12 Healthiest Burgers In The U.S.

Craving a burger that loves you back? These health-forward patties prove you can keep the bun, the flavor, and your goals. From grass-fed beef to inventive plant-based builds, each pick balances protein, fiber, and smart fats without sacrificing satisfaction. Dive in to discover where to bite into America’s most nourishing burgers—and exactly what makes them stand out.

1. Bare Burger at Bareburger (Multiple Locations)

Bare Burger at Bareburger (Multiple Locations)
© Bareburger

Bareburger’s “Bare” option wraps a grass-fed beef patty in crisp lettuce, swapping refined buns for a low-carb crunch. Topped with tomato, dill pickles, red onion, and a light smear of special sauce, it’s high in protein and satisfying without the slump. Opt for avocado for heart-healthy fats and request the sauce on the side to fine-tune calories. Grass-fed beef provides more omega-3s and conjugated linoleic acid than conventional beef. Pair it with a side salad instead of fries to keep sodium and starch in check. This burger showcases clean sourcing with thoughtful, flexible customization.

2. Air, Land & Sea Veggie Burger at Superiority Burger (New York, NY)

Air, Land & Sea Veggie Burger at Superiority Burger (New York, NY)
© The New Yorker

Superiority Burger’s famed veggie patty leans on legumes, grains, and vegetables for a fiber-rich, protein-forward bite that satisfies like the real thing. The compact build and restrained toppings keep portions smart without sacrificing complexity. Expect notes of browned mushrooms, toasted grains, and a savory, umami finish. Add pickled components for brightness and reduced need for heavier sauces. The bun is modest, avoiding a sugar-laden brioche overload. With whole-food ingredients and careful seasoning, this burger proves plant-based can be indulgent and balanced. Pair with their market vegetables to round out a nutrient-dense meal.

3. HiHo Classic (Lettuce-Wrapped) at HiHo Cheeseburger (Los Angeles, CA)

HiHo Classic (Lettuce-Wrapped) at HiHo Cheeseburger (Los Angeles, CA)
© hihocheeseburger

HiHo’s 100% grass-fed Wagyu beef offers cleaner fats and deep flavor, making a lettuce-wrapped Classic a standout healthy pick. The patty’s richness means you can skip heavy sauces and still feel satisfied. Ask for extra tomatoes and onions for volume and micronutrients without many calories. The kitchen’s minimal processing and consistent sourcing keep it simple and trustworthy. Choosing a single patty limits saturated fat, while the lettuce wrap trims refined carbs. It’s a savory, juicy burger that satisfies cravings with a lighter footprint. Pair with sparkling water and a side of slaw for balance.

4. Impossible Straight Up at Monty’s Good Burger (Los Angeles, CA)

Impossible Straight Up at Monty’s Good Burger (Los Angeles, CA)
© HappyCow

Monty’s crafts the Impossible patty into a straightforward, flavor-packed burger that’s easy to tailor healthier. Request light sauce, extra pickles, and add lettuce to boost crunch and minimize calories. The plant-based patty delivers protein without cholesterol, appealing to flexitarians and vegans alike. Opt for a single patty and skip the vegan cheese if you’re watching sodium. Whole pickles and onions enhance satiety with minimal impact. The texture is remarkably beef-like, making it an accessible gateway to plant-based eating. A balanced choice that blends indulgence with mindful tweaks for weekday-friendly comfort.

5. Turkey Burger at Hopdoddy Burger Bar (Multiple Locations)

Turkey Burger at Hopdoddy Burger Bar (Multiple Locations)
© Find Me Gluten Free

Hopdoddy’s turkey burger balances lean protein with creative toppings for an energizing meal. Go easy on mayo-based sauces and add avocado for creamy, monounsaturated fats. The turkey patty’s mild flavor takes well to spices, making it satisfying without excessive salt. Request a whole-wheat or lettuce-wrapped bun to reduce refined carbs. Layer on arugula, tomatoes, and onion for fiber and phytonutrients. Portion control is reasonable, preventing a heavy post-lunch slump. It’s a versatile pick that fits high-protein, lower-calorie goals while retaining that classic burger experience many crave.

6. Veggie Shack (No Cheese) at Shake Shack (Multiple Locations)

Veggie Shack (No Cheese) at Shake Shack (Multiple Locations)
© ChooseVeg

Shake Shack’s Veggie Shack is a whole-food patty featuring mushrooms, grains, and greens, offering texture and hearty flavor. Ask for no cheese and light ShackSauce to rein in saturated fat and calories. The patty’s umami lets you keep toppings simple—lettuce, tomato, onions—for freshness. Choosing a lettuce wrap further reduces refined carbs while retaining handheld appeal. It’s a great option for flexitarians seeking familiar brands with better-for-you choices. Despite its fast-casual setting, the ingredient list leans thoughtfully crafted. Enjoy it with plain iced tea and skip fries for a cleaner meal.

