Within the sphere of competitive fast food marketing, a feud has recently broken out between two of the major companies: Hardee’s and McDonald’s.  In spite of an extreme use of slanderous commercials against McDonald’s, Hardee’s was not seeing much in the way of increased sales.  To combat this, they decided to launch a new item for their menu to compete with other companies, but is this new sandwich safe to eat?
    The feud between the two major companies began in August when McDonald’s announced the release of their Angus Third Pounder burgers.  Hardee’s, who has had the leading premium fast food burger with their Thickburgers for a long time, was angered by what was seemingly an intrusion into their market. 
    In retaliation to the Angus Third Pounder, Hardee’s is launching the Big Hardee.  This burger boasts considerably more meat and cheese than the McDonald’s infamous Big Mac, yet still comes in at a much lower cost, and is anticipated to bring the franchise many more sales than they are currently receiving.  Hardee’s is advertising that their burger features three patties, one more than McDonald’s can claim to have on their Big Mac, in addition to two slices of cheese, lettuce, and their special “Big Twin” sauce.  
    However, does this burger have any nutritional value when placed against a Big Mac, the competition Hardee’s is most set against outselling?  A Big Mac contains about 260 calories from fat: in comparison, the Big Hardee presents exactly 200 more, coming in at a whopping 460 fat calories.  The Big Hardee doesn’t fair well when it comes to cholesterol or sodium, either.  It contains just under twice the amount of cholesterol of a Big Mac, as well as almost twice the sodium.  While Hardee’s is pushing the fact that their new burger is a bigger burger for a smaller price than McDonald’s can offer, this isn’t necessarily a good reason to purchase one.