Best and Worst Fast Food Chains That Use Antibiotics—Ranked
Bad news: Your favorite restaurant food might be on drugs.
Not the kind you find passed around at a Diplo concert, but antibiotics—the stuff doctors prescribe when you come down with a sinus infection or a bad case of the flu. A recent survey conducted by a group of public health and environmental organizations found that almost all of America’s chain restaurants use beef, chicken and pork that’s been routinely treated with antibiotics. And advocates say the continual use of these drugs helps create bacteria that’s immune to standard antibiotics. The potential result: The next time you get really sick, there may no longer be a drug that can make you healthy.
While agriculture conglomerates claim that routine antibiotics help maintain the health of animals—and the CDC says “antibiotics should be used in food-producing animals only under veterinary oversight and only to address animal health needs, not to promote growth”—many advocates refute that position. Sick cows, for example, are removed from the food chain, per the USDA. And in fact, antibiotics actually help the animals grow faster, packing on pounds so they’re ready for market sooner. Fortunately, some restaurants have already taken a leadership position against this potentially harmful farming method.
Where does your favorite restaurant stand? Read on for the report’s grades (you’ll be shocked at which chains get an F)—accompanied by essential Eat This, Not That! advice about how to make the healthiest choice when it comes to calories, fat and sodium. And click to see how shutting off your hunger hormones is one of these 14 Ways to Lose Your Belly in 14 Days!
#1 BIG CHAIN
Chipotle
Antibiotic Report Grade: A
We’ve always commended Chipotle for the integrity of its ingredients and the flexibility of its menu—and they’ve offered antibiotic-free meat and pork for years (founder Steve Ells has testified before Congress in favor of reducing antibiotics given to farm animals). In response to the report, Chipotle has every right to brag. “While many people are just starting to pay attention to the issue,” they said, “we have known for a long time that it is the right thing to do, and we are pleased to see others taking even small steps to curb antibiotic use in livestock.”
Make the Smart Choice: Chipotle is all about customization. With fresh salsa, beans, lettuce, and grilled vegetables, you can get a nutritionally solid meal. Choose a bowl over a burrito, skip the white rice and sour cream, and you’ll do just fine.
Eat This: Soft Corn Tortilla Tacos with Steak, Cheese, Lettuce, and Fresh Tomato Salsa, 530 calories, 14 g fat (7 g saturated), 750 mg sodium
Not That!: Burrito with Steak, Black Beans, White Rice, Cheese, Sour Cream, and Roasted Chili-Corn Salsa, 1,090 calories, 40 g fat (15 g saturated), 2,165 mg sodium. And speaking of going antibiotic-free, melt up to 10 pounds of fat in one week with our brand new, all-natural weight-loss plan, The 7-Day Flat-Belly Tea Cleanse! Test panelists lost up to 10 pounds in just one week!
#2 BIG CHAIN
Panera Bread
Antibiotic Report Grade: A
Panera, armed with a new tagline, “Food as It Should Be,” proudly serves chicken raised antibiotic-free, and has vowed to remove 150 artificial ingredients by 2017. Hence that A grade. Their menu features a roster of mostly great salads and soups, and between the 340-calorie Power Sandwich and the steel-cut oatmeal, a first-rate breakfast is there for the taking. But antibiotic-free or not, some meals pack on the pounds. The bakery puts out little not tainted by refined carbs. Even its “whole-wheat” bread is more than 50 percent white flour.
Make the Smart Choice: For breakfast, choose between the Egg & Cheese sandwich and 310-calorie granola parfait. Skip the stand-alone sandwich lunch. Instead, pair soup and a salad, or order the soup and half sandwich combo.
Eat This: Half Asiago Steak Sandwich on Asiago Cheese Demi, 480 calories, 24 g fat, 740 g sodium
Not That!: Chicken Cobb, with Avocado and Low Fat Thai Chili Vinaigrette, 710 calories, 50.5 g fat (11 g saturated), 1,150mg sodium.
#3 BIG CHAIN
Chick-Fil-A
Antibiotic Report Grade: B
Chick-fil-A ranks among the best of the country’s major fast-food establishments, thanks to a line of low-calorie chicken sandwiches and an impressive roster of healthy sides like yogurt parfaits and various salads. They get a B grade because they’ve committed to serve only antibiotic-free chicken by 2019, and 20 percent of its chicken is antibiotic-free now.
Make the Smart Choice: Instead of nuggets or strips, look to the grilled chicken sandwiches or the classic fried chicken sandwich. And sub in a healthy side—a salad or soup—for the standard fried fare. Just don’t supplement your meal with a shake—none has fewer than 500 calories.
