Volume 11 — December 31, 2014
ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Temporal Trends in Fast-Food Restaurant Energy, Sodium, Saturated Fat, and Trans Fat Content, United States, 1996–2013
Chain/Year | French Fries, kcal | Cheeseburger, kcal | Grilled Chicken Sandwich, kcal | Cola, kcal | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
S | M | L | 2 oz | 4 oz | S | M | L | ||
Chain A | |||||||||
1996 | 210 | 450 | 540 | 320 | 530 | 150 | — | — | |
1997 | 210 | 450 | 540 | 320 | 530 | 440 | 150 | — | — |
1998 | 210 | 450 | 540 | 320 | 530 | 440 | 150 | — | — |
1999 | 210 | 450 | 540 | 320 | 530 | 440 | 150 | 210 | 310 |
2000 | 210 | 450 | 540 | 320 | 530 | 450 | 150 | 210 | 310 |
2001 | 210 | 450 | 540 | 330 | 530 | 450 | 150 | 210 | 310 |
2002 | 210 | 450 | 540 | 330 | 530 | 450 | 150 | 210 | 310 |
2003 | 210 | 450 | 540 | 330 | 530 | 400 | 150 | 210 | 310 |
2004 | 220 | 350 | 520 | 330 | 540 | 400 | 150 | 210 | 310 |
2005 | 230 | 350 | 520 | 310 | 510 | 420 | 150 | 210 | 310 |
2006 | 250 | 380 | 570 | 310 | 510 | 420 | 150 | 210 | 310 |
2007 | 250 | 380 | 570 | 300 | 510 | 420 | 150 | 210 | 310 |
2008 | 230 | 380 | 500 | 300 | 510 | 420 | 150 | 210 | 310 |
2009 | 230 | 380 | 500 | 300 | 510 | 420 | 150 | 210 | 310 |
2010 | 230 | 380 | 500 | 300 | 510 | 420 | 150 | 210 | 310 |
2011 | 230 | 380 | 500 | 300 | 510 | 350 | 150 | 210 | 310 |
2012 | 230 | 380 | 500 | 300 | 520 | 350 | 150 | 210 | 310 |
2013 | 230 | 380 | 500 | 300 | 520 | 350 | 140 | 200 | 280 |
β | 1.8 | −0.6 | −2.7 | −1.8 | −1.4 | −5.5 | −0.2 | −0.3 | −0.8 |
P value | <.001 | <.001 | .007 | <.001 | .002 | <.001 | .10 | .11 | .11 |
Chain B | |||||||||
1996 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
1997 | — | 370 | 380 | 730 | 550 | 204 | 280 | — | |
1998 | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |
1999 | 250 | 400 | 590 | 360 | 760 | 530 | 204 | 280 | 407 |
2000 | 250 | 400 | 590 | 360 | 760 | 530 | 204 | 280 | 407 |
2001 | 230 | 360 | 500 | 370 | 780 | 550 | — | — | — |
2002 | 230 | 360 | 500 | 360 | 850 | 580 | 160 | 230 | 330 |
2003 | 230 | 360 | 500 | 360 | 800 | 580 | 160 | 230 | 330 |
2004 | 230 | 360 | 500 | 350 | 800 | 570 | 160 | 200 | 330 |
2005 | 230 | 360 | 500 | 350 | 800 | 570 | 140 | 200 | 290 |
2006 | 230 | 360 | 500 | 330 | 760 | 510 | 140 | 200 | 290 |
2007 | 230 | 360 | 500 | 330 | 760 | 510 | 140 | 200 | 290 |
2008 | 230 | 360 | 500 | 340 | 770 | 490 | 140 | 210 | 290 |
2009 | 340 | 480 | 580 | 340 | 770 | 490 | 210 | 290 | 390 |
