Nutritionists weigh in on controversial burger

There's no bread, no lettuce or tomato and dieticians aren't impressed.
But KFC is standing by its Double Down burger, which goes on sale around the Western Bay today.
KFC General Manager Brent Kitto says the fast-food franchise realises its controversial burger is not for everyone, but Kiwis had shown a hunger for it and have been calling for it to hit our shores ever since it went on the menu in the United States and Canada.
"Contrary to all the attention and speculation though, the Double Down is actually lower in calories and fat than a number of other burgers already on the market," Mr Kitto said.
Bay of Plenty Times had done its own research and found the Double Down, with 34.4g of fat, had less fat than some burgers at other popular fastfood outlets.
McDonald's' Double Quarter Pounder has 50.4g of fat, while Burger King's Double Whopper has 54g.
Tauranga registered dietician Fiona Boyle, of Food Solutions, said she wouldn't be tasting one.
"It certainly doesn't appeal to me in the slightest," Mrs Boyle said.
"It's obviously not something people should be eating every day and there are some other healthier takeaway choices out there.
"But at the same time, there is the equivalent at other mainstream burger bars, they're all pretty much on par with each other."
Mrs Boyle said the Double Down was high in sodium and high in fat and it "wasn't a smart choice" to eat a burger that was a "massive portion" of your daily energy needs.
"I think people will go out there today and try it because of all the hype and talk surrounding it, but I think that's just a poor choice," she said.
"People make good choices and poor choices every day and I certainly feel this is not a good choice."
Mrs Boyle said the Double Down was reasonably expensive, about $8 for the burger, and for the same price you could buy a healthier meal that would be more satisfying and nutritious.
Jessica Bell, owner and director of Your Nutrition in Tauranga, said it was irresponsible of KFC to have something on the market when New Zealand was struggling with obesity and Type 2 diabetes.
"This does give people a choice and it is novel and interesting and I think for those reasons people will try it, but I think there is a lack of understanding about the long-term effects of these types of foods and it would definitely be better not to have it on the market."
The Heart Foundation said for the majority of New Zealanders and their children, the product contained almost a whole day's intake of saturated fat.
"We already have a huge range of foods laden with calories and saturated fat to choose from - what we need more of is tasty, appealing, healthier options, and we would like to see KFC take this challenge seriously.
"The best thing about the Double Down burger is that it's only available for a limited time and KFC has acknowledged that it is an 'occasional food'," a Heart Foundation spokeswoman said.