Eat This: Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich, 440 calories, 16 g fat (3.5 g saturated), 1,400 mg sodium
Not That!: Cobb Salad with Avocado Lime Ranch Dressing, 740 calories, 54 g fat (12 g saturated), 1,890 mg sodium. And fill up, but don’t fill out: Use these Eat This, Not That!-recommended Top 20 Daily Habits That Blast Belly Fat!
#4 BIG CHAIN
Dunkin’ Donuts
Antibiotic Report Grade: B
The doughnut king cast out the trans fats in 2007, and it’s been pushing the menu toward healthier options ever since— including the DDSmart Menu, which emphasizes the menu’s nutritional champions. It might have gotten a higher grade in the report if it made public a timetable for going antibiotic-free with its meats, a plan announced but not yet scheduled.
Make the Smart Choice: Use the DDSmart Menu as a starting point, or stick to the sandwiches served on flatbread or English muffins. Beware: Beverages like Coolattas and souped-up coffee drinks can do even more damage than the food here, so keep your joe as plain as possible.
Eat This: Sugar Raised Donut and Ice Latte (small, with skim milk), 300 calories, 14 g fat (6 g saturated), 14 g sugar
Not That: Sesame Seed Bagel with Plain Cream Cheese, 500 calories, 19.5 g fat (10 g saturated, .5 g trans fat), 880 mg sodium
#5 BIG CHAIN
McDonald’s
Antibiotic Report Grade: C
The world-famous burger baron has come a long way since the publication of Fast Food Nation—at least nutritionally speaking. The trans fats are gone from its oils, the number of calorie bombs has been reduced, and there are more healthy options, such as salads and yogurt parfaits, than ever. The antibiotic report says “McDonald’s received fewer points because routine use of antibiotics is still allowed for ‘disease prevention’ in the production of its pork and beef.”
Make the Smart Choice: At breakfast, look no further than the Egg McMuffin—it remains one of the best ways to start your day in the fast-food world. Grilled chicken and Snack Wraps make for a sound lunch. Splurge on a Big Mac or Quarter Pounder, but only if you skip the fries and soda.
Eat This: McChicken, 370 calories, 17 g fat (3.5 g saturated), 650 mg sodium
Not That!: Premium Grilled Chicken Bacon Clubhouse Sandwich, 610 calories, 26 g fat (9 g saturated), 1,720 mg sodium. Or better yet, lose up to 16 pounds in 14 days with one of the quick 5-minute meals among the 150+ delicious weight-loss recipes in the brand-new Zero Belly Cookbook!
#6 BIG CHAIN
Subway
Antibiotic Report Grade: F
Shocker: the “healthiest” fast food chain scores an F. Despite some laudably healthy strides—they’re the first major fast-food chain to carry avocado, and in 2014, the chain removed the creepy plastic dough conditioner azodicarbonamide from its breads—the report chastises them for being ambiguous: “Subway made news last month with its announcement of a new antibiotics use policy, but it’s unclear whether the policy entails the end of all routine antibiotic use in its supply chains.”
Make the Smart Choice: Trouble lurks in three areas at Subway: 1) hot subs, 2) footlongs, 3) chips and soda. Stick to 6-inch cold subs made with ham, turkey, roast beef, or chicken. Load up on veggies, and be extra careful about your condiment choices.
Eat This: Steak and Cheese Toasted Sandwich (6”) and Veggie Delite Salad, 525 calories, 11 g fat (4.5 g saturated), 1,105 mg sodium
Not That!: Turkey Italiano Melt (6") and Veggie Delite Salad, 794 calories, 26 g fat (9 g saturated), 1,565 mg sodium.
#7 BIG CHAIN
Starbucks
Antibiotic Report Grade: F
Once upon a time, Starbucks was a fine place for coffee, but a dangerous place for
fancy drinks and food. But recent years have seen the introduction of a solid line of breakfast and lunch sandwiches, oatmeal, wraps, parfaits, and snack plates, making this coffee shop a reliable place to tame a growling stomach on the go. Just ignore the carb-fueled confections. As for the drinks? Unless you keep it simple, they can do some damage.
Make the Smart Choice: There’s no beating a regular cup of joe or unsweetened tea, but if you need a specialty fix, stick with fat-free milk, sugar-free syrup, and no whipped cream. As for food, go with the Perfect Oatmeal or an Egg White, Spinach, and Feta Wrap.
Eat This: Reduced Fat Turkey Bacon Sandwich, 230 calories, 6 g fat (2.5 g saturated), 560 mg sodium
Not That!: Carrot Cake Muffin with Pecans, 370 calories, 20 g fat (4 g saturated), 170 mg sodium. And click here for 20 Ways to Lose 20 Pounds at Starbucks!
