REVIEW: Burger King Turkey Burger

Burger King Turkey Burger

The paleness of the turkey patty used in Burger King’s limited time only Turkey Burger may make it look a little unappetizing and tofu patty-ish, but think of it this way: it’s pretty much the same color as the white meat turkey you’d eat on Thanksgiving and the turkey leftovers you’d eat for many days after Thanksgiving.

Although Burger King is not the first fast food chain to sell turkey burgers (Carl’s Jr./Hardee’s had/have turkey burgers), they are the first of the big three burger chains to offer one. And, to be honest, I’d like to see McDonald’s and Wendy’s attempt their own versions, especially McDonald’s since they’re always trying to create healthier fare.

Yes, a turkey burger is supposed to be a healthier option and it was in Carl’s Jr./Hardee’s case. But what about Burger King’s Turkey Burger? Let’s dish the digits and compare nutrition facts, shall we?

A Burger King Whopper has 630 calories, 35 grams of fat, 10 grams of saturated fat, and 980 milligrams of sodium. A Burger King Turkey Burger has 530 calories, 26 grams of fat, 5 grams of saturated fat, and 1,210 milligrams of sodium. As you can see, BK’s Turkey Burger is mostly better nutrition-wise when compared to a Whopper. However, a Burger King Tendergrill Chicken Sandwich, which has 470 calories, 18 grams of fat, 3.5 grams of saturated fat, and 1330 milligrams of sodium, makes the Turkey Burger look like a Whopper.

But how does Burger King’s Turkey Burger stack up against another turkey burger?

Hardee’s Original Turkey Burger has 390 calories, 17 grams of fat, 3.5 grams of saturated fat, and 860 milligrams of sodium, so it’s significantly better for us than Burger King’s Turkey Burger. However, the reviews for the Hardee’s/Carl’s Jr. Turkey Burger haven’t been glowing.

To be honest, those reviews had me worried about Burger King’s Turkey Burger. But after tasting it, it turns out I shouldn’t have been concerned.

Burger King Turkey Burger Side

My sandwich with the pale fire-grilled turkey patty was supposed to be topped with almost-as-pale lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, ketchup, and mayonnaise on a premium, artisan-style bun. I say, “supposed to” because instead of red onions, my sandwich came with onion rings, which I took out and placed on the side before eating the burger.

The turkey patty had a mouthfeel somewhat similar to a beef patty and was slightly juicy. While it’s the same color as white meat Thanksgiving turkey, it doesn’t quite have the same flavor. It’s flavorful, but my taste buds didn’t immediately register it as turkey. It turns out that it’s not 100 percent turkey. According to the ingredients list, the turkey patty contains a smidgen of dried chicken and dried chicken broth.

Dammit! If Burger King added some dried duck, they could’ve had a turducken patty!

The lettuce, tomato, ketchup, and mayonnaise did an awesome job of falling out of the sandwich and/or getting all over my hands. But the ketchup was also one of the dominant flavors in the burger, masking somewhat the patty’s flavor.

Overall, my Burger King Turkey Burger was surprisingly tasty, even without the red onions. I’ve had better turkey burgers at casual dining places, but for fast food, it’s good. I enjoyed it enough that I hope Burger King decides to create other turkey burger variations.

(Nutrition Facts – 530 calories, 240 calories from fat, 26 grams of fat, 5 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat, 90 milligrams of cholesterol, 1210 milligrams of sodium, 46 grams of carbohydrates, 11 grams of sugar, 2 grams of fiber, and 27 grams of protein.)

Item: Burger King Turkey Burger
Purchased Price: $4.89*
Size: N/A
Purchased at: Burger King
Rating: 7 out of 10
Pros: Nice flavor, although doesn’t instantly register as turkey. Surprisingly tasty. Better for you than most BK burgers and sandwiches. Burger King continuing to release a slew of new products on a regular basis.
Cons: Pale turkey patty may look unappetizing to some. Messy ass sandwich. Pale lettuce. Ketchup masks the patty’s flavor. No dried duck to make it a turducken patty. Burger King location messing up an order.

*Because I live on a rock in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, the price I paid is probably much higher than you’ll pay.

SPOTTED ON SHELVES – 3/18/2013

Here are some interesting new and limited edition products found on store shelves by us and your fellow readers. If you’ve tried any of the products, share what you think of them in the comments.

Starbucks Strawberry Lemonade VIA Refreshers

Starbucks Strawberry Lemonade VIA Refreshers would look adorable in a Hello Kitty water bottle. Starbucks Melody has a review. (Spotted by Marvo at Target.)