7. Bison Burger at The Counter Custom Burgers (Multiple Locations)

Bison Burger at The Counter Custom Burgers (Multiple Locations)
© www.thecounterhawaii.com

Bison is naturally leaner than beef yet still deeply flavorful, making it ideal for a health-conscious burger. At The Counter, build it on a bed of greens or a whole-grain bun, add grilled onions, tomato, and pickles, then finish with mustard for zip without heavy calories. Bison’s higher iron and protein support energy and satiety. Skip bacon and full-fat cheese to keep saturated fat modest. A single patty hits the sweet spot for portion control. This burger delivers primal satisfaction with a lighter nutrient profile and customizable, clean toppings.

8. The Veggie Burger at Little Beet Table (New York, NY + Chicago, IL)

The Veggie Burger at Little Beet Table (New York, NY + Chicago, IL)
© Food & Wine

Little Beet Table’s veggie burger embraces wholesome ingredients—think beets, beans, and brown rice—for color, fiber, and staying power. Served on a gluten-free bun or greens, it’s ideal for many dietary preferences. The patty brings natural sweetness and earthy depth without relying on heavy sauces. Add avocado or a tahini-based spread for balanced fats without dairy. With thoughtful sourcing and seasonal sides, the plate feels fresh and complete. It’s as photogenic as it is nourishing, perfect for a lighter lunch or dinner. The flavors are clean, comforting, and satisfying.

9. DIY Grass-Fed Single at Burger Lounge (California + Nevada)

DIY Grass-Fed Single at Burger Lounge (California + Nevada)
© Burger Lounge

Burger Lounge’s grass-fed single patty offers premium protein with a cleaner fat profile. Keep it simple: tomato, lettuce, onion, and mustard to highlight the beef’s flavor and trim calories. Ask for a whole-wheat bun or lettuce wrap, and add avocado for satisfying satiety. Grass-fed sourcing supports omega-3s and better animal welfare. A single patty prevents the calorie creep of doubles. Pair with a side salad or broccoli to keep the meal balanced. This burger nails the sweet spot between classic taste and modern nutrition values without feeling restrictive.

10. Falafel Burger at By Chloe/Beatnic (Multiple Locations)

Falafel Burger at By Chloe/Beatnic (Multiple Locations)
© vegconomist

This falafel-style burger layers chickpea-herb patties with crisp vegetables and a light tahini sauce, delivering plant protein and fiber. Choose a whole-grain bun and extra greens to dial up nutrients while keeping indulgence in check. The herby profile and crunchy exterior create a satisfying bite that doesn’t need heavy toppings. Skip fries and add a kale salad for balance. It’s a vibrant, vegan-friendly option that feels fresh and bright. The burger demonstrates how Middle Eastern flavors translate beautifully into a better-for-you handheld.

11. Salmon Burger at The Smith (New York, NY + Washington, D.C.)

Salmon Burger at The Smith (New York, NY + Washington, D.C.)
© Yahoo

The Smith’s salmon burger brings omega-3-rich fish into burger form, offering heart-healthy fats and quality protein. Opt for light aioli and extra greens to keep the profile balanced. Salmon’s natural richness satisfies without piling on cheese or bacon. A whole-grain bun or lettuce wrap reduces refined carbs while preserving structure. Add lemon and pickled onions to brighten and cut through the fat beautifully. This burger feels elegant but approachable, ideal for a business lunch or relaxed dinner. It’s coastal flavor with metropolitan polish, designed for nourishment and pleasure.

12. Black Bean Quinoa Burger at True Food Kitchen (Multiple Locations)

Black Bean Quinoa Burger at True Food Kitchen (Multiple Locations)
© SideChef

True Food Kitchen’s black bean quinoa burger leans on legumes and ancient grains for complete protein and substantial fiber. The patty’s spices and sear create savory depth, so a light spread and fresh toppings shine. Choose avocado for healthy fats and ask for a lettuce wrap or seedy bun. The menu’s anti-inflammatory lens means oils and seasonings are thoughtfully selected. Pair with seasonal vegetables for a colorful, nutrient-dense plate. It’s a burger that aligns with wellness goals without feeling like a compromise, perfect for routine dining that still delights.

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