At one time, Arby's was touted for its health value over other fast food options. But is that
really the case? Keep watching for the truth about the chain's famous roast beef sandwiches.
"A busy family like ours can get a wholesome meal."
"Arby's is a wholesome change of taste."
Arby's rose to fame because of its popular roast beef sandwiches. The fast-food chain
was founded in 1964 by brothers Leroy and Forrest Raffel. The brothers set themselves
apart in the industry by avoiding burgers and serving roast beef sandwiches instead.
And through the years, Arby's has expanded to include much more than just roast beef.
Now, the menu offers options such as buffalo chicken and roast turkey sliders.
Though the offerings at Arby's differ from the typical burger joint, one way in which the company
has built a similar reputation to its competitors is in the area of nutrition. Like most fast-food
restaurants, Arby's isn't exactly known for its healthy options — and some nutrition facts might
just make you think twice about ordering that signature Beef 'N Cheddar sandwich.
Though Arby's is one of the most popular fast-food chains in the country,
those who enjoy indulging in the sandwich giant might want to reconsider if they're trying to
stay healthy. Arby's adds some serious salt to its dishes — too much of which
could lead to health problems down the line, according to the American Heart Association.
Many of the sandwiches on the Arby's menu are also loaded with fat and calories.
The Arby's half-pound beef 'n cheddar sandwich comes in at a whopping 740 calories — more than
a third of a day's worth for those following a standard 2,000 calorie diet, according to Eat
This, Not That!. The sandwich also boasts 39 grams of fat and 2,530 milligrams of sodium.
The American Heart Association recommends no more than 2,300 milligrams per day in total.
Those who love an Arby's sandwich can still enjoy themselves once in
a while. But if you're watching your sodium or calorie intake,
it's probably not an order you'd want to make a regular habit of purchasing.
Arby's half-pound Beef 'N Cheddar sandwich is one of the menu's unhealthiest items,
but there are a few other sandwiches you should
avoid if you're not looking to add a ton of calories, fat, or sodium to your diet.
"Arby's. We have the meats."
Anything involving the words "beef" and "cheddar" likely isn't the healthiest option. In addition
to the half-pound sandwich, Arby's also offers a classic Beef 'N Cheddar as well as a double Beef
'N Cheddar. According to the Arby's menu, these are a bit healthier than that half-pound option,
but the classic, which is the healthiest of the three, is still teeming with 20 grams of fat and
1,280 milligrams of sodium. The Arby's French dip sandwich
has an even higher salt content than the Beef 'N Cheddar options. The French dip is loaded
with 2,540 milligrams of sodium. That's more than an entire day's recommended sodium intake
for a 2,000-calorie diet. And although the smokehouse brisket sandwich contains about
half the sodium of the Beef 'N Cheddar or French dip, it doesn't lack calories or fat. This option
weighs in at 600 calories and a whopping 33 grams of fat. The bottom line? Step away from the roast
beef section of the Arby's menu if you're looking for a sandwich that's at least somewhat healthy.
Some Arby's sandwiches could turn customers off because of their nutritional breakdown, but there
are a few solid options for those looking for nutrient-dense options at the fast-food chain.
The Arby's roast chicken salad is one of the chain's healthiest entrées, consisting of roast
chicken, bacon, cheese, and tomatoes over lettuce with buttermilk ranch dressing. It comes in at
only 250 calories and 14 grams of fat. With 690 milligrams of sodium, this salad is one of Arby's
options with the least amount of salt. Those who dig in will also get 25 grams of protein.
If you're not looking for a salad, the roast turkey gyro is also a good choice.
It offers 470 calories, which is on the low end for an entrée. But the gyro does contain
20 grams of fat and 1,530 milligrams of sodium. Still, if you're not a salad fan,
at least the gyro provides some vegetables and a solid amount of protein at 25 grams.
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