Hamburger

Beef, ground, 80% lean meat / 20% fat, raw

Source: USDA Nutrient Database. Protein daily value based on ISSN Position Stand for an individual weighing ~150 lbs.

Hamburger FAQ

Table of Contents

• Is hamburger gluten free?
• Is hamburger a good source of protein?
• Is hamburger high in cholesterol?
• Is hamburger high in fiber?
• Is a hamburger high in sodium?
• Are hamburgers high in iron?
• Are hamburgers low in FODMAP?
• Are hamburgers kosher?
• What are some healthier alternatives to a hamburger?
• Is a hamburger halal?
• Is hamburger high in potassium?

Is hamburger gluten free?

Typically, a plain hamburger made from pure ground beef is naturally gluten-free. However, when it comes to prepared or packaged hamburgers, the addition of additives, fillers, or breadcrumbs can introduce gluten. The bun and condiments served with the hamburger may also contain gluten. It’s best to check with the provider or look at the ingredients list if you are sensitive to gluten.

Is hamburger a good source of protein?

Yes, hamburgers are a solid source of protein. An average 4-ounce hamburger patty, made from ground beef with 85% lean meat, provides about 22 grams of protein. This is roughly 44% of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) for protein for women and 36% for men, which are 50 grams and 60 grams respectively.

Is hamburger high in cholesterol?

A 4-ounce hamburger patty, made from 85% lean meat, contains roughly 77 milligrams of cholesterol. This makes up about 25% of the average daily recommended limit of 300 milligrams of cholesterol for healthy adults. For those with heart disease or high cholesterol, the daily limit is 200 milligrams, so a hamburger would account for nearly half of that amount.

Is hamburger high in fiber?

No, hamburgers are not high in fiber. Meat does not typically contain any fiber. The fiber in a hamburger would come from any added vegetables or whole-grain bread used as the bun. A plain 4-ounce hamburger patty made from ground beef contains no fiber. The recommended daily value for fiber intake is 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men.

Is a hamburger high in sodium?

Yes, a regular-sized hamburger is generally high in sodium. It contains about 460 mg of sodium, which is almost 20% of the recommended daily intake of 2,300 mg for a healthy adult.

Are hamburgers high in iron?

Yes, hamburgers are a good source of iron. A typical hamburger contains about 2.5 mg of iron. That is about 14% of the recommended daily intake for men (18 mg) and about 10% for women (25 mg).

Are hamburgers low in FODMAP?

No, hamburgers are not usually low in FODMAPs. Ingredients that are commonly found in hamburgers, such as onions and wheat (in the bun), are high in FODMAPS. However, a hamburger can be made low FODMAP by making substitutions like using a gluten-free bun and eliminating onions.

Are hamburgers kosher?

The kosher status of a hamburger depends on several factors including the source and handling of the meat, the ingredients added to the meat, and the kitchen it is prepared in. Meat must come from a kosher animal that is slaughtered in the kosher manner. Additionally, if cheese or dairy products are added to the hamburger, such as in a cheeseburger, this would not be kosher according to Jewish dietary laws, which prohibit mixing milk and meat.

What are some healthier alternatives to a hamburger?

There are several healthier alternatives to a hamburger. A grilled chicken burger is one option, with lower saturated fat and higher protein content. A turkey burger is another lower-fat alternative. For vegetarians or those looking to reduce meat consumption, a veggie burger or portobello mushroom burger can also serve as good alternatives. When comparing a typical beef hamburger with about 250 calories and 17 grams of fat, a grilled chicken burger typically has around 165 calories and 3.5 grams of fat, and a veggie burger typically contains around 200 calories and 6 grams of fat. The Recommended Daily Intake (RDI) for fat is 70 grams, so a chicken or veggie burger significantly reduces fat consumption compared to a traditional beef hamburger.

Is a hamburger halal?

The halal status of a hamburger depends on the source and processing of the meat. If the beef is sourced from halal-certified farms and slaughterhouses, which ensures the animal was raised and slaughtered according to Islamic dietary laws, then the hamburger would be halal. Many fast-food chains and restaurants now offer halal-certified options, but it’s always advisable to ask in order to make sure.

Is hamburger high in potassium?

A typical 3.5 oz beef hamburger patty contains around 220-250 mg of potassium. The recommended daily intake of potassium for adults is 4700 mg, which means a single hamburger patty provides only around 5% of the daily potassium requirement. Therefore, a hamburger is not particularly high in potassium as compared to foods like bananas, potatoes, and tomatoes.