Are you a burger lover who’s curious about what kind of beef goes into your favorite fast food chain’s burgers?
Look no further than Five Guys.
This popular burger joint prides itself on using high-quality, fresh beef in all of its burgers. But what exactly does that mean?
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the type of beef Five Guys uses, where it comes from, and how it’s prepared.
Get ready to sink your teeth into some juicy burger knowledge!
What Kind Of Beef Does Five Guys Use?
Five Guys uses 80/20 ground chuck, which is a high-quality ground beef that contains only steer and heifer meat. This means that there is no cow meat or fatty trimmings in their burgers. Additionally, Five Guys does not use ammoniated procedures to treat their ground beef, so there is no “pink slime” in their burgers.
The beef used at most Five Guys locations comes from Schweid and Sons, a well-known meat supplier. The blend of chuck and sirloin used in Five Guys burgers is not sold as a straight-up mix by Schweid and Sons, so the chain has to fake that part. However, Alton Brown splits his chuck/sirloin mixture 50/50, which is a good guideline to follow if you want to make your own Five Guys-style burgers at home.
Five Guys does not add anything to their meat, including salt, pepper, or onion powder. It’s just meat and bun. The meat is “twice ground,” which simply means it’s ground twice: once at the packing facility and once in store. This is the same meat you would purchase for meatloaf night at your local grocery store.
The Five Guys Difference: Why Beef Quality Matters
One of the biggest differences between Five Guys and other fast food chains is their commitment to using high-quality beef. As mentioned earlier, Five Guys uses 80/20 ground chuck, which is a blend of 80% lean meat and 20% fat. This ratio is perfect for creating juicy, flavorful burgers.
The beef used in Five Guys burgers contains only steer and heifer meat, which means there are no fatty trimmings or cow meat in their burgers. This is important because it ensures that the burgers are made from the best quality meat possible. Additionally, Five Guys does not use any ammoniated procedures to treat their ground beef, which means there is no “pink slime” in their burgers.
Five Guys also takes great care to ensure that their beef is always fresh. There are no freezers in any Five Guys location, only coolers. Each morning, the meat is prepped straight from the cooler, dated, and rotated to prevent any “old” meat from being reused by the employees. In fact, the opening manager supposedly has the job of inspecting the meat every morning before it goes on the grill.
The Type Of Beef Five Guys Uses: 100% Fresh, Never Frozen
One of the key features that sets Five Guys apart from other burger chains is their use of 100% fresh, never frozen beef. This means that their beef patties are made by hand in-house every day using high-quality ground chuck that contains only steer and heifer meat. This ensures that there is no cow meat or fatty trimmings in their burgers, making them a healthier option for consumers.
Unlike other fast-food chains, Five Guys does not use any ammoniated procedures to treat their ground beef. This means that there is no “pink slime” in their burgers, which has been a concern for many consumers in recent years. Instead, Five Guys focuses on using fresh, high-quality ingredients to create their delicious burgers.
Five Guys also does not add any seasonings or spices to their beef patties. It’s just pure meat and bun, allowing customers to customize their burgers with a variety of toppings. The meat is “twice ground,” which means it’s ground twice: once at the packing facility and once in store. This ensures that the meat is fresh and of the highest quality.
Where Five Guys Sources Its Beef: American Farms
Five Guys takes great pride in the quality and origin of their beef. All of their beef comes from American farms, specifically from Scotland. The beef is grain finished, which gives it a marbled texture that is perfect for patties. This means that the cows are fed a diet of grain for a period of time before they are slaughtered, which helps to create the tender and flavorful meat that Five Guys is known for.
When it comes to sourcing their beef, Five Guys works with only the best suppliers in the industry. They have a long-standing relationship with their meat supplier, Schweid and Sons, who source all of their beef from American farms. This ensures that the beef used in Five Guys burgers is of the highest quality and meets their strict standards.
Five Guys also takes great care in how their beef is prepared. All of the meat is ground fresh daily in store, ensuring maximum freshness and quality. The meat is never frozen or treated with any chemicals or additives, giving customers the peace of mind that they are getting a pure and natural product.
How Five Guys Prepares Its Beef: Hand-Formed And Cooked To Order
When you order a burger at Five Guys, the patty is not pre-made and sitting in a warming tray. Instead, it is hand-formed from the ground beef and cooked to order. This means that your burger is fresh and hot off the grill every time.
The process of hand-forming the patty ensures that each burger is unique and has its own character. The grill man takes a portion of the ground beef and shapes it into a ball, which is then placed on the griddle. The ball is smashed down with a spatula to create a thin patty, which is then seasoned with salt and pepper.
The burger is cooked on a flat-top grill, where it sizzles and sears until it’s fully cooked. The grill man flips the burger once during the cooking process to ensure that both sides are evenly cooked. The result is a juicy, flavorful burger that’s cooked to perfection.
At Five Guys, you can customize your burger with any combination of toppings you like. From cheese and bacon to grilled onions and jalapenos, the possibilities are endless. And because each burger is made to order, you can be sure that your toppings are fresh and exactly how you want them.
Five Guys’ Commitment To Sustainability: Reducing Environmental Impact Through Beef Sourcing
In addition to their commitment to using high-quality beef and avoiding harmful additives, Five Guys is also dedicated to reducing their environmental impact through their beef sourcing. The company has made a conscious effort to work with suppliers who prioritize sustainable and ethical practices in their operations.
One of Five Guys’ beef suppliers is Schweid and Sons, a company that sources its beef from family-owned farms in the Midwest. These farms are committed to sustainable practices, such as reducing water usage and minimizing waste. Schweid and Sons also prioritizes animal welfare, ensuring that the cattle are treated humanely throughout their lives.
Five Guys’ dedication to sustainable beef sourcing extends beyond just their suppliers. The company also aims to reduce food waste by using every part of the cow possible, including the bones for broth and the fat for cooking oil. Additionally, Five Guys recycles their used cooking oil to be used as biofuel, contributing to a significant CO2 reduction.