2010 | 340 | 440 | 540 | 310 | 770 | 490 | 210 | 290 | 390 |
2011 | 340 | 440 | 540 | 300 | 760 | 470 | 190 | 290 | 380 |
2012 | 340 | 410 | 500 | 280 | 760 | 470 | 190 | 290 | 380 |
2013 | 340 | 410 | 500 | 288 | 710 | 510 | 190 | 290 | 380 |
β | 8.9 | 3.9 | −2.0 | −5.8 | −1.7 | −5.5 | −0.1 | 1.5 | 0.6 |
P value | .001 | .05 | .36 | <.001 | .39 | .002 | .97 | .52 | .85 |
Chain C | |||||||||
1996 | 260 | 380 | 460 | 320 | 490 | 310 | 90 | 108 | 180 |
1997 | 270 | 390 | 470 | 320 | 490 | 310 | 90 | 108 | 180 |
1998 | 270 | 470 | 570 | 320 | 490 | 310 | 90 | 108 | 180 |
1999 | 270 | 470 | 570 | 320 | 490 | 310 | 90 | 108 | 180 |
2000 | 270 | 470 | 570 | 320 | 490 | 310 | 90 | 108 | 180 |
2001 | 270 | 420 | 470 | 310 | 480 | 300 | 104 | 130 | 208 |
2002 | 250 | 390 | 440 | 310 | 480 | 300 | 112 | 140 | 224 |
2003 | 250 | 390 | 440 | 310 | 480 | 300 | 112 | 140 | 224 |
2004 | 250 | 390 | 440 | 310 | 480 | 360 | 112 | 140 | 224 |
2005 | 280 | 440 | 490 | 320 | 490 | 360 | 112 | 140 | 224 |
2006 | 370 | 420 | 540 | 320 | 490 | 370 | 140 | 224 | 294 |
2007 | 330 | 420 | 520 | 320 | 500 | 320 | 140 | 224 | 294 |
2008 | 340 | 430 | 550 | 260 | 500 | 320 | 140 | 210 | 280 |
2009 | 330 | 420 | 540 | 270 | 540 | 350 | 160 | 240 | 320 |
2010 | 330 | 410 | 540 | 270 | 540 | 340 | 160 | 240 | 320 |
2011 | 320 | 420 | 530 | 270 | 550 | 360 | 160 | 240 | 320 |
2012 | 320 | 420 | 530 | 290 | 620 | 390 | 160 | — | — |
2013 | 310 | 410 | 500 | 290 | 600 | 390 | 160 | 240 | 320 |
β | 4.9 | −0.5 | 1.8 | −3.0 | 6.1 | 4.5 | 5.2 | 10.3 | 10.6 |
P value | .001 | .73 | .40 | <.001 | <.001 | <.001 | <.001 | <.001 | <.001 |
Chain comparison P value | ≤.002 | .04a | NS | ≤.008b | <.001b | <.001 | ≤.01 | ≤.02 | <.001b |
Figure 1. Energy content (kcal per portion) for popular menu items at 3 large, national fast-food chains. Energy content for 3 sizes of French fries (small, medium, large); 2 sizes of cheeseburgers (2 oz, 4 oz); 1 size of grilled chicken sandwich; and 3 sizes of cola beverages (small, medium, large) from chains A, B, and C from 1996 through 2013. β estimates and P values derived from individual simple linear models; chain comparison P values derived from ANOVA (analysis of variance) models comparing mean values between restaurants. Dashes indicate that data were not available; blank cells indicate that the item was not offered for the year(s). Abbreviations: S, small; M, medium; L, large; NS, nonsignificant. a Difference is between Chain B versus Chain C. b
Difference is between Chain B versus Chains A and C.
