Mooyah Burgers, Fries, and Shakes is a popular fast-casual restaurant chain known for its customizable burgers and fresh ingredients. While the taste of their meals is a big draw for many customers, nutritional value is increasingly important to today’s health-conscious consumers. Whether you’re counting calories, tracking macronutrients, or simply trying to make informed choices, understanding the nutritional value of Mooyah’s menu is key.
In this article, we’ll break down what you need to know about Mooyah’s nutritional offerings, from their burgers to their sides and shakes. We’ll also provide tips for making healthier choices without sacrificing flavor.
The Basics: Mooyah’s Menu
Mooyah allows customers to build their own burgers with a variety of protein options, buns, toppings, and sauces. They also offer specialty burgers, hand-cut fries, sweet potato fries, and rich shakes. With so many options, it’s possible to create meals that range from indulgent to relatively healthy. However, understanding the nutritional content of each ingredient is essential if you want to maintain a balanced diet.
Let’s dive into the most common menu items and their nutritional values.
Mooyah’s Burger Options
At the heart of Mooyah’s menu are their burgers. You can choose from several protein options, including beef, turkey, and a vegan black bean patty. Each option varies significantly in terms of calories, fat, and protein content.
1. Beef Patty
Mooyah’s beef patty is 100% fresh, never frozen, and free of hormones and antibiotics. While it’s flavorful and satisfying, it is also the most calorie-dense option.
- Calories: 370 per patty
- Total Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Protein: 24g
For those looking to indulge, the beef patty is a classic choice. However, it’s high in both fat and calories, so it may not be the best option if you’re aiming for a lighter meal.
2. Turkey Patty
For a leaner alternative, Mooyah’s turkey patty is a great choice. It offers less fat and fewer calories while still delivering a satisfying amount of protein.
- Calories: 220 per patty
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Protein: 23g
The turkey patty is a smart option for those looking to reduce their calorie intake or choose a protein with less saturated fat.
3. Black Bean Vegan Patty
For vegetarians and vegans, the black bean patty provides a plant-based protein source. It’s packed with fiber and is a lower-fat option.
- Calories: 180 per patty
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Fiber: 9g
The black bean patty is the healthiest choice in terms of calorie and fat content. It also adds a significant amount of fiber to your meal, which aids digestion and helps you feel full longer.
Choosing the Right Bun
Mooyah offers several types of buns, each with different nutritional profiles. The bun you choose can have a big impact on the overall nutritional value of your meal.
1. White Bun
The white bun is the standard option at Mooyah. It’s soft and complements the rich flavors of their burgers, but it’s also higher in calories and carbohydrates.
- Calories: 260 per bun
- Total Fat: 3.5g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Protein: 7g
If you’re not concerned about carbs, the white bun is a tasty option. However, if you’re looking to cut calories, you may want to consider a different choice.
2. Wheat Bun
The wheat bun offers a slightly healthier option compared to the white bun. It has more fiber and is generally considered a better choice for those trying to incorporate more whole grains into their diet.
- Calories: 220 per bun
- Total Fat: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 9g
While the wheat bun is lower in calories than the white bun, it still adds a significant amount of carbs to your meal.
3. Lettuce Wrap
For a low-carb, low-calorie option, Mooyah offers the lettuce wrap. By replacing the bun with crisp lettuce, you can significantly reduce the calorie count of your burger.
- Calories: 5 per wrap
The lettuce wrap is the best choice for anyone following a low-carb or ketogenic diet. It’s also a great option for those simply looking to reduce their calorie intake without sacrificing the flavor of the burger.
Customizing with Toppings
Mooyah’s toppings allow you to add flavor and texture to your burger, but some toppings can also add significant calories and fat. It’s important to choose toppings that align with your nutritional goals.
1. Cheese
Adding cheese to your burger can significantly increase its calorie and fat content. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular cheese options:
- Cheddar: 110 calories, 9g of fat
- Swiss: 90 calories, 7g of fat
- American: 60 calories, 5g of fat
While cheese adds a rich, creamy flavor to your burger, it’s best to use it sparingly if you’re watching your fat intake.
2. Bacon
Bacon is another popular topping that adds flavor but also increases the calorie and fat content.
- Calories: 80 per slice
- Total Fat: 7g
If you’re trying to limit calories, consider skipping the bacon or opting for just one slice.
3. Veggies
Vegetable toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and pickles are low in calories and add valuable nutrients to your meal.
- Lettuce: 5 calories
- Tomatoes: 5 calories
- Onions: 5 calories
- Pickles: 0 calories
Loading up on veggies is a great way to add flavor and nutrition without increasing the calorie count.
Mooyah’s Fries: A Tasty Side, But Watch the Calories
Mooyah is known for its hand-cut fries, but these delicious sides can quickly add up in calories and fat. They offer both regular fries and sweet potato fries, each with its own nutritional profile.
1. Regular Fries
Mooyah’s regular fries are made fresh and fried to a golden crisp. They are tasty, but they are also high in calories and fat.
- Calories: 360 (small serving)
- Total Fat: 16g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
If you’re craving fries, consider sharing a small portion or opting for a smaller serving size to keep your meal balanced.
2. Sweet Potato Fries
Sweet potato fries offer a slightly healthier alternative, as they contain more fiber and vitamins than regular fries. However, they are still high in calories.
- Calories: 320 (small serving)
- Total Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
While sweet potato fries are a good source of beta-carotene and fiber, they should still be consumed in moderation due to their calorie content.
Mooyah’s Shakes: A Sweet Treat, But High in Calories
Mooyah’s milkshakes are a fan favorite, but they are also one of the most calorie-dense items on the menu. Made with real ice cream, these shakes are delicious but high in fat and sugar.
- Calories: 700-800 (regular size)
- Total Fat: 33g
- Sugar: 90g
If you’re looking for a sweet treat, consider sharing a shake or opting for a smaller size to keep your calorie intake in check.
Making Healthier Choices at Mooyah
While Mooyah offers indulgent options, you can still enjoy a meal there while making healthier choices. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Opt for a Turkey or Black Bean Patty
Both of these options are lower in calories and fat compared to the beef patty. The black bean patty is especially good for vegetarians or those seeking a high-fiber option.
2. Choose a Lettuce Wrap
Switching from a bun to a lettuce wrap can significantly reduce the calorie and carb content of your meal.
3. Load Up on Veggies
Add plenty of vegetable toppings to your burger. They’re low in calories and provide essential vitamins and minerals.
4. Limit High-Calorie Toppings
Use cheese, bacon, and sauces sparingly. These toppings can quickly increase the fat and calorie content of your meal.
5. Share Your Fries
If you’re craving fries, consider sharing a small portion with a friend or family member. This way, you can enjoy the flavor without overindulging.
6. Skip the Shake or Share It
Mooyah’s shakes are delicious but high in calories. If you want to indulge, consider splitting one with someone or saving it as an occasional treat.
Conclusion
Mooyah offers a wide range of customizable options, allowing customers to build meals that suit their tastes and nutritional goals. By understanding the nutritional value of Mooyah’s menu items, you can make informed decisions that fit your dietary preferences. Whether you’re indulging or aiming for a healthier meal, Mooyah makes it possible to enjoy great food without compromising on quality.