#8 BIG CHAIN
KFC
Antibiotic Report Grade: F
Surprisingly enough, KFC has more than a few things going for it. The menu’s crispy bird bits are offset by skinless chicken pieces, low-calorie sandwich options, and a host of sides that come from beyond the fryer. But so far, they have not announced any plans to go antibiotic-free, like Chick-fil-A.
Make the Smart Choice: Avoid the bowls and pot pies, and choose your chicken smartly: The difference between an Original Recipe breast and an Extra Crispy is 170 calories; order Kentucky Grilled and you’ll save another 100 calories. Then adorn your plate with one of the Colonel’s healthy sides.
Eat This: Original Recipe Chicken Breast with Cole Slaw, 490 calories, 24 g fat (4.5 g saturated), 1,310 mg sodium
Not That!: Chunky Chicken Pot Pie, 790 calories, 45 g fat (37 g saturated), 1,970 mg sodium.
#9 BIG CHAIN
Domino’s
Antibiotic Report Grade: F
Domino’s has been busy these past few years, first successfully rolling out bolder sauce and better seasoned dough, then adding the new Artisan line of pizzas, which, along with the Crunchy Thin Crust pizzas, provide some of the lightest slices in America. But there is still plenty of trouble afoot at the pizza juggernaut—namely, a line of high-calorie specialty pies and breadsticks and Domino’s appalling line of pasta bread bowls and oven-baked sandwiches. In response to the report, Domino’s said their meats “currently meet all USDA requirements and we don’t purchase chicken or beef treated with the non-therapeutic use of antibiotics.”
Make the Smart Choice: The more loaded a pie is at Domino’s, the fewer calories it tends to pack. That’s because more vegetables and lean meats mean less space for cheese. It doesn’t hold true for greasy meats, so choose wisely.
Eat This: Thin Crust with Grilled Chicken and Roasted Red Pepper Pizza (2 slices, large pie), 430 calories, 20 g fat (7 g saturated fat), 900 mg sodium
Not That!: Hand Tossed Crust Buffalo Chicken American Legends Pizza (2 slices, large pie), 680 calories, 34 g fat (16 g saturated), 1,700 mg sodium. Speaking of smart choices, blast belly fat—without exercise—and with these 11 Eating Habits That Will Uncover Your Abs!
#10 BIG CHAIN
Taco Bell
Antibiotic Report Grade: F
“Taco Bell breakfast” is sort of like “ax murderer babysitter.” It’s an inherently bad
idea, proven by the insane products the Bell brought out in its attempt to start charging you money earlier and earlier. Waffle Taco is all we have to say, really. But the Bell wasn’t satisfied with ruining all three meals—the chain tried to invent the Fourth Meal, which is something you eat after a late night of doing whatever works up your appetite. Limit yourself to lunch and dinner, and keep the wee hours sacred.
Make the Smart Choice: Stay away from anything “smothered” or “XXL,” and be skeptical of the salads. Instead, order any two of the following: crunchy tacos, bean burritos, or anything on the Fresco menu. Those items are why the Bell gets the B.
Eat This: Beef Gordita Supreme and Fresco Chicken Soft Taco, 530 calories, 16.5 g fat
(6 g saturated), 950 mg sodium
Not That!: Fiesta Taco Salad with Beef, 770 calories, 41 g fat (10 g saturated, 1 g trans), 1,590 mg sodium
#11 BIG CHAIN
Applebees
Antibiotic Report Grade: F
So far, they have not mentioned any plans to reduce antibiotic use. And it’s easy to see why it took Applebee’s so many years to release its nutritional information period. The 1,540-calorie Riblets Platter and the 1,830-calorie 4-Cheese Mac with Honey Pepper Chicken Tenders are just a few of the little nightmares lurking on the menu. The bright spots include the steaks and the ever-expanding 550-calorie-or-less “Have It All” menu, but even that has some serious sodium issues.
Make the Smart Choice: Skip the meal-wrecking appetizers, pastas, and fajitas, and be very careful with salads, too; more than half of them top 1,000 calories. Concentrate on the excellent line of lean steak entrées, or anything from “Have It All.”
Eat This: Northern Walleye, 690 calories, 36 g fat (13 g saturated), 1,770 mg sodium
Not That!: New England Fish & Chips, 1,970 calories, 136 g fat (24 g saturated), 4,180 mg sodium. But not all fish are healthy—click to discover The Shocking Reason Why Tilapia is Worse Than Bacon!
