{"id":576382,"date":"2026-04-02T01:44:17","date_gmt":"2026-04-02T01:44:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/576382\/"},"modified":"2026-04-02T01:44:17","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T01:44:17","slug":"7-fast-food-menu-traps-that-add-hidden-calories-fast","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/576382\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Fast-Food Menu Traps That Add Hidden Calories Fast\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

Learn the 7 fast-food menu traps that sneak in hidden calories and fat.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s tough to avoid fast food. Not only are there chains everywhere you go, but let\u2019s be real: Many of us are super busy, don\u2019t always have enough time to cook a family feast, nor want to spend the money or time at a sit-down restaurant. Then there\u2019s the fact that, well, fast food is simply delicious. And, even though the term elicits unhealthy thoughts, there are a lot of items that are actually not bad for you; you just have to know what to order and what to avoid. We recently consulted with Life Time Savage<\/a> Personal Training Leader and Nutrition Coach Kelsey Holgate<\/a> and asked her about the sneaky terms and verbiage to watch for on fast-food menus. Here are 7 fast-food menu traps that add hidden calories fast.<\/p>\n

\tItems Labeled as \u201cBattered,\u201d \u201cFried,\u201d \u201cCrispy,\u201d or \u201cBreaded\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"Long John Silver\u2019s<\/p>\n

The first thing to look out for? Items that say \u201cbattered\u201d, \u201cfried\u201d, \u201ccrispy\u201d, or \u201cbreaded\u201d. \u201cThese often are fried in oil, which is often in vegetable oils or seed oils,\u201d Holgate says. \u201cThese are \u2018unhealthy\u2019 fats, and tend to drive up cholesterol, but also inflammation.\u201d<\/p>\n

\tItems Labeled as \u201cSupreme\u201d or \u201cDeluxe\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"Taco Bell<\/p>\n

No, it\u2019s not your imagination. Fast food brands love using the terms \u201cSupreme\u201d and \u201cDeluxe\u201d to describe menu options. \u201cThese often have double, if not triple, the number of calories. The calories are an issue in themselves, but also have more sodium,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

\tSauces and Condiments<\/p>\n

\"\"Raising Cane\u2019s<\/p>\n

Sauces and special condiments at fast food restaurants can be a slippery slope. \u201cThese are often made with seed oils or corn syrups. These will add additional calories and hidden sugars,\u201d says Holgate.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e<\/p>\n

\tDrinks, Especially Sugary Coffees or \u201cRefreshers\u201d\u00a0 <\/p>\n

\"\"Dunkin\u2019<\/p>\n

There are lots of hidden calories in drinks, especially sugary iced coffees and drinks labeled as \u201crefreshers.\u201d \u201cThese are loaded with sugar and unneeded carbohydrates. Often, these will spike your blood sugar and leave you with an afternoon energy crash,\u201d Holgate says.<\/p>\n

\tAll the \u201cValue Meal\u201d Options<\/p>\n

\"\"Burger King<\/p>\n

Value meals can save you money, but they will likely add unneeded calories and fat. \u201cAgain, more calories and double the portion size,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n

\tAnything \u201cUnlimited\u201d or \u201cAll You Can Eat\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"Shutterstock<\/p>\n

Anything \u201cbottomless,\u201d \u201cunlimited,\u201d or \u201call you can eat\u201d may be tempting, but if you don\u2019t practice portion control, this can get dangerous fast. \u201cThis goes for bread, drinks, popcorn, etc. Added calories before the meal is even served,\u201d Holgate says.<\/p>\n

\t\u201cBowls\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"Chipotle<\/p>\n

Burrito bowls, salad bowls, and any type of bowl can sound healthier than other menu options. But this isn\u2019t always the case. \u201cSome of these have more carbohydrates due to rice, beans, and chip toppings. You can add a lot of calories in and spike your blood sugar levels,\u201d Holgate says.<\/p>\n

Leah Groth<\/p>\n

\t\tLeah Groth is an experienced shopping editor and journalist for Best Life and Eat This, Not That! bringing readers the best new finds, trends, and deals each week.\t\t\t\t\tRead more about Leah <\/a><\/p>\n