Chain/Year | French Fries | Cheeseburger | Grilled Chicken Sandwich | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Small | Medium | Large | 2 oz | 4 oz | ||
Sodium, mg | ||||||
Chain A | ||||||
1996 | 135 | 290 | 350 | 770 | 1,200 | |
1997 | 135 | 290 | 350 | 820 | 1,290 | 1,040 |
1998 | 135 | 290 | 350 | 820 | 1,290 | 1,040 |
1999 | 135 | 290 | 350 | 820 | 1,290 | 1,040 |
2000 | 135 | 290 | 350 | 830 | 1,310 | 970 |
2001 | 135 | 290 | 350 | 830 | 1,310 | 970 |
2002 | 135 | 290 | 350 | 830 | 1,310 | 970 |
2003 | 135 | 290 | 350 | 800 | 1,250 | 890 |
2004 | 150 | 220 | 340 | 790 | 1,240 | 1,020 |
2005 | 140 | 220 | 330 | 740 | 1,150 | 1,240 |
2006 | 140 | 220 | 330 | 740 | 1,150 | 1,240 |
2007 | 140 | 220 | 330 | 750 | 1,190 | 1,190 |
2008 | 160 | 270 | 350 | 750 | 1,190 | 1,190 |
2009 | 160 | 270 | 350 | 750 | 1,190 | 1,190 |
2010 | 160 | 270 | 350 | 750 | 1,190 | 1,190 |
2011 | 160 | 270 | 350 | 750 | 1,190 | 820 |
2012 | 160 | 270 | 350 | 680 | 1,100 | 820 |
2013 | 160 | 270 | 350 | 680 | 1,100 | 820 |
β | 1.9 | −2.1 | −0.2 | −7.5 | −10.2 | −2.8 |
P value | <.001 | .10 | .63 | <.001 | <.001 | .71 |
Chain B | ||||||
1996 | — | — | — | — | — | |
1997 | — | 240 | 770 | 1,350 | 480 | |
1998 | — | — | — | — | — | |
1999 | 550 | 820 | 1,180 | 760 | 1,380 | 1,060 |
2000 | 550 | 820 | 1,180 | 760 | 1,380 | 1,060 |
2001 | 630 | 690 | 940 | 750 | 1,390 | 1,110 |
2002 | 410 | 640 | 880 | 790 | 1,430 | 1,370 |
2003 | 410 | 640 | 880 | 790 | 1,420 | 1,370 |
2004 | 410 | 640 | 880 | 770 | 1,450 | 1,410 |
2005 | 410 | 640 | 880 | 770 | 1,450 | 1,410 |
2006 | 380 | 590 | 820 | 780 | 1,450 | 1,180 |
2007 | 380 | 590 | 820 | 780 | 1,450 | 1,180 |
2008 | 380 | 590 | 820 | 780 | 1,450 | 1,250 |
2009 | 590 | 820 | 990 | 770 | 1,450 | 1,220 |
2010 | 530 | 670 | 830 | 740 | 1,450 | 1,220 |
2011 | 530 | 670 | 830 | 710 | 1,410 | 1,100 |
2012 | 480 | 570 | 710 | 690 | 1,410 | 1,330 |
2013 | 480 | 570 | 710 | 690 | 1,240 | 1,350 |
β | −1.7 | 2.1 | −24.0 | −4.1 | <0.1 | 23.7 |
P value | .75 | .79 | <.001 | .01 | .99 | .04 |
Chain C | ||||||
1996 | 85 | 120 | 150 | 770 | 1,130 | 780 |
1997 | 85 | 120 | 150 | 830 | 1,240 | 790 |
1998 | 85 | 150 | 180 | 830 | 1,240 | 790 |
1999 | 85 | 150 | 180 | 830 | 1,240 | 790 |
2000 | 85 | 150 | 180 | 830 | 1,240 | 790 |
2001 | 85 | 130 | 150 | 800 | 1,180 | 740 |
2002 | 220 | 340 | 380 | 820 | 1,210 | 740 |
2003 | 220 | 340 | 380 | 820 | 1,230 | 730 |
2004 | 220 | 340 | 380 | 820 | 1,230 | 1,100 |
2005 | 270 | 430 | 480 | 820 | 1,220 | 1,100 |
2006 | 380 | 430 | 550 | 810 | 1,200 | 1,070 |
2007 | 340 | 430 | 550 | 800 | 1,220 | 950 |
2008 | 290 | 370 | 480 | 690 | 1,190 | 950 |
2009 | 300 | 380 | 500 | 700 | 1,260 | 1,000 |
2010 | 280 | 350 | 460 | 730 | 1,290 | 1,030 |
2011 | 350 | 460 | 570 | 670 | 1,270 | 1,110 |
2012 | 350 | 460 | 570 | 820 | 1,440 | 880 |
2013 | 330 | 440 | 540 | 800 | 1,220 | 1,000 |
