We’re all familiar with the tantalizing images of fast-food burgers in advertisements—juicy patties, melty cheese, and fresh, crispy lettuce that make our mouths water. But do the real-life versions even come close to the picture-perfect representations on the menu? In a somewhat unscientific exploration, we evaluate how well popular Australian chains measure up when it comes to their burgers, including the McDonald’s Big Mac, the KFC Zinger Burger, and the Hungry Jack’s Whopper.
Of the trio, the Hungry Jack’s Whopper is currently mired in controversy in the United States. A class-action lawsuit by customers alleges that Burger King (the parent company of Hungry Jack’s) portrays the Whopper on in-store menu boards in a deceptive manner, making it appear significantly larger than the real burgers.
Customers claim that Burger King presents the burger with ingredients that “spill over the bun,” creating the illusion of a 35% larger burger with over twice the amount of meat compared to what is actually served. Interestingly, McDonald’s is also facing a similar lawsuit in the Brooklyn federal court in New York, highlighting an ongoing debate regarding the accuracy of fast-food advertisements.
