Sonic Cheeseburger
Summary
Sonic Cheeseburger tested at 56.69 ppb glyphosate in Moms Across America's 2024 fast-food investigation — a moderate residue for chain-restaurant food. Glyphosate (Roundup's active ingredient) is a WHO IARC Group 2A probable human carcinogen linked to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, endocrine disruption, kidney and liver impairment, and microbiome disturbance. Likely sources: conventional wheat bun plus seed oils and grain-fed beef from glyphosate-treated U.S. crops.
At a glance
Contaminants 1
Source: Independent third-party laboratory testing
Glyphosate 56.69 ppb Moderate
Detected at a moderate level — a meaningful fraction of health-based exposure limits. Worth factoring in if this product is used regularly. Glyphosate is classified by the WHO IARC as a probable human carcinogen (Group 2A) and is linked in observational research to non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, endocrine disruption, and microbiome disturbance. Entry route is most likely pre-harvest glyphosate desiccation of the wheat or grain ingredient.
Tested at 56.69 ppb glyphosate residue — moderate for a chain-restaurant prepared food.
Key ingredients 35
Unbleached enriched wheat flourBad
Refined flour stripped of bran and germ.
See more about Unbleached enriched wheat flour →WaterNeutral
Pure water.
See more about Water →SugarBad
Added refined sugar.
See more about Sugar →YeastNeutral
Leavening organism.
See more about Yeast →Wheat glutenNeutral
Concentrated wheat protein for dough strength.
See more about Wheat gluten →Soybean oilVery Bad
Industrial seed oil; high in linoleic acid (omega-6) and solvent-extracted.
See more about Soybean oil →SaltNeutral
Sodium contributor; tolerable in moderation.
See more about Salt →Sesame flourGood
Whole-grain, seed, or fresh produce ingredient.
Sodium stearoyl lactylateBad
Synthetic dough conditioner / emulsifier.
See more about Sodium stearoyl lactylate →Calcium stearoyl lactylateBad
Synthetic dough conditioner.
Mono and diglyceridesBad
Emulsifier; may carry trans-fat residue from production.
See more about Mono and diglycerides →Calcium peroxideBad
Oxidizing dough conditioner / bleaching agent.
Calcium iodateBad
Oxidizing dough conditioner.
DATEMBad
Diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides; emulsifier with possible trans-fat residue.
See more about DATEM →Calcium propionateBad
Mold-inhibiting preservative; behavioral concerns in some pediatric studies.
See more about Calcium propionate →BeefGood
Whole muscle meat.
See more about Beef →Encapsulated saltBad
Salt coated in fully-hydrogenated soybean oil for slow release.
Yeast extractBad
Free-glutamate flavor enhancer (functions like MSG).
See more about Yeast extract →MaltodextrinBad
Processed corn-derived sugar that spikes blood glucose.
See more about Maltodextrin →American cheese sliceGood
Real-cheese / dairy ingredient.
Sodium citrateBad
Emulsifying salt typical of processed cheese.
See more about Sodium citrate →Sorbic acidBad
Preservative.
See more about Sorbic acid →Soy lecithinBad
Soy-derived emulsifier — a refined, industrially processed additive tied to seed-oil production. Not a seed oil itself, but Scout classifies lecithin emulsifiers as bad.
See more about Soy lecithin →Crinkle-cut picklesGood
Whole-grain, seed, or fresh produce ingredient.
Polysorbate 80Bad
Synthetic emulsifier; gut-microbiome disruption in animal studies.
See more about Polysorbate 80 →Sodium benzoateBad
Preservative; can form benzene with vitamin C.
See more about Sodium benzoate →Yellow #5Bad
Synthetic petroleum dye; behavioral effects in sensitive children.
See more about Yellow #5 →Diced onionsGood
Fresh allium; quercetin and prebiotic fiber.
Shredded lettuceGood
Fresh whole vegetable; fiber and micronutrients.
TomatoesGood
Fresh tomato; lycopene and vitamin C.
See more about Tomatoes →MayonnaiseNeutral
Common food ingredient.
Calcium disodium EDTABad
Synthetic chelating preservative.
See more about Calcium disodium EDTA →KetchupNeutral
Common food ingredient.
High fructose corn syrupBad
Industrial sweetener linked to metabolic dysfunction and fatty liver.
See more about High fructose corn syrup →Corn syrupBad
Refined sweetener / processed sugar.
See more about Corn syrup →Processing
Ultra-Processed Foods
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