β | 18.8 | 22.0 | 29.6 | −4.7 | 5.9 | 17.9 |
P value | <.001 | <.001 | <.001 | .05 | .03 | .002 |
Chain comparison P value | ≤.01 | <.001a | <.001a | NS | <.001a | ≤.001a |
Figure 2. Sodium content (mg per portion) for popular menu items at 3 large, national fast-food chains. Sodium content for 3 sizes of French fries (small, medium, large), 2 sizes of cheeseburgers (2 oz, 4 oz), and 1 size of grilled chicken sandwich from Chains A, B, and C from 1996 through 2013. β estimates and P values derived from individual simple linear models, with energy as the dependent variable and time as the independent variable; chain comparison P values derived from ANOVA (analysis of variance) models comparing mean values between restaurants. Dashes indicate that data were not available; blank cells indicate that the item was not offered for the year(s). Abbreviation: NS, nonsignificant. a
Difference is between Chain B versus Chains A and C.
Chain/Year | French Fries | Cheeseburger | Grilled Chicken Sandwich | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Small | Medium | Large | 2 oz | 4 oz | ||
Saturated Fat, g | ||||||
Chain A | ||||||
1996 | 1.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 6.0 | 13.0 | |
1997 | 1.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 6.0 | 13.0 | 3.0 |
1998 | 1.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 6.0 | 13.0 | 3.0 |
1999 | 1.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 6.0 | 13.0 | 3.0 |
2000 | 1.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 6.0 | 13.0 | 3.0 |
2001 | 1.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 6.0 | 13.0 | 3.0 |
2002 | 1.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 6.0 | 13.0 | 3.0 |
2003 | 1.5 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 6.0 | 13.0 | 3.0 |
2004 | 2.0 | 3.0 | 4.5 | 6.0 | 13.0 | 3.0 |
2005 | 2.0 | 3.0 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 12.0 | 2.0 |
2006 | 2.5 | 4.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 12.0 | 2.0 |
2007 | 2.5 | 4.0 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 12.0 | 2.0 |
2008 | 1.5 | 2.5 | 3.5 | 6.0 | 12.0 | 2.0 |
2009 | 1.5 | 2.5 | 3.5 | 6.0 | 12.0 | 2.0 |
2010 | 1.5 | 2.5 | 3.5 | 6.0 | 12.0 | 2.0 |
2011 | 1.5 | 2.5 | 3.5 | 6.0 | 12.0 | 2.0 |
2012 | 1.5 | 2.5 | 3.5 | 6.0 | 12.0 | 2.0 |
2013 | 1.5 | 2.5 | 3.5 | 6.0 | 12.0 | 2.0 |
β | <0.1 | −0.1 | −0.1 | NC | −0.1 | −0.1 |
P value | .61 | <.001 | .08 | NS | <.001 | <.001 |
Chain B | ||||||
1996 | — | — | — | — | — | |
1997 | — | 5.0 | 9.0 | 16.0 | 6.0 | |
1998 | — | — | — | — | — | |
1999 | 5.0 | 8.0 | 12.0 | 9.0 | 17.0 | 5.0 |
2000 | 5.0 | 8.0 | 12.0 | 9.0 | 17.0 | 5.0 |
2001 | 3.0 | 5.0 | 7.0 | 9.0 | 17.0 | 5.0 |
2002 | 3.0 | 5.0 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 30.0 | 5.0 |
2003 | 3.0 | 5.0 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 18.0 | 5.0 |
