Whataburger, a beloved Texas-based fast food chain, has made its mark on the American culinary landscape with its signature burgers and crispy French fries. Since its inception, the restaurant has cultivated a loyal following drawn to its simple yet satisfying menu offerings. Whataburger’s French fries, available in small, medium, and large sizes, range from 280 to 560 calories and complement their famous burgers perfectly.
The Whataburger menu features a variety of burger options, from the classic Whataburger to more adventurous choices like the Jalapeño & Cheese Whataburger. Each burger can be paired with their golden, lightly salted fries as part of a meal combo. These combos, known as “Whataburger Whatameals,” typically include a burger, fries, and a drink, offering customers a complete fast food experience.
While burgers remain the star of the show, Whataburger’s French fries have become an essential part of the dining experience. The fries’ crispy exterior and fluffy interior provide the ideal texture contrast to the juicy burgers. This winning combination of burgers and fries has helped Whataburger maintain its popularity and expand beyond its Texas roots.
History and Brand Overview
Whataburger’s journey from a small Texas burger stand to a beloved regional chain is marked by innovation and resilience. The company’s growth has been driven by a commitment to quality and a distinctive menu.
Birth of Whataburger
Harmon Dobson founded Whataburger in Corpus Christi, Texas in 1950. His vision was to create a burger so big it required two hands to hold. This signature large burger set Whataburger apart from competitors.
Dobson’s marketing savvy helped promote the brand through local newspapers. The original menu was simple, focusing on the namesake Whataburger.
In 1962, Whataburger expanded its offerings by adding French fries and hot pies. This menu growth helped solidify the chain’s position in the fast-food market.
Expansion and Reach
By 1963, Whataburger had grown to 26 restaurants across Texas, Florida, Tennessee, and Arizona. The company’s distinctive A-frame buildings began appearing in 1961, with the first opening in Odessa, Texas.
Tragedy struck in 1967 when Harmon Dobson died in a plane crash. His wife Grace took over the business, refusing to sell and instead choosing to continue its growth.
The Dobson family maintained ownership until 2019. Whataburger is now managed by BDT & MSD Partners, though the Dobsons retain a minority stake.
Today, Whataburger remains headquartered in San Antonio, Texas. It has become a regional fast-food giant, known for its made-to-order burgers and loyal customer base.
Menu Highlights
Whataburger offers a diverse selection of mouthwatering options. The menu features signature burgers, tasty sides, fresh salads, and tempting desserts.
Signature Burgers
The Whataburger is the chain’s classic offering, featuring a large beef patty on a toasted bun. For bigger appetites, the Double Meat Whataburger doubles the beef.
The Whataburger Jr. provides a smaller portion for lighter eaters. Chicken lovers can enjoy the Whatachick’n, available as a sandwich or in tender strips.
Each burger can be customized with various toppings and condiments. Prices range from $3.09 for a basic Whataburger to $4.59 for the Double Meat version.
Sides and Salads
French fries are a popular side, with prices starting at $1.99 for a small order. The crispy, golden fries are lightly salted. For variety, onion rings are available at $4.19.
Salads offer healthier options. The menu includes garden salads with fresh vegetables and optional grilled or crispy chicken toppings.
For sharing, Whataburger offers a Family Fry Box. Apple slices provide a fruity alternative at $1.69.
Desserts and Beverages
Whataburger’s dessert menu includes shakes in flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. Prices for beverages start at $1.29 for milk and $1.49 for chocolate milk.
Soft drinks are available in various sizes. For breakfast, coffee and orange juice complement the morning menu items.
The restaurant also offers seasonal dessert specials, which may include pies or cookie treats depending on the time of year.
Focus on French Fries
Whataburger offers a range of French fry options to satisfy customers’ cravings. The classic side dish comes in multiple sizes and can be customized with specialty seasonings.
Types of French Fries
Whataburger’s French fries are available in four sizes: Small, Medium, Large, and Family Fry Box. The Small size contains 280 calories, while the Large size packs 560 calories. Medium fries fall in between at approximately 420 calories.
Nutritional content varies by size. A Large order provides 28 grams of fat, 70 grams of carbohydrates, and 7 grams of protein. Small fries contain about half these amounts.
Whataburger uses string-cut potatoes for their fries. The ingredients include potatoes, soybean oil, dextrose, and disodium dihydrogen pyrophosphate to maintain color.
Specialty Seasonings
Whataburger enhances their French fries with a signature fry salt. This seasoning adds flavor without significantly impacting nutritional content.
The exact composition of Whataburger’s fry salt is proprietary. However, it likely contains a blend of salt and other spices to create a unique taste profile.
Customers can request extra seasoning for a more intense flavor. Some locations may offer additional seasoning options or limited-time flavors to complement the classic fry salt.
