Iconic US fast food joint hiding 'sky high' calories and salt levels behind 'wholesome image'
The 58-year-old chain known for its meaty menu offerings is, according to WorldAtlas, a company that 'masks calorie-dense fried-chicken fare behind a wholesome image.'
Its original chicken sandwich and medium waffle fries are fan favorite orders at its many locations across the US.
However, the two of them together contain 750mg of sodium, which is around one-third of a day's limit, plus 800 calories.
WorldAtlas also pointed to the sky-high sugar count in the chain's lemonade and milkshakes.
But what could be the most surprising for fans is the number of calories that go into Chick-fil-A's Market, Spicy Southwest, and Cobb salads.
The Market starts with 550 calories, Spicy moves up to 680 calories, and the Cobb calorie count rises to a whopping 830.
Despite the high-calorie counts of many of its menu items, Chick-fil-A is often perceived as wholesome due to its focus on quality ingredients and Christian values.
With over 3,000 restaurants nationwide, Chick-fil-A has shown itself as a force to be reckoned with in the fast food industry.
It debuted a new Peach Frosted Lemonade and brought back Peach Milkshakes last month.
The chain also launched its limited-time Chick-n-Strips combo, giving fans to order chicken strips paired with one of Chick-fil-A's signature sauces.
By the time these items came, Chick-fil-A had dialed back its 'No Antibiotics Ever' pledge while keeping its 2026 cage-free-egg goal intact.
Before the company released these summer offerings, it finished 2024 with over $22 billion in revenue, over $1 billion more than the year before, according to QSR.
It's also one of three restaurant brands to reach $20 billion in US systemwide sales, the others being Starbucks and McDonald's.
Revenue could potentially rise thanks to a string of new restaurants that opened in the US this year, and plans to open eight restaurants across Ontario and Alberta.
Chick-fil-A is also looking to build a strong presence in the UK and Puerto Rico and will open its first restaurant in the Asian market in Singapore later this year.
Chick-fil-A's Market and Spicy Southwest salads have 550 and 830 calories, respectively
While Chick-fil-A may seem concerning to some, its calorie counts are nothing compared to offerings from its competition.
Wendy's took the top spot on WorldAtlas' unhealthy chains list with its Triple Baconator meal with large fries and medium Frosty reaching about 2,160 calories.
Sonic, the second most unhealthy chain, is currently offering a selection of sweet summer deals, including a 1,720 calorie Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Master Shake.
Taco Bell, Dairy Queen, and KFC round up the list's top five with menu items that can be up to 2,500 calories.
Quiznos' 1,300 calorie 12-inch Classic Italian sandwich is a reason why the chain was ranked sixth.
The Italian sandwich calorie count is the same as what's in a large Big Mac meal with a soda from McDonald's, the financially struggling chain ranked seventh on the list.
Smashburger ranked eighth, with select milkshakes and burgers starting at 930 calories.
Little Caesar's pizza empire came in ninth, and while its backed by NFL sponsorships, its 2,140 calorie $5 Hot-N-Ready pepperoni pizza packs aren't the healthiest meal options.
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