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Food

The One Thing You Should Never Put On A Hamburger, According To A Waiter

November 17, 2017 by Lisa Cupido
shefinds | Food
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Who doesn't love a hamburger with all the trimmings? This super versatile and fun food can be turned into a DIY spectacular with the addition of a few great condiments. But not all condiments and toppings are created equal.

 

One waiter gave us his thoughts on the one thing you should never put on your hamburger (spoiler alert: it isn't ketchup or mayo). 

 

Photos: Shutterstock 

hamburger

The One Thing You Should Not Put On A Hamburger

So here's the deal with hamburger toppings found at some restaurants: they may seem healthy, but they aren't always fresh. 

 

"The lettuce we used on top of hamburgers at the restaurant where I worked was usually left out in a bowl, sometimes for a few hours," says Jackson T., who was a waiter at a New York City restaurant. "We would wash the lettuce, sure, but it wasn't the best quality. It was usually limp and just not something I would personally eat on my hamburger." 

hamburger condiments

The Worst Hamburger Condiments And Toppings

Let's be honest: few of us get excited about one measly piece of lettuce on a burger and we're more than happy to push that limp plant away from our meal. If you're wondering what are actually some of the worst condiments to use on your burger, based solely on nutritional facts, the answer is a little more disappointing. Ketchup is super high in both sugar and sodium and gives little back in terms of nutritional value. Will you forego ketchup completely? Probably not — but using less of it will help cut calories and sugar from your meal. 

Author:

Lisa Fogarty is a lifestyle writer and reporter based in New York who covers health, wellness, relationships, sex, beauty, and parenting.

Person enjoying a healthy lunch at a dining table.
Sipping spearmint tea for relaxation and digestion.
Various types of bread displayed on a wooden surface.
Fresh bakery items from Costco, including cakes and pastries.
Woman holding her head, feeling overwhelmed or stressed.
Woman experiencing joint pain, indicating health issues.
Vibrant assortment of groceries from Shutterstock image.
Popular fast food options from Dunkin', Chick-fil-A, and Starbucks.
Woman adding sugar to her aromatic cup of coffee.
Assorted bagels with blueberries and butter on a wooden board.
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Top view of Brazilian food dish with rice, beans, and chicken.
Checking time on a watch during breakfast.
Display of deli meats and sandwiches in a grocery store.
Cooked salmon served with rice, avocado, and greens.
Inside view of a Costco store showcasing various products.
Woman taking magnesium supplement for health benefits.
Selection of S'mores brownies and baked ricotta from Aldi.
Grilled chicken breast served with fries and mixed salad.
Frozen pizza options available in a grocery store aisle.
Person enjoying a healthy lunch at a dining table.
Sipping spearmint tea for relaxation and digestion.
Various types of bread displayed on a wooden surface.
Fresh bakery items from Costco, including cakes and pastries.
Woman holding her head, feeling overwhelmed or stressed.
Woman experiencing joint pain, indicating health issues.
Vibrant assortment of groceries from Shutterstock image.
Popular fast food options from Dunkin', Chick-fil-A, and Starbucks.
Woman adding sugar to her aromatic cup of coffee.
Assorted bagels with blueberries and butter on a wooden board.
Comparing cooking spray and olive oil for healthy cooking.
Top view of Brazilian food dish with rice, beans, and chicken.
Checking time on a watch during breakfast.
Display of deli meats and sandwiches in a grocery store.
Cooked salmon served with rice, avocado, and greens.
Inside view of a Costco store showcasing various products.
Woman taking magnesium supplement for health benefits.
Selection of S'mores brownies and baked ricotta from Aldi.
Grilled chicken breast served with fries and mixed salad.
Frozen pizza options available in a grocery store aisle.