Top 10 most unhealthy fast-food restaurants & how many US stores they have

Grabbing a quick burger from the drive-thru or super-sizing fries for an extra buck are always tempting choices.

But the reality is all fast-food options carry unhealthy amounts of salt, sugar and saturated fat.

To spotlight the country’s biggest culprits, World Atlas compiled a list of “10 of the Most Unhealthy Fast-Food Restaurants in the US.”

The 10 restaurants on the list typically surpass daily calorie limits in one sitting and encourage visits through promotional deals and round-the-clock service.

Here are the top 10 unhealthiest fast-food chains in the country:

10.) Chick-fil-A

Number of locations: More than 3,000 restaurants in 48 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and Canada.

Calorie intake from signature meal: An original chicken sandwich with medium waffle fries has roughly 750 milligrams of sodium, about one-third of a day’s limit, and 800 calories overall. Drinks such as lemonade or a milkshake push this count higher.

9.) Little Caesars

Number of locations: More than 4,100 restaurants in the U.S. alone.

Calorie intake from signature meal: A $5 Hot-N-Ready pepperoni pizza has roughly 2,140 calories in addition to 4,260 milligrams of sodium and a day’s worth of saturated fat.

8.) Smashburger

Number of locations: More than 200 restaurants across 35 states and Washington, D.C.

Calorie intake from signature meal: One large BBQ Bacon Cheddar burger holds 1,050 calories and 28 grams of saturated fat. An Oreo shake adds another 930 calories while rosemary-oil smash fries, fried pickles and tater tots drive sodium sky-high.

7.) McDonald’s

Number of locations: Approximately 13,500 restaurants in the U.S. alone.

Calorie intake from signature meal: A Big Mac meal with large fries and soda has 1,300 calories and half a day’s worth of saturated fat. Deep-fried hash browns, McFlurries and oversized sodas mean more sugar and sodium.

6.) Quiznos

Number of locations: Approximately 148 restaurants in the U.S. alone.

Calorie intake from signature meal: A 12-inch Classic Italian has roughly 1,300 calories and 2,850 milligrams of sodium before chips, cookies or soda. Meal deals push totals near 2,500 calories.

5.) KFC

Number of locations: More than 4,000 restaurants in the U.S. alone.

Calorie intake from signature meal: A three-piece Extra Crispy combo with biscuit and mashed potato gravy contains nearly 1,300 calories, 2,900 milligrams of sodium and 22 grams of saturated fat before beverages.

4.) Dairy Queen

Number of locations: More than 4,300 locations in the U.S. alone.

Calorie intake from signature meal: The six-piece Chicken Strip Basket with gravy and fries has 1,300 calories, 2,400 milligrams of sodium and 21 grams of saturated fat. A medium Oreo Blizzard adds an extra 1,080 calories and 44 grams of fat.

3.) Taco Bell

Number of locations: More than 8,000 restaurants in the U.S. alone.

Calorie intake from signature meal: A Beefy 5-Layer Burrito plus Baja Blast has 970 calories and 1,770 milligrams of sodium. The Double Steak Grilled Cheese Burrito holds 910 calories while a Crunchwrap Supreme combo has around 1,140 calories.

2.) Sonic

Number of locations: More than 3,400 restaurants in the U.S. alone.

Calorie intake from signature meal: A Sonic Cheeseburger combo with medium tots and 32-ounce Cherry Limeade surpasses 1,600 calories and 3,000 milligrams of sodium. A 44-ounce Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Master Shake alone delivers another 1,720 calories and 48 teaspoons of sugar.

1.) Wendy’s

Number of locations: More than 5,900 restaurants in the U.S. alone.

Calorie intake from signature meal: A Triple Baconator meal with large fries and medium Frosty hits roughly 2,160 calories, 54 grams of saturated fat and 3,400 milligrams of sodium.