How To Order A Culver's Burger For Maximum Nutritional Value

Culver's is Midwestern comfort food 101, with delicious ButterBurgers that have made it a classic at its 1,000+ locations across the United States (even if it hasn't made it to the Big Apple yet). While burger joints aren't often associated with peak nutrient density, there are hacks that can turn even the most extravagant fast food orders into a highly nutritious meal.

The key to getting a complete meal at Culver's is taking advantage of the many swaps and add-ons the restaurant offers. The Midwest chain is known for its customization options, which you can use to enhance your burger. That might mean adding veggies or swapping a creamy sauce for something like mustard — which has less sodium and saturated fat, and can be a more appropriate choice for people watching their blood pressure or heart health.

While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition — and suggestions may differ based on specific dietary requirements — there are some general guidelines that you can follow. Protein, for instance — which we're collectively maxxing nowadays — is recommended at 0.3 to 0.4 per pound of bodyweight for adults to support strength and bone density, and is higher for pregnant and active individuals. Getting enough fiber — which most Americans lack — is crucial for blood sugar management and gut health and can be accomplished by focusing on higher-seed starches and veggies (the latter of which also provide the micronutrients needed to support overall body functioning). Luckily, one Culver's order is particularly easy to turn into a filling, nutrient-dense meal: the Wisconsin Swiss Melt.

Nutritionally, the Wisconsin Swiss Melt is arguably one of the stronger options on the Culver's menu. Unlike the other burgers, it's served on buttered rye bread rather than a classic bun, which provides a generous 3 grams of fiber. The onions add more, bringing the total to 4 grams. And that's before customizing the burger to make it as nutritionally complete as possible.

The next key is maximizing protein. A single already gives you 26 to 27 grams, which is substantial — more than half of many U.S. adults' recommended daily needs. But doubling or even tripling it can land you at up to a whopping 66 grams of protein.

The other way to get the most nutritional value for your buck is to get your micronutrients in. Now, fast food orders aren't typically renowned for going heavy on the greens — you might get a sad lettuce leaf or soggy tomato at best — but Culver's allows you to customize your toppings, and here's where you can go wild. Add mushrooms, tomatoes, and extra onion for variety, color, crunch, and flavor. Now, while for many, a side of fries is essential, to go the extra mile, ask to swap the spuds for steamed broccoli. That way, you can enjoy a decadent Culver's order while sneaking in more protein, fiber, and greens than you'd get in your bog-standard salad.