Nutritional Profile
Whataburger’s French fries offer a calorie-dense side dish with a mix of macronutrients and minimal micronutrient content. The nutritional values vary based on portion size, with larger servings containing more calories and nutrients.
Calorie Content and Breakdown
A medium order of Whataburger French fries contains 420 calories. This represents about 21% of a 2,000-calorie daily diet. The calorie content increases with portion size:
- Small: 280 calories
- Medium: 420 calories
- Large: 560 calories
Fat contributes 45% of the calories, while carbohydrates provide 50%. Protein makes up the remaining 5% of the caloric content.
Macronutrient Composition
The macronutrient profile of a medium order of Whataburger fries is as follows:
- Total Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: Data not available
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Protein: 5g
The fries are relatively high in carbohydrates and fat, with a modest protein content. The fat content includes a mix of saturated and unsaturated fats, though exact proportions are not specified.
Vitamin and Mineral Content
Whataburger French fries contain some essential minerals, particularly sodium. A medium serving provides:
- Sodium: 350mg (15% of recommended daily intake)
Information on other vitamins and minerals is limited. Potatoes naturally contain some vitamin C and potassium, but the frying process may reduce these nutrients. The fries likely offer minimal amounts of other essential vitamins and minerals.
Dietary Considerations
Whataburger fries present unique dietary considerations for various eating plans. Customers should be aware of allergens, vegetarian options, and choices suitable for specific diets.
Allergen Information
Whataburger fries contain wheat and are cooked in the same oil as items containing milk, egg, fish, and shellfish. This poses risks for individuals with these food allergies.
The fries are not gluten-free due to the wheat content. Those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should avoid them.
Cross-contamination is possible during preparation, so customers with severe allergies should exercise caution.
Vegetarian Options
Whataburger fries are vegetarian-friendly. They are cooked in vegetable oil and do not contain animal products.
However, they are prepared in shared fryers with meat-based items. This may be a concern for strict vegetarians or vegans.
Customers following plant-based diets can enjoy the fries as a side option at Whataburger.
Diet-Friendly Choices
Whataburger fries are high in carbohydrates and calories. A small serving contains 270 calories and 68g of carbs.
For low-carb dieters, these fries may not fit within daily macronutrient goals. Moderation is key for those watching their carb intake.
The sodium content is significant, with a small size containing 350mg. This may be a concern for individuals on low-sodium diets.
Weight Watchers members should note that fries can use a substantial portion of daily points. Opting for a smaller size can help manage point allocation.
Cooking Techniques
Whataburger employs distinct cooking methods for their menu items. These techniques ensure consistent quality and flavor across their offerings.
Breaded and Fried Menu Items
Whataburger’s deep-fried selections are a customer favorite. The restaurant uses soybean oil for frying, which imparts a light, crispy texture. Chicken items are breaded before frying, creating a satisfying crunch.
The popular Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit undergoes a special process. First, the chicken is marinated, then breaded and fried to golden perfection. It’s served on a warm biscuit and drizzled with honey butter sauce.
Fries are cooked in dedicated fryers to maintain their distinct taste. They’re fried at a specific temperature to achieve the ideal balance of crispy exterior and fluffy interior.
Grilled Selections
Whataburger’s signature burgers are cooked on a flat-top grill. This method ensures a uniform sear and locks in juices. The patties are pressed onto the hot surface, creating a flavorful crust.
Grilled chicken options are prepared separately to avoid cross-contamination. They’re seasoned and cooked on a clean grill surface to maintain their unique taste profile.
For customized orders, Whataburger cooks items to the customer’s preferred doneness. This attention to detail allows for a personalized dining experience.
Extra Offerings
Whataburger enhances the dining experience with a variety of additional menu items. These extras complement the main burger and fries offerings, providing more options for customers to customize their meals.
Sauce Varieties
Whataburger offers an array of sauces to elevate the flavor of their burgers and fries. The classic Whataburger Spicy Ketchup is a fan favorite, adding a zesty kick to any meal. Honey Butter is another popular choice, especially for breakfast items. Other options include Creamy Pepper Sauce, Jalapeño Ranch, and Honey BBQ. These sauces are available in packets for in-restaurant use or in bottles for purchase, allowing customers to enjoy Whataburger flavors at home. The sauces are made with carefully selected ingredients to ensure consistent taste and quality.
Cookies and Snacks
Whataburger’s dessert menu features freshly baked cookies as a sweet treat option. The Chocolate Chunk Cookie is a classic choice, packed with rich chocolate pieces. For those seeking variety, Sugar Cookies and Snickerdoodles are also available. These cookies are baked daily in-store to maintain freshness. Nutritionally, each cookie contains approximately 220-250 calories. Whataburger also offers Apple Pies as a fruity dessert alternative. These handheld pies feature a crispy crust filled with warm apple filling. For savory snack options, customers can choose from Onion Rings or Whatachick’n Bites, perfect for sharing or as a side dish.