2004 | 3.0 | 5.0 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 18.0 | 4.5 |
2005 | 3.0 | 5.0 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 18.0 | 4.5 |
2006 | 3.0 | 4.5 | 6.0 | 7.0 | 16.0 | 3.5 |
2007 | 3.0 | 4.5 | 6.0 | 7.0 | 16.0 | 3.5 |
2008 | 3.0 | 4.5 | 6.0 | 7.0 | 16.0 | 4.0 |
2009 | 3.5 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 7.0 | 16.0 | 4.0 |
2010 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 6.0 | 7.0 | 16.0 | 4.0 |
2011 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 6.0 | 6.0 | 16.0 | 3.5 |
2012 | 2.5 | 3.0 | 3.5 | 6.0 | 16.0 | 3.5 |
2013 | 2.5 | 3.0 | 3.5 | 6.0 | 15.0 | 4.0 |
β | −0.1 | −0.2 | −0.4 | −0.2 | −0.2 | −0.1 |
P value | .03 | .001 | <.001 | <.001 | .28 | <.001 |
Chain C | ||||||
1996 | 2.5 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 10.0 | 1.5 |
1997 | 2.0 | 3.0 | 3.5 | 6.0 | 10.5 | 1.5 |
1998 | 2.0 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 6.0 | 10.5 | 1.5 |
1999 | 2.0 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 6.0 | 10.5 | 1.5 |
2000 | 2.0 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 6.0 | 10.5 | 1.5 |
2001 | 2.0 | 3.0 | 3.5 | 6.0 | 10.5 | 1.5 |
2002 | 2.0 | 3.0 | 3.5 | 5.0 | 10.5 | 1.5 |
2003 | 2.0 | 3.0 | 3.5 | 6.0 | 10.5 | 1.5 |
2004 | 2.0 | 3.0 | 3.5 | 6.0 | 10.5 | 1.5 |
2005 | 2.5 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 6.0 | 10.5 | 1.5 |
2006 | 2.5 | 3.0 | 4.0 | 6.0 | 10.5 | 1.5 |
2007 | 2.5 | 3.0 | 3.5 | 5.0 | 10.5 | 1.5 |
2008 | 2.5 | 3.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 10.5 | 1.5 |
2009 | 3.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 11.5 | 1.5 |
2010 | 3.0 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 5.0 | 11.5 | 1.5 |
2011 | 3.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 12.0 | 1.5 |
2012 | 3.0 | 4.0 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 16.0 | 3.5 |
2013 | 3.0 | 3.5 | 4.5 | 6.5 | 13.0 | 1.5 |
β | 0.1 | <0.1 | 0.1 | <−0.1 | 0.2 | <0.1 |
P value | <.001 | .33 | .06 | .06 | .002 | .15 |
Chain comparison P value | ≤.001 | <.001a | <.001a | <.001a | <.001a | <.001 |
Figure 3. Saturated fat content (g per portion) for popular menu items at 3 large, national fast-food chains. Saturated fat content per serving for 3 sizes of French fries (small, medium, large), 2 sizes of cheeseburgers (2 oz, 4 oz), and 1 size of grilled chicken sandwich from Chains A, B, and C from 1996 through 2013. β estimates and P values derived from individual simple linear models; chain comparison P values derived from ANOVA (analysis of variance) models comparing mean values between restaurants. Dashes indicate that data were not available; blank cells indicate that the item was not offered for the year(s). Abbreviations: NS, nonsignificant; NC, no change. a
Difference is between Chain B versus Chains A and C.
