Does Jack in the Box serve the most unhealthy burger?

Recessionary eating isn't always healthful eating, especially when it comes to the $1 value menus pushed by fast-food chains to keep sales growing through the economic slump, according to one health watchdog.

Jack in the Box's Junior Bacon Cheeseburger was ranked "the most unhealthful" value item available among the offerings of national fast-food chains, according to an analysis by dietitians with the nonprofit Cancer Project in Washington that is scheduled to be released today.

The item contains 23 grams of fat, 860 milligrams of sodium, and bacon, a processed meat that Haynes said was associated with increased colorectal cancer risk.

Jack in the Box spokesman Brian Luscomb said the burger was a "great value for guests looking for a flavorful meal, but if you are looking for something else there are plenty of other great items on our value menu to choose from," including a chicken sandwich and a salad.

Read the rest of the story here.

--Jerry Hirsch

Photo: Mel Melcon/Los Angeles Times

Comments

[Opto]

This meal was unhealthful before the recession. What does stretching the buck have to do with it?

[J R]

I think this organization is just pushing its anti meat vegetarian agenda. If you look at their "alternative" recipes, there isn't a scrap of meat of any kind in any of them. Not even some chicken or high omega-3 fish.

My request direct to the organization for a list of the 5 healthiest (least unhealthy?) value menu choices was responded to with a non answer.