4. Hardee Breakfast Platter (sausage)
> Restaurant: Hardee’s
> Calories: 1,070 (53.5% of 2,000-calorie daily diet)
> Saturated fat: 24 g (108.0% of daily recommended intake)
> Sodium: 2,350 mg (102.2% of daily recommended intake)
> Sugar: 4 g (7.7% of daily recommended intake)

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Source: CapCase / Wikimedia Commons

3. Monster Biscuit
> Restaurant: Hardee’s
> Calories: 880 (44.0% of 2,000-calorie daily diet)
> Saturated fat: 24 g (108.0% of daily recommended intake)
> Sodium: 2,490 mg (108.3% of daily recommended intake)
> Sugar: 4 g (7.7% of daily recommended intake)

Source: bk.com

2. BK Ultimate Breakfast Platter
> Restaurant: Burger King
> Calories: 1,190 (59.5% of 2,000-calorie daily diet)
> Saturated fat: 15 g (67.5% of daily recommended intake)
> Sodium: 2,460 mg (107.0% of daily recommended intake)
> Sugar: 32 g (61.9% of daily recommended intake)

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Source: mcdonalds.com

1. Big Breakfast with Hotcakes
> Restaurant: McDonald’s
> Calories: 1,350 (67.5% of 2,000-calorie daily diet)
> Saturated fat: 25 g (112.5% of daily recommended intake)
> Sodium: 2,100 mg (91.3% of daily recommended intake)
> Sugar: 48 g (92.9% of daily recommended intake)

Detailed Findings & Methodology

Of the 50 least healthy breakfast items, 29 contain more than 700 calories. For perspective, 700 calories is 35% of a day’s worth of calories if you follow the average recommended 2,000-calorie diet. Athletes or those who engage in rigorous activity on a daily basis may have higher caloric needs. Those trying to lose weight, on the other hand, may be consuming far fewer calories a day.

Several of the selections contain saturated fat, sodium, and sugar contents that come close to fulfilling the whole dietary recommendation for one day. The unhealthiest breakfast item you can order is the big breakfast with hotcakes at McDonald’s, which has 2,100 milligrams of sodium — the daily allowance of sodium is 2,300 milligrams. This breakfast also contains 1,350 calories, which is 67.5% of your day’s worth of calories.

One of the unhealthiest breakfast food items, the double breakfast burger at Carl’s Jr., has 26 grams of saturated fat. The daily allowance is only 22 grams, or about 10% of your daily calories. This daily allowance, however, does not apply to all.

Adults who have heart issues, high cholesterol, and diabetes — for example — need to consume even less saturated fat per day. The American Heart Association recommends only 5% to 6% of your daily calories should come from saturated fat, about 13 grams.

Sugar is also a concern with some of the least healthy breakfast items. The five-piece Cinnabon Cinnasnacks with frosting contains the most sugar, at 63 grams. Americans should dedicate 10% of their day’s worth of calories to added sugars. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, this would be a maximum of 12 teaspoons or 48 grams of added sugar a day.

24/7 Wall St. chose to analyze saturated fat, sodium, and sugar contents in addition to calories for each of these breakfast items because of the adverse health effects they can cause if eaten in excess over time.

Saturated fat is the kind of fat that raises low density lipoproteins (LDL), the bad kind of cholesterol, which sticks to the walls of your arteries. Excessive intake can lead to a blockage in the arteries, causing the blood to clot and — in the worst case scenario — a heart attack.

Excess sodium is known to raise blood pressure levels. According to the AHA, the average American consumes about 3,400 milligrams of sodium per day, about 1,100 milligrams above the daily allowance. The more sodium consumed, the more water is pulled into the blood vessels, which causes the total amount of blood inside the blood vessels to increase, raising blood pressure.

Finally, consuming too much added sugar can expand your waistline and cause insulin resistance, which is type 2 diabetes, if eaten in excess over time. When your body constantly digests foods with copious amounts of sugar, the beta cells in the pancreas become exhausted because they try to produce enough insulin to keep your blood sugar at a normal, healthy level. As a result, the pancreas isn’t able to produce enough insulin to keep up with the extensive amount of sugar, leading to abnormally high blood sugar levels and, ultimately, Type 2 Diabetes.

To identify the least healthy fast food breakfast items, 24/7 Wall St. analyzed the calorie, saturated fat, sodium, and sugar contents of all breakfast items at 22 fast food restaurants with the highest sales in America. We capped the list at 50 breakfast items. Only fast food restaurants that serve breakfast were taken into consideration. No combo meals were included. However, breakfast platters were assessed. Based on a 2,000-calorie-a-day diet, we calculated the difference for saturated fat, sodium, and sugar in each menu item and the daily recommended calorie intake. From these differences we constructed an index that measures the degree to which each item exceeds or does not exceed the daily recommended intake.