Chain/Year | French Fries | Cheeseburger | Grilled Chicken Sandwich | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Small | Medium | Large | 2 oz | 4 oz | ||
Trans Fat, g | ||||||
Chain A | ||||||
2001 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
2002 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
2003 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
2004 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
2005 | 2.5 | 4.0 | 6.0 | 1.0 | 1.5 | 0 |
2006 | 3.5 | 5.0 | 8.0 | 1.0 | 1.5 | 0 |
2007 | 3.5 | 5.0 | 8.0 | 0.5 | 1.5 | 0 |
2008 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.5 | 1.5 | 0 |
2009 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.5 | 1.5 | 0 |
2010 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.5 | 1.5 | 0 |
2011 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.5 | 1.5 | 0 |
2012 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.5 | 1.5 | 0 |
2013 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.5 | 1.5 | 0 |
β | −0.5 | −0.1 | −1.1 | −0.1 | NC | NC |
P value | .01 | .01 | .01 | .03 | NS | NS |
Chain B | ||||||
2001 | 3.0 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 1.0 | 1.5 | — |
2002 | 3.0 | 4.7 | 6.4 | 0.7 | 1.5 | 0.5 |
2003 | 3.0 | 4.7 | 6.4 | 0.7 | 1.4 | 0.5 |
2004 | 3.0 | 4.5 | 6.0 | 0.5 | 1.5 | 0 |
2005 | 3.0 | 4.5 | 6.0 | 0.5 | 2.0 | 0 |
2006 | 3.0 | 4.5 | 6.0 | 0.5 | 1.5 | 0.5 |
2007 | 3.0 | 4.5 | 6.0 | 0.5 | 1.5 | 0.5 |
2008 | 3.0 | 4.5 | 6.0 | 0.5 | 1.5 | 0 |
2009 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.5 | 1.5 | 0 |
2010 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.5 | 1.5 | 0 |
2011 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.0 | 0 |
2012 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.0 | 0 |
2013 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1.0 | 0 |
β | −0.3 | −0.5 | −0.7 | −0.1 | <−0.1 | <−0.1 |
P value | <.001 | <.001 | <.001 | <.001 | .06 | .03 |
Chain C | ||||||
2001 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
2002 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
2003 | 3.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 | 0.5 | 1.0 | 0 |
2004 | 3.0 | 4.5 | 5.0 | 0.5 | 1.0 | 0 |
2005 | 3.5 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 0.5 | 1.0 | 0 |
2006 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 1.0 | 0 |
2007 | 0.5 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 1.0 | 0 |
2008 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.5 | 1.0 | 0 |
2009 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.5 | 1.0 | 0 |
2010 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.5 | 1.0 | 0 |
2011 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.5 | 1.5 | 0 |
2012 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.5 | 1.5 | 0 |
2013 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.5 | 1.5 | 0 |
β | −0.4 | −0.5 | −0.6 | NC | 0.1 | NC |
P value | .001 | .001 | .002 | NS | .005 | NS |
Chain comparison P value | NS | NS | NS | NS | <.01a | NS |
Figure 4. Trans fat content (g per portion) for popular menu items at 3 large, national fast-food chains. Trans fat content per serving for 3 sizes of French fries (small, medium, large), 2 sizes of cheeseburgers (2 oz, 4 oz), and 1 size of grilled chicken sandwich from Chains A, B, and C from 2001 through 2013. β estimates and P values derived from individual simple linear models; chain comparison P values derived from ANOVA (analysis of variance) models, comparing mean values between restaurants. Dashes indicate that data were not available; blank cells indicate that the item was not offered for the year(s). a
Difference is between Chain C versus Chains A and B. Abbreviations: NS,
nonsignificant; NC, no change.