#12 BIG CHAIN
Burger King
Antibiotic Report Grade: F
In response to the antibiotics report, BK says they are “reviewing the findings.” Meanwhile, the rule of thumb at Burger King is to be suspicious of anything that was invented after Taylor Swift was born: Newfangled options like 400-calorie wraps, sugar-loaded smoothies, and coffee drinks with nearly as many calories as a Whopper only make eating well more difficult. Thankfully, standbys like the Whopper Jr., basic hamburgers, and apple slices give you a way out.
Make the Smart Choice: Start your day with a Muffin Sandwich. For lunch, match the regular hamburger, the Whopper Jr., or the Tendergrill Sandwich with apple slices and water, and you’ll escape for about 700 calories.
Eat This: Bacon Cheeseburger Deluxe, 290 calories, 14 g fat (6 g saturated), 720 mg sodium
Not That!: A.1. Ultimate Bacon Cheeseburger, 810 calories, 49 g fat (22 g saturated), 1,400 mg sodium. And you know to eat an apple a day, but do you know the 1 in 10 weight-loss rule? Or how employees at Google easily shed 15 pounds? Find out—and lose weight fast—with these 20 Best Nutrition Tips Ever!
#13 BIG CHAIN
Wendy’s
Antibiotic Report Grade: F
Scoring a decent meal at Wendy’s is just about as easy as scoring a bad one, and that’s a big compliment to pay a burger joint. Options such as chili and apple slices offer the side-order variety that’s missing from less-evolved fast-food chains. Plus,
Wendy’s offers a handful of Jr. Burgers that stay below 400 calories. Where Wendy’s errs is in the trans fats and the roster of double and triple-patty burgers. The ongoing bacon obsession doesn’t help either, especially with no plans announced to make them antibiotic-free.
Make the Smart Choice: Choose a grilled chicken sandwich or a wrap—they don’t exceed 320 calories. Or opt for a small burger and pair it with chili or a side salad.
Eat This: Chicken Nuggets (10) with BBQ sauce, 450 calories, 30 g fat (7 g saturated), 870 mg sodium
Not That!: Asiago Ranch Homestyle Chicken Club, 670 calories, 32 g fat (9 g saturated), 1,610 mg sodium
#14 BIG CHAIN
Pizza Hut
Antibiotic Report Grade: F
Recent, healthful advancements—like Skinny Slice Pizzas (only 250 calories per slice!), a gluten-free line and new ingredients like fresh spinach and sliced banana peppers—earn this chain applause from Eat This, Not That!, but they still rated an F on the antibiotic report.
Make the Smart Choice: The key to the Hut lies in the crust: Pan Pizzas cost you 80 more calories per slice over Thin ’N Crispy, and 40 more per slice than the Stuffed Crust.
Eat This: Buffalo State of Mind Thin ‘N Crispy Pizza (2 slices, medium pie), 400 calories, 14 g fat (7 g saturated), 1,420 mg sodium
Not That!: Buffalo State of Mind Original Stuffed Crust Pizza (2 slices), 660 calories, 24 g fat (12 g saturated), 1,940 mg sodium. And fill up, but don’t feel bloated: Witness the 7 Amazing Things that Happen to Your Body When You Give Up Dairy!
#15 BIG CHAIN
IHOP
Antibiotic Report Grade: F
IHOP was one of the last chains to release its nutritional numbers, so don’t expect any word on antibiotics anytime soon. And given the national-debt-level calorie counts on much of its menu, we see why. Factor in the new line of bacon burgers and the absolute worst breakfast menu in America and it’s hard to find much to like about IHOP. The best thing we can say is that lunch and dinner aren’t nearly as calamitous as breakfast.
Make the Smart Choice: IHOP’s full name includes the word “cake,” and it seems to take that seriously, piling on the carbs at every turn. You’ll have a hard time finding a regular breakfast with fewer than 700 calories and a lunch or dinner with fewer than 1,000 calories. Your only safe bet is to stick to the Simple & Fit menu, where you’ll find a small selection of healthier items.
Eat This: Two x Two x Two with Bacon, 680 calories, 39 g fat (13 g saturated, .5 trans), 1,790 mg sodium
Not That!: Quick Two-Egg Breakfast with Bacon, 910 calories, 58 g fat (19 g saturated, .5 trans), 1,420 mg sodium
OTHER FAILING RESTAURANTS
Also getting F-bombs for antibiotic usage are many of the country’s other top chains, including burger joints Sonic and Jack in the Box, family-favorites Arby’s and Dairy Queen, pizza palaces Little Caesers and Papa John’s and sit down restaurants Chilis, Outback, Denny’s and Olive Garden. For more details about your favorite chains, click here for your FREE Eat This, Not That! 2015 Restaurant Report Card!
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