Carl’s Jr. breakfast menu offers a variety of choices, ranging from protein-packed sandwiches to sweet treats like French Toast Dips®. Each item comes with a distinct nutritional profile, catering to different dietary preferences and needs. While options like the Breakfast Burger and Monster Biscuit® provide high protein, they are also rich in sodium and saturated fat.
Lighter options, such as unsweetened iced tea and milk, balance out heavier meals. Understanding the nutritional content of these offerings helps diners make informed decisions to enjoy a satisfying meal that aligns with their health goals.
Popular Breakfast Menu Items at Carl’s Jr.
The breakfast menu includes options ranging from indulgent sandwiches to lighter fare. Below, we examine the nutritional details of the most popular items, outlining what each has to offer.
The Breakfast Burger: A Protein-Rich Choice
The Breakfast Burger features a charbroiled all-beef patty, crispy bacon, egg, American cheese, Hash Rounds®, and ketchup on a seeded bun.
- Calories: 810
- Fat: 41g (15g saturated)
- Protein: 42g
- Carbohydrates: 69g
- Sodium: 1,600mg
This burger is a solid option for those looking to increase their protein intake, though it’s also high in saturated fat and sodium. With 42 grams of protein, it’s suitable for active individuals or those looking to stay full for longer periods.
Grilled Cheese Breakfast Sandwich (Sausage): Comfort in Every Bite
This sandwich consists of sausage, egg, and American cheese nestled between two slices of grilled bread.
- Calories: 640
- Fat: 41g (16g saturated)
- Protein: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Sodium: 1,530mg
This is a satisfying option with moderate calories and high fat content. It’s best enjoyed occasionally due to its sodium and saturated fat levels.
Loaded Breakfast Burrito: A Hearty Option
The Loaded Breakfast Burrito includes sausage, bacon, ham, scrambled eggs, hash browns, shredded cheese, and salsa wrapped in a tortilla.
- Calories: 650
- Fat: 36g (12g saturated)
- Protein: 29g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Sodium: 1,240mg
Offering a combination of meats and carbs, this burrito is filling and delivers balanced macronutrients. However, its cholesterol content (430mg) may be a concern for some individuals.
Monster Biscuit®: High in Calories and Flavor
The Monster Biscuit® features sausage, bacon, egg, and American cheese on a buttery biscuit.
- Calories: 830
- Fat: 56g (25g saturated)
- Protein: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Sodium: 2,420mg
This breakfast item has the highest sodium and fat content on the menu. While it’s flavorful and filling, it may not be suitable for those watching their sodium or cholesterol intake.
French Toast Dips®: A Sweet Morning Treat
These French toast sticks are served with syrup for dipping and are a sweet alternative to savory options.
- Calories: 540
- Fat: 19g (3.5g saturated)
- Protein: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 84g
- Sodium: 620mg
This meal is low in protein and fat but rich in sugars and carbs, making it more of a dessert-like breakfast option.
Beverage Choices and Their Nutritional Impact
Carl’s Jr. offers a wide array of beverages, from refreshing soft drinks to creamy milkshakes. Each drink has a different nutritional profile that can complement or significantly increase the calorie count of your meal.
Soft Drinks: A Popular Addition
Soft drinks such as Coca-Cola®, Diet Coke®, Dr Pepper®, and Sprite® come in various sizes.
- Coca-Cola® (Small): 200 calories
- Diet Coke®: 0 calories (all sizes)
- Dr Pepper® (Small): 220 calories
- Sprite® (Medium): 220 calories
While diet options provide a calorie-free alternative, regular soft drinks contribute significant sugar and calorie content to your meal.
Hand-Scooped Ice Cream Shakes: Creamy and Indulgent
Available in flavors like Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, and OREO® Cookie, these shakes are rich in calories.
- Calories (14 oz): 690–740
- Fat: ~36g (24g saturated)
These drinks are best considered as desserts due to their high fat and calorie content.
Iced Tea: A Lighter Option
Carl’s Jr. serves both sweetened and unsweetened iced tea.
- Sweetened (Medium): 150 calories
- Unsweetened: 0–5 calories
Unsweetened tea is a refreshing low-calorie choice for hydration.
Milk and Juice: Classic Breakfast Beverages
Milk and juice options provide a balanced alternative to sugary drinks.
- 1% Milk: 100 calories
- Chocolate Milk: 150 calories
- Orange Juice: 160 calories
These beverages are good sources of vitamins and calcium, making them ideal companions for breakfast.
Key Nutritional Trends in Carl’s Jr. Breakfast Menu
The menu reflects a trend toward high protein and calorie-dense options, with varying fat and sodium levels. While these meals are satisfying and convenient, certain items are better suited for specific dietary preferences.
Sodium Levels
Most items, particularly the Monster Biscuit® and Breakfast Burger, are high in sodium. Those monitoring their sodium intake should opt for lighter items or pair their meal with low-sodium choices throughout the day.
Protein-Rich Choices
The Breakfast Burger, Monster Biscuit®, and Loaded Breakfast Burrito are packed with protein, making them excellent for individuals needing sustained energy or muscle recovery.
Calorie and Carb Balance
Items like French Toast Dips® offer lower calories but are high in sugars and carbs. Meanwhile, heavier options like the Breakfast Burger provide more balanced macronutrients but come with higher fat content.
Suggestions for Making Healthier Choices
Small adjustments can make a big difference when enjoying breakfast at Carl’s Jr. Consider these tips to make more mindful decisions:
- Customizing Ingredients: Request fewer or lighter ingredients, such as skipping the cheese or sauce, to reduce fat and sodium.
- Opting for Unsweetened Beverages: Pair your meal with unsweetened iced tea or water instead of sugary soft drinks.
- Balancing Meals: If you choose a calorie-dense item, balance it with lighter meals later in the day.
By taking a closer look at the nutritional profiles and adjusting your choices, you can enjoy your meal while keeping your dietary goals in mind.