Arby’s may be known for having the meats, but not every menu item is a slam dunk. While it’s tempting to indulge in your favorite comfort foods when hitting the drive-thru, some offerings are better left untouched. From calorie bombs to questionable ingredients, here are 7 Arby’s menu items you may want to think twice about before ordering.
1. Meat Mountain Sandwich
The Meat Mountain Sandwich is a towering monstrosity that lives up to its name. This behemoth contains a staggering 1,200 calories, 82 grams of fat, and 3,500 milligrams of sodium. To put that in perspective, the FDA recommends consuming no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day. Eating this calorie-dense sandwich in one sitting would put you well over that limit.
In addition to the shocking nutritional stats, the Meat Mountain is loaded with processed meats like ham, turkey, and corned beef. Processed meats have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. While it may be tempting to tackle this meaty monstrosity, your health will thank you for passing it up.
If you’re craving a hearty sandwich, opt for the Roast Turkey Farmhouse Salad instead. It still packs plenty of protein but with a fraction of the calories and sodium. Your arteries will appreciate the reprieve.
2. Loaded Curly Fries
Curly fries are a fan-favorite at Arby’s, but the loaded version takes things to the extreme. A large order of Loaded Curly Fries tips the scales at 800 calories, 46 grams of fat, and 2,060 milligrams of sodium. That’s nearly a day’s worth of sodium in one side dish!
The toppings are the real culprit here. Cheddar cheese sauce, chopped bacon, and ranch dressing elevate these curly fries to caloric heights. And let’s be real, those toppings are likely not the highest quality. The cheese sauce is probably more “cheese product” than actual cheese, and the bacon bits are far from freshly cooked.
If you’re really craving fries, stick with a small regular order. They still aren’t healthy by any means, but they’re a much more reasonable indulgence. Or better yet, opt for a side salad to add some veggies to your meal.
3. Jamocha Shake
The Jamocha Shake may taste like a delightful blend of coffee and chocolate, but its nutritional profile is far from delightful. A large shake contains 820 calories, 35 grams of fat, and an astounding 114 grams of sugar. That’s the equivalent of downing nearly 3 cans of cola!
In addition to the sugar overload, the Jamocha Shake is made with questionable ingredients. The coffee flavoring contains no actual coffee, and the milk comes from a powdered mix. This is far from a gourmet coffee shop creation.
If you’re in the mood for something sweet, opt for a small chocolate shake instead. It still satisfies the craving without completely derailing your diet. Or better yet, enjoy a piece of fresh fruit for a natural sugar fix.
4. Chicken Bacon & Swiss Sandwich
The Chicken Bacon & Swiss may sound like a protein-packed option, but it’s actually a sneaky diet saboteur. This sandwich racks up 720 calories, 33 grams of fat, and 1,880 milligrams of sodium. And that’s without any sides!
The crispy chicken patty is the main offender here. It’s breaded and fried, adding unnecessary calories and fat. The bacon and Swiss cheese only compound the issue. And let’s not forget about the Parmesan peppercorn ranch sauce, which is basically a calorie bomb in condiment form.
For a healthier chicken sandwich, go for the Roast Chicken Entrée Salad. It features flame-roasted chicken breast over a bed of greens, providing a leaner protein option. Add a light dressing and you’ve got a satisfying meal without the guilt.
5. French Dip & Swiss
The French Dip & Swiss may be a classic Arby’s sandwich, but it’s far from a healthy choice. This sandwich packs 680 calories, 31 grams of fat, and 2,090 milligrams of sodium. That’s a lot of salt for one meal!
The roast beef is the star of this sandwich, but it’s far from lean. Fast food roast beef is often heavily processed and loaded with sodium to preserve freshness. And let’s not forget about the “au jus” dipping sauce, which is essentially salty beef broth.
If you’re craving red meat, opt for a regular Roast Beef sandwich instead. It still scratches the itch without going overboard on calories and sodium. Or better yet, choose a leaner protein like turkey or ham.
6. Cherry Turnover
The Cherry Turnover may look innocent enough, but this pastry is packing some serious calories. One turnover contains 380 calories, 18 grams of fat, and 14 grams of sugar. That’s a lot of damage for such a small dessert.
In addition to the high calorie count, the Cherry Turnover contains some questionable ingredients. The filling is made with high fructose corn syrup and artificial flavors, while the pastry contains partially hydrogenated oils. These trans fats have been linked to heart disease and other health issues.
7. Mozzarella Sticks
Mozzarella sticks are a crowd-pleaser, but they’re far from a healthy snack. One order of Arby’s Mozzarella Sticks contains 630 calories, 37 grams of fat, and 1,260 milligrams of sodium. That’s over half the recommended daily sodium intake!
The breading on these sticks is also concerning. It likely contains refined flour and inflammatory oils, which can take a toll on your health over time. And let’s be real, the marinara dipping sauce is probably loaded with sugar and salt too.
At the end of the day, fast food is never going to be a health food. But by making smart swaps and avoiding the biggest offenders, you can indulge without totally derailing your diet. Next time you’re at Arby’s, keep these unhealthy menu items in mind and opt for a leaner choice instead. Your body will thank you!