Year/Item | Chain A | Chain B | Chain C |
---|---|---|---|
Energy, kcal (% Total meal kcal) | |||
1999 | |||
2-oz Cheeseburger | 320 (47) | 360 (44) | 320 (47) |
Small French fries | 210 (31) | 250 (31) | 270 (40) |
Small cola | 150 (22) | 204 (25) | 90 (13) |
Total small meal | 680 (100) | 814 (100) | 680 (100) |
4-oz Cheeseburger | 530 (38) | 760 (43) | 490 (40) |
Large French fries | 540 (39) | 590 (34) | 570 (46) |
Large cola | 310 (22) | 407 (23) | 180 (15) |
Total large meal | 1,380 (100) | 1,757 (100) | 1,240 (100) |
2003 | |||
2-oz Cheeseburger | 330 (48) | 360 (48) | 310 (46) |
Small French fries | 210 (30) | 230 (31) | 250 (37) |
Small cola | 150 (22) | 160 (21) | 112 (17) |
Total small meal | 690 (100) | 750 (100) | 672 (100) |
4-oz Cheeseburger | 530 (38) | 800 (49) | 480 (42) |
Large French fries | 540 (39) | 500 (31) | 440 (38) |
Large cola | 310 (22) | 330 (20) | 224 (20) |
Total large meal | 1,380 (100) | 1,630 (100) | 1,144 (100) |
2008 | |||
2-oz Cheeseburger | 300 (44) | 340 (48) | 260 (35) |
Small French fries | 230 (34) | 230 (32) | 340 (46) |
Small cola | 150 (22) | 140 (20) | 140 (19) |
Total small meal | 680 (100) | 710 (100) | 740 (100) |
4-oz Cheeseburger | 510 (39) | 770 (49) | 500 (38) |
Large French fries | 500 (38) | 500 (32) | 550 (41) |
Large cola | 310 (23) | 290 (19) | 280 (21) |
Total large meal | 1,320 (100) | 1,560 (100) | 1,330 (100) |
2013 | |||
2-oz Cheeseburger | 300 (45) | 288 (35) | 290 (38) |
Small French fries | 230 (34) | 340 (42) | 310 (41) |
Small cola | 140 (21) | 190 (23) | 160 (21) |
Total small meal | 670 (100) | 818 (100) | 760 (100) |
4-oz Cheeseburger | 520 (40) | 710 (45) | 600 (42) |
Large French fries | 500 (38) | 500 (31) | 500 (35) |
Large cola | 280 (22) | 380 (24) | 320 (23) |
Total large meal | 1,300 (100) | 1,590 (100) | 1,420 (100) |
Sodium, mg (% of total meal) | |||
1999 | |||
2-oz Cheeseburger | 820 (86) | 760 (58) | 830 (91) |
Small French fries | 135 (14) | 550 (42) | 85 (9) |
Total small meal | 955 (100) | 1,310 (100) | 915 (100) |
4-oz Cheeseburger | 1,290 (79) | 1,380 (54) | 1,240 (87) |
Large French fries | 350 (21) | 1,180 (46) | 180 (13) |
Total large meal | 1,640 (100) | 2,560 (100) | 1,420 (100) |
2003 | |||
2-oz Cheeseburger | 800 (86) | 790 (66) | 820 (79) |
Small French fries | 135 (14) | 410 (34) | 220 (21) |
Total small meal | 935 (100) | 1,200 (100) | 1,040 (100) |
4-oz Cheeseburger | 1,250 (78) | 1,420 (62) | 1,230 (76) |
Large French fries | 350 (22) | 880 (38) | 380 (24) |
Total large meal | 1,600 (100) | 2,300 (100) | 1,610 (100) |
2008 | |||
2-oz Cheeseburger | 750 (82) | 780 (67) | 690 (70) |
Small French fries | 160 (18) | 380 (33) | 290 (30) |
Total small meal | 910 (100) | 1,160 (100) | 980 (100) |
4-oz Cheeseburger | 1,190 (77) | 1450 (64) | 1,190 (71) |
Large French fries | 350 (23) | 820 (36) | 480 (29) |
Total large meal | 1,540 (100) | 2,270 (100) | 1,670 (100) |
2013 | |||
2-oz Cheeseburger | 680 (81) | 690 (59) | 600 (65) |
Small French fries | 160 (19) | 480 (41) | 330 (35) |
Total small meal | 840 (100) | 1,170 (100) | 930 (100) |
