I tried the signature burgers from McDonald's, Wendy's, and Burger King. The Big Mac was my least favorite.
Business Insider
February 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
In a recent taste test comparing signature burgers from three major fast-food chains—McDonald’s Big Mac, Wendy’s Dave’s Single, and Burger King’s Whopper with cheese— Erin McDowell, a food reporter, shared her preferences based on flavor, texture, and value. While the Big Mac, known for its iconic status since 1967, was deemed underwhelming by McDowell, who found it lacked sufficient sauce and had a dry mouthfeel. In contrast, Burger King’s Whopper stood out as her favorite due to its smoky, savory flavor and balanced ingredients, despite being the priciest option. Wendy’s Dave’s Single also earned praise for its tangy cheese and fresh toppings, though it was slightly overwhelmed by its condiments.
The Big Mac, a staple on McDonald’s menu since 1968, features two beef patties, pickles, lettuce, onions, American cheese, and layers of Big Mac sauce. However, McDowell noted that the burger’s heavy reliance on bottom toppings left the bun dry and flavorless at the top. This critique highlights potential areas for improvement in McDonald’s classic offering, which is still a bestseller globally with over 900 million sold annually.
Wendy’s Dave’s Single, named after the chain’s founder, Dave Thomas, offers a quarter-pound beef patty, American cheese, and a mix of fresh vegetables. While McDowell appreciated its saucier profile compared to the Big Mac, she found it slightly overwhelmed by the combination of ketchup and mayo. This suggests that while Wendy’s burger is a solid choice, there might be room for customization based on individual preferences.
Burger King’s Whopper with cheese emerged as the top pick in this taste test. Its
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Originally published on Business Insider on 2/14/2026