Calories in a Baconator: Full Nutrition Breakdown

The Wendy's Baconator is one of the most calorie-dense burgers in fast food, coming in at approximately 950 calories with two quarter-pound beef patties, six strips of bacon, and American cheese. It delivers a massive 57 grams of protein but also carries significant amounts of fat and sodium. Here is a full nutrition comparison of popular Wendy's burgers.

Calories by serving size:

The Baconator is designed as an indulgent, protein-heavy burger and is not intended as an everyday meal for most people. If you are watching your calorie intake, the Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger offers a similar flavor profile at a fraction of the calories and sodium.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why does the Baconator have so many calories?

The Baconator's high calorie count comes from its two quarter-pound fresh beef patties, six strips of Applewood smoked bacon, two slices of American cheese, and mayonnaise and ketchup. The combination of double meat, bacon, and cheese creates a sandwich with 62 grams of total fat, which alone accounts for over 550 calories.

How does the Baconator compare to a Big Mac in calories?

The Baconator at 950 calories is significantly higher than a McDonald's Big Mac at about 590 calories. The Baconator has nearly double the protein at 57 grams versus 25 grams, but it also has roughly double the fat and substantially more sodium. The Big Mac is the lighter option by a wide margin.

Is the Son of Baconator a good lower-calorie alternative?

The Son of Baconator at 660 calories saves you nearly 300 calories compared to the full Baconator. It uses a smaller portion of beef and fewer bacon strips while maintaining the same general flavor. For an even lighter option, the Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger at 380 calories provides the bacon-and-cheese combination for less than half the calories of the original Baconator.

How much sodium is in a Baconator?

A single Baconator contains about 1,860 mg of sodium, which is roughly 81% of the American Heart Association's recommended daily limit of 2,300 mg. Adding fries and a drink to your meal can easily push total sodium intake well beyond a full day's recommendation in a single sitting.

What is the highest calorie item at Wendy's?

The Baconator at 950 calories is one of the highest-calorie single items on the Wendy's menu. However, combo meals and specialty limited-time items can exceed this. A Baconator combo with large fries and a large Coca-Cola can total well over 1,700 calories.