4-oz Cheeseburger | 1,100 (76) | 1,380 (66) | 1,220 (69) |
Large French fries | 350 (24) | 710 (34) | 540 (31) |
Total large meal | 1,450 (100) | 2,090 (100) | 1,760 (100) |
Saturated fat, g (% total meal) | |||
1999 | |||
2-oz Cheeseburger | 6 (80) | 9 (64) | 6 (75) |
Small French fries | 1.5 (20) | 5 (36) | 2 (25) |
Total small meal | 7.5 (100) | 14 (100) | 8 (100) |
4-oz Cheeseburger | 13 (74) | 17 (59) | 10.5 (72) |
Large French fries | 4.5 (26) | 12 (41) | 4 (28) |
Total large meal | 17.5 (100) | 29 (100) | 14.5 (100) |
2003 | |||
2-oz Cheeseburger | 6 (80) | 8 (73) | 6 (75) |
Small French fries | 1.5 (20) | 3 (27) | 2 (25) |
Total small meal | 7.5 (100) | 11 (100) | 8 (100) |
4-oz Cheeseburger | 13 (74) | 18 (72) | 10.5 (75) |
Large French fries | 4.5 (26) | 7 (28) | 3.5 (25) |
Total large meal | 17.5 (100) | 25 (100) | 14 (100) |
2008 | |||
2-oz Cheeseburger | 6 (80) | 7 (70) | 5 (67) |
Small French fries | 1.5 (20) | 3 (30) | 2.5 (33) |
Total small meal | 7.5 (100) | 10 (100) | 7.5 (100) |
4-oz Cheeseburger | 12 (77) | 16 (73) | 10.5 (72) |
Large French fries | 3.5 (23) | 6 (27) | 4 (28) |
Total large meal | 15.5 (100) | 22 (100) | 14.5 (100) |
2013 | |||
2-oz Cheeseburger | 6 (80) | 6 (71) | 4 (57) |
Small French fries | 1.5 (20) | 2.5 (29) | 3 (43) |
Total small meal | 7.5 (100) | 8.5 (100) | 7 (100) |
4-oz Cheeseburger | 12 (77) | 10 (74) | 13 (74) |
Large French fries | 3.5 (23) | 3.5 (26) | 4.5 (26) |
Total large meal | 15.5 (100) | 13.5 (100) | 17.5 (100) |
Trans fat, g (% total meal) | |||
2003 | |||
2-oz Cheeseburger | — | 0.7 (19) | 0.5 (14) |
Small French fries | — | 3 (81) | 3 (86) |
Total small meal | — | 3.7 (100) | 3.5 (100) |
4-oz Cheeseburger | — | 1.4 (18) | 1 (17) |
Large French fries | — | 6.4 (82) | 5 (83) |
Total large meal | — | 7.8 (100) | 6 (100) |
2008 | |||
2-oz Cheeseburger | 0.5 (100) | 0.5 (14) | 0.5 (100) |
Small French fries | 0 | 3 (86) | 0 |
Total small meal | 0.5 (100) | 3.5 (100) | 0.5 (100) |
4-oz Cheeseburger | 1.5 (100) | 1.5 (20) | 1 (100) |
Large French fries | 0 | 6 (80) | 0 |
Total large meal | 1.5 (100) | 7.5 (100) | 1 (100) |
2013 | |||
2-oz Cheeseburger | 0.5 (100) | 0 | 0.5 (100) |
Small French fries | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Total small meal | 0.5 (100) | 0 | 0.5 (100) |
4-oz Cheeseburger | 1.5 (100) | 1 (100) | 1.5 (100) |
Large French fries | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Total large meal | 1.5 (100) | 1 (100) | 1.5 (100) |
Figure 5. Comparison of energy, sodium, saturated fat, and trans fat content for popular menu items at 3 large, national fast-food chains. Energy (kcal), sodium (mg), saturated fat (g), and trans fat (g) content for 1999, 2003, 2008, and 2013 in popular small-sized (ie, 2-oz cheeseburger, small French fries, and small cola) and large-sized (ie, 4-oz cheeseburger, large French fries, and large cola) meals from chains A, B, and C. Trans
fat data were not available for 1999. Dashes indicate that data were not
available. Abbreviation: NA, not applicable.
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