9 Foods You Should Never Order at a Chain Restaurant

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When it comes to eating out, chain restaurants often seem like the safest option, with predictable menus, fast service, and familiar comforts.

However, while the convenience and familiarity may be appealing, the truth is that some of the offerings at these places might not be as appetizing as they seem. In fact, there are certain menu items that are best avoided. These dishes often come with high calories, questionable ingredients, and dubious quality. If you’re trying to make healthier choices or simply want to avoid food that’s more hype than substance, here’s a list of nine foods you should think twice about before ordering at a chain restaurant.

Buffalo Wings

While buffalo wings are a popular choice for many, they are one of the worst offenders when it comes to both calories and sodium.

Typically, these wings are deep-fried and coated in a sugary, buttery sauce. If you think you’re making a healthy choice by opting for a few, think again. One serving can often exceed 1,000 calories, with a hefty dose of saturated fat and sodium. Even worse, many chain restaurants use pre-cooked wings that are just reheated, leaving you with an inferior, greasy experience. Instead of ordering these, consider grilled chicken or a healthier salad.

Fried Mozzarella Sticks

Mozzarella sticks, those tempting breaded and deep-fried cheese delights, are another item that might seem like a fun appetizer but are packed with calories and unhealthy fats. Many chain restaurants offer mozzarella sticks in large portions,sometimes even as a main dish.

These cheesy delights may taste good, but they come with the downside of being heavily processed and incredibly high in calories and sodium. Not to mention, they are often served with sugary marinara sauce, which only adds to the unhealthiness. If you’re craving something cheesy, go for a lighter, baked option or a fresh cheese-based salad.

Pasta Alfredo

While pasta dishes may seem like a comforting option, pasta alfredo from a chain restaurant should be avoided at all costs.

The creamy Alfredo sauce is typically loaded with butter, cream, and cheese, making it one of the heaviest pasta dishes you can order. Just one serving can contain up to 1,500 calories, with a staggering amount of fat and sodium. On top of that, many chain restaurants use low-quality pasta and ingredients to save costs, resulting in a dish that’s both heavy and bland. Instead of ordering this artery-clogging dish, opt for a pasta with a tomato-based sauce or one with grilled vegetables.

Bacon Cheeseburger

While a classic bacon cheeseburger can be a satisfying choice, the versions you’ll find at chain restaurants often come with more than just a few crispy strips of bacon. These burgers are typically loaded with excessive amounts of cheese, greasy toppings, and sauces, adding up to a meal with over 1,000 calories and an alarming amount of saturated fat.

Many chain restaurants also use low-quality beef that lacks the flavor and texture of a freshly-made patty. Instead of the bacon cheeseburger, try a veggie or turkey burger, or opt for a grilled chicken sandwich with healthy toppings.

Caesar Salad

At first glance, a Caesar salad might seem like a healthy option, especially if you’re looking for a lighter meal. However, many don’t realize that this salad can quickly turn into a calorie bomb when you factor in the dressing, croutons, and cheese.

Many Caesar salads from chain restaurants are drenched in a creamy, calorie-heavy dressing, and the croutons add unnecessary carbs and extra calories. When combined, these ingredients can make the salad just as high in calories as a greasy burger. If you’re in the mood for a salad, ask for the dressing on the side and skip the croutons, or opt for a simple garden salad instead.

Sizzling Fajitas

Sizzling fajitas may sound like a fun and flavorful choice, but they often come with a few downsides. While the grilled meat and vegetables might seem like a good option, the meal typically comes with a large portion of tortillas, cheese, sour cream, and guacamole—all of which quickly add up to more calories than you intended.

The real kicker is the sizzling plate itself, which is often soaked in oil or butter to create that irresistible sizzle. Instead of going for the sizzling fajitas, ask for grilled chicken or vegetables with a side of salsa and skip the tortillas or choose a lettuce wrap for a lighter alternative.

Chicken Tenders

Chicken tenders might seem like a simple, safe choice, especially for families with kids. However, many chain restaurants serve up this deep-fried dish with a side of heavy sauces, making it a calorie bomb. A typical serving of chicken tenders can easily pack over 1,000 calories, not to mention a large amount of sodium and unhealthy fats.

The problem is that these tenders are often processed and frozen, rather than made fresh, resulting in a rubbery texture and a lack of flavor. If you’re craving chicken, choose a grilled chicken dish instead, or opt for roasted chicken with a side of vegetables.

Crispy Chicken Salad

While a salad might seem like a healthy choice, the crispy chicken salad from many chain restaurants is far from it.

The breaded, deep-fried chicken pieces add unnecessary fat and calories to what should be a light meal. Pair that with a dressing that’s often creamy and full of sugar, and you have a salad that’s no better than a fast-food burger. If you’re craving a salad, go for grilled chicken or another lean protein, and always ask for the dressing on the side. Avoid any salad with fried toppings or overly sugary dressings.

Steak and Fries

A classic steak and fries dish might seem like the ultimate comfort food, but it’s usually more of a calorie overload than a satisfying meal. Chain restaurants often serve oversized portions of fatty beef cuts, paired with deep-fried fries drenched in oil.

Even if the steak is lean, it’s easy to go overboard with portion sizes and the butter or sauces many restaurants use to enhance flavor. If you’re craving steak, opt for a smaller portion, such as a sirloin or tenderloin, and swap the fries for a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad.

Conclusion

When dining at chain restaurants, it’s important to be mindful of your choices. While it’s tempting to indulge in comfort foods and large portions, many menu items are loaded with hidden calories, unhealthy fats, and excessive sodium.

The dishes listed above are just a few examples of foods that can pack on the pounds and leave you feeling sluggish. Instead, opt for healthier alternatives, such as grilled meats, fresh salads, or lighter pasta dishes. By being more conscious of what you’re ordering, you can enjoy dining out while making smarter, healthier choices. After all, food is meant to nourish, not weigh you down. Choose wisely, and your body will thank you!