Jello Mango Gelatin

I can-a have-a de Mango! (Spotted by Marvo at Safeway.)

DiGiorno Pizzeria!

Yeah, DiGiorno pizzeria! “Created with care,” unlike their regular pizzas, which I assume since they don’t brag about it on their regular pizzas. (Spotted by Shannon at Walmart.)

Good Humor Birthday Cake Bars

It appears color blindness tests were the inspiration for the outside of the Good Humor Birthday Cake Ice Cream Bars. (Spotted by Adam at Weis Markets.)

Kraft Jet-Puffed Jumbo Bunny Mallows

I don’t care if they’re just marshmallows. Those eyeless, mouthless, noseless, and whiskerless bunnies freak me out. (Spotted by Kayla at Walmart.)

Thank you to all the photo contributors! If you’re out shopping and see an interesting new or limited edition product on the shelf (or really unusual), snap a picture of it, and send us an email ([email protected]) with where you found it and “Spotted” in the subject line. If you do so, you might see your picture in our next Spotted on Shelves post.

SPOTTED ON SHELVES – 3/15/2013

Here are some interesting new and limited edition products found on store shelves by us and your fellow readers. If you’ve tried any of the products, share what you think of them in the comments.

International Delight Bottled Iced Coffee

I guess this is better than lugging around a half gallon of International Delight Iced Coffee with a Super Big Gulp straw in the spout. (Spotted by Marvo at Safeway.)

Twizzlers Bites

Jolly Rancher Bites

Sadly, I can’t use Twizzlers Bites as a straw because they’re too short. And I can’t use Jolly Rancher Bites as something to try and chip my teeth with because they’re too soft. Too short and too soft…that’s someone’s life story. (Spotted by Nicole at Target.)

Key Lime Marshmallows

Remember those lemon meringue-flavored marshmallows? Well, they have a key lime-flavored sister. (Spotted by Linda at Walmart.)

Yosicle Swirlz!

One Yosicle Swirls…I mean, Swirlz! has the same amount of calcium as one-third of a glass of milk. So sucking on these Yosicle Swirlz! will allow me to say “Suck it, osteoporosis!” (Spotted by Adam at Weis Markets.)

Snyder's of Hanover Spicy Cheddar Pretzel Sandwiches

I could eat these Snyder’s of Hanover Spicy Cheddar Pretzel Sandwiches or keep dipping pretzel sticks into salsa con queso. (Spotted by Adam at Weis Markets.)

Nature Made VitaMelts

We have soft gummy vitamins that are easy to chew! How lazy must a mouth be to want these Nature Made VitaMelts that just dissolve? I bet those lazy mouths also drink a lot of smoothies. (Spotted by Marvo at Target.)

Thank you to all the photo contributors! If you’re out shopping and see an interesting new or limited edition product on the shelf (or really unusual), snap a picture of it, and send us an email ([email protected]) with where you found it and “Spotted” in the subject line. If you do so, you might see your picture in our next Spotted on Shelves post.

PRIZE DRAWING: Because Denny’s Baconalia Is Back!

Two years ago, Denny’s celebrated Baconalia by rolling out a line of bacon-heavy dishes, like Pepper Bacon & Eggs, the Ultimate Bacon Breakfast, the Spicy Pepper Bacon Jack Burger, and the Maple Bacon Sundae.

Last year, there wasn’t a Denny’s Baconalia celebration. I don’t know why, but my guess is that the previous Baconalia celebration caused the swine population to dwindle to the brink of extinction.

This year, Baconalia is back and Denny’s has not only brought back a few entrees from their previous celebration, but they’ve also introduced a pig’s worth of new bacon menu items.

Caramel Bacon Stuffed French Toast

Caramel Bacon Stuffed French Toast

A sweet and savory layer of bacon white chocolate spread between two thick slice of French toast, all of which is topped with caramel sauce and diced bacon. It’s served with two eggs, two hickory-smoked bacon strips, and warm syrup.

Pepper Bacon Avocado Omelette

Pepper Bacon Avocado Omelette

A three-egg omelet with diced pepper bacon, fresh avocado, fire-roasted peppers and onions, mushrooms, American cheese, and pico de gallo. It’s served with hash browns and your choice of bread.

Ultimate BLT

Ultimate BLT

Four strips of pepper bacon, spring mix vegetables, tomatoes, fresh avocado, and a creamy pepper spread between toasted sourdough bread. It’s served with a side of wavy-cut French fries.

Bacon Pepper Jack Tilapia

Bacon Pepper Jack Tilapia

Grilled seasoned tilapia topped with sautéed spinach, diced bacon, and pico de gallo. Smothered with a Pepper Jack cheese sauce and served with your choice of two sides and dinner bread.

BBQ Bacon Mac ‘n Cheese Bites

BBQ Bacon Mac n Cheese Bites

Six golden brown fried macaroni and cheese bites with bits of bacon. Served with BBQ sauce and a side of warm Pepper Jack cheese sauce topped with bacon.

Bacon Cheddar Red-Skinned Potatoes

Bacon Cheddar Red Skinned Potatoes Side Choice

Seasoned red-skinned potatoes topped with Cheddar cheese and diced bacon. Available as a side choice.

Maple Bacon Milk Shake

Maple Bacon Milkshake

Hand-dipped milk shake blended with premium vanilla ice cream, maple-flavored syrup, diced bacon, and topped with whipped cream.

Salted Caramel Brownie Sundae with Bacon

Salted Caramel Brownie Bacon Sundae COMPRESSED

A warm salted caramel brownie topped with premium vanilla ice cream, caramel sauce, and diced bacon.

(NOTE: All images courtesy of Denny’s.)

Our friends over at Grub Grade and Foodbeast tried the new dishes. So click those links to help you figure out what dishes you might want to try if you win a $20 Denny’s gift card from us.

Whaaa?

Yup. Thanks to the nice folks at Denny’s, The Impulsive Buy is giving away, not one, but two $20 Denny’s gift cards.

To enter The Impulsive Buy’s Celebrate Baconalia With A $20 Denny’s Gift Card Drawing, leave a comment with THIS post. You can say whatever you want in your comment, but it must include the word “bacon” twice.

Please don’t forget to fill out the email field because we’ll be emailing the randomly selected winners for their mailing addresses. The Impulsive Buy will stop accepting entries on Wednesday, March 20, 2013 11:59 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time. Only one comment allowed per person, and it’s only open to U.S. residents 18 years old or older.

For those of you who have a Twitter account, you can get an additional entry by tweeting the following by Wednesday, March 20, 2013 11:59 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time:

Hey, @theimpulsivebuy! I want to throw bacon bits into the air like it’s confetti to celebrate #baconalia!

So just copy, paste, and tweet. Only one tweet per Twitter account.

Good luck!

Fine Print: The Impulsive Buy promises your email address will not be used to forward you Macy’s coupons. Impulsive Buy also promises your mailing address will not be used to send you Macy’s coupons. Bribes will not be accepted. The Impulsive Buy will not be responsible for lost mail, damaged mail, or Macy’s coupons.

SPOTTED ON SHELVES – 3/13/2013

Here are some interesting new and limited edition products found on store shelves by us and your fellow readers.

Musketeers Marshmallows

Limited Edition 3 Musketeer Marshmallow Minis are back! Fill your plastic eggs with them! Or fill your mouth with them! Here’s a review and another review. (Spotted by Linda at Walmart.)

Weight Watchers Frozen Yogurt Chocolate Smoothie

Weight Watchers Greek Frozen Yogurt Bars

Weight Watchers Cookies & Cream Ice Cream Bar

These new Weight Watchers frozen treats will help you watch your weight, but who’s going to watch me to make sure I don’t eat a whole box in one sitting. (Spotted by Adam at Weis Markets.)

French Toast Goldfish

French toast? How about Goldfish crackers that taste like goldfish, Pepperidge Farm! (Spotted by Linda at Safeway.)

Stacy's Pita Crisps

My teeth would like to thank Stacy’s for finally making thinner pita chips. (Spotted by Marvo at Safeway.)

Quaker Popped Chips

If only the original Quakers could see these Popped Chips, they would probably say, “What is this sorcery before me? Is this the devil’s food? Remove thy foul food in front of me.” Yes, I have no idea how Quakers talked back then. (Spotted by Charmi at Foodland.)

The Greek Gods Plain Kefir

Don’t know what kefir is? Join the club. Here’s a Wikipedia entry. Don’t want to read about kefir? Join the club. (Spotted by Kelcey at Path Mark.)

Thank you to all the photo contributors! If you’re out shopping and see an interesting new or limited edition product on the shelf (or really unusual), snap a picture of it, and send us an email ([email protected]) with where you found it and “Spotted” in the subject line. If you do so, you might see your picture in our next Spotted on Shelves post.