Wendy’s Dave’s Single: Price, Calories, and Everything On the Bun

Wendy’s Dave’s Single is the burger that started it all. It sits at the heart of the Wendy’s menu, and it still holds up against every newer option. This single patty burger packs a quarter pound of fresh beef, real cheese, and classic toppings on a soft potato bun. If you want a quick answer, Dave’s Single has 560 calories and usually costs between $6 and $8, though pricing can vary by location.

Below, you will find everything about this burger. That includes calories, protein, ingredients, allergens, and how it stacks up against the Baconator and Dave’s Double.

Dave’s Single Price

Wendy’s Dave’s Single typically costs around $6 to $8 as a standalone item in most US locations. Combo meals with fries and a drink usually run a few dollars higher.

These figures are estimates based on typical US pricing. They are not official Wendy’s pricing and should be confirmed locally.

Price disclaimer: Prices vary by location, state, and current promotions. Some markets may charge more or less than the range listed here. Always check your local Wendy’s app or in store menu for the exact price before ordering.

What Is Wendy’s Dave’s Single?

Dave’s Single is Wendy’s original burger, named after founder Dave Thomas. It uses a quarter pound beef patty, which makes it heartier than most fast food single patty burgers. Meanwhile, it stays smaller and lighter than the Dave’s Double or the Baconator.

Think of it as the middle ground. It has more bite than a junior burger, but it costs less and has fewer calories than the bigger options. For many regulars, this makes it the go to pick for a filling lunch without overdoing it.

Dave’s Single Calories and Nutrition Facts

Dave’s Single has 560 calories per serving. That number reflects the standard build with cheese, beef, and all classic toppings on a potato bun.

Here is the full nutrition breakdown, based on Wendy’s official nutrition data:

Dave’s Single delivers 31 grams of protein, which makes it a solid pick if you want a protein heavy meal. On the other hand, the sodium content sits at 1,170mg, which is roughly half of a typical daily limit. So it is worth balancing the rest of your day around it.

Nutrition values are based on standard recipes and ingredient formulations. They may shift slightly due to supplier changes, regional recipes, or how each restaurant assembles the order. For the most current numbers, check Wendy’s official nutrition page before you order.

Note that some third party nutrition databases list slightly different figures, such as 570 calories or 30 grams of protein. These small differences usually come from different tracking methods or database updates rather than an actual recipe change. We use the figures above since they reflect Wendy’s own published nutrition data.

What Comes on Dave’s Single (Ingredients)

Dave’s Single keeps things classic. Here is what goes on the burger:

• A quarter pound of fresh, never frozen beef (approximate weight before cooking)
• One slice of American cheese
• Crisp lettuce
• Fresh tomato
• Crinkle cut pickles
• Sliced onion
• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Mayonnaise
• A toasted potato bun

Every ingredient plays a role here. The potato bun stays soft yet sturdy, so it holds up against the juicy patty without falling apart. Meanwhile, the mix of ketchup, mustard, and mayo gives the burger its signature tangy flavor.

Dave’s Single Allergens

Dave’s Single contains several common allergens. Wendy’s lists the following for this item:

• Milk (Dairy)
• Egg
• Sesame
• Soy
• Wheat

Wendy’s notes that cross contact is possible, since many items share the same prep areas and equipment. Because of this, Wendy’s cannot guarantee any item is completely free of allergens. If you have a food allergy or sensitivity, review the full ingredient list and use your own judgment before ordering.

This also answers a common question: Dave’s Single is not gluten free, since the potato bun contains wheat.

Is Wendy’s Beef Fresh and Never Frozen?

Yes. Wendy’s has long marketed its beef as fresh, never frozen, and this applies to Dave’s Single as well. The beef ships fresh to restaurants and gets cooked to order rather than sitting frozen in storage. This is one of the reasons Wendy’s burgers often taste juicier than competitors that use frozen patties.

Can You Customize Dave’s Single?

Yes, Dave’s Single is easy to customize. Common changes include:

• Removing or adding cheese
• Leaving off pickles, onion, or tomato
• Requesting extra sauce or no sauce at all
• Swapping the bun or cheese type

Availability of certain swaps may depend on your local restaurant and current menu offerings. It never hurts to ask when you order.

Popular Ways to Upgrade a Dave’s Single

If you want to go beyond the basic build, a few simple tweaks can change the whole experience. These options use existing Wendy’s ingredients, so most locations can handle them without trouble.

Swap the potato bun for a pretzel bun. Wendy’s now stocks pretzel buns for its Bacon Pretzel Pub Cheeseburger, and you can select this option when customizing a Dave’s Single online. Expect a small upcharge, often around $1.00, for the switch. The chewier texture gives the burger a heartier, more restaurant style feel.

Try a different cheese. Dave’s Single comes with American cheese by default, which holds up well structurally. However, Wendy’s also offers asiago and muenster as substitution options. Asiago brings a nutty, buttery flavor, while muenster melts softer and milder. Both are worth trying if you want a change from the usual.

Add crispy fried onions. Several Wendy’s items already use crispy fried onions as a topping, including the Bacon Pub Cheeseburger. You can request them added to your Dave’s Single either alongside or instead of the standard sweet onion. This swap brings a salty crunch that pairs well with the beef.

Ask for a scoop of chili. This one is not an official online customization, so you will need to request it in person. A scoop of Wendy’s chili turns a standard Dave’s Single into a chili cheeseburger. Some customers prefer ordering chili as a side instead, then dipping the burger rather than mixing it directly into the sandwich.

One thing to note: Dave’s Single does not have a direct online option to add bacon. Requesting bacon on a Dave’s Single essentially recreates the Big Bacon Classic, which already exists as a separate menu item and usually costs less than customizing a single that way.

Dave’s Single vs Dave’s Double vs Baconator

If you are deciding between burgers, here is a quick side by side comparison:

Dave’s Single works well if you want a satisfying burger without going overboard. Dave’s Double suits bigger appetites, while the Baconator adds bacon and extra cheese for those who want the fullest option on the menu.

Is Dave’s Single Healthy?

Dave’s Single is not a diet food, but it is a reasonable choice within a fast food lineup. At 560 calories and 31 grams of protein, it offers decent nutritional value for a single burger. The sodium content is the main thing to watch, since it makes up a large chunk of your daily intake in one sitting.

If you are tracking calories or sodium closely, pairing it with a side salad instead of fries can help balance the meal.

Dave’s Single FAQs

How many calories are in a Dave’s Single?

Dave’s Single has 560 calories.

How much protein is in Dave’s Single?

It contains 31 grams of protein per serving.

How much does Dave’s Single cost?

Prices generally range from $6 to $8, though this varies by location.

What comes on a Dave’s Single?

It comes with beef, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion, ketchup, mustard, and mayo on a potato bun.

Does Dave’s Single have cheese?

Yes, it includes one slice of American cheese by default.

Is Dave’s Single gluten free?

No, the potato bun contains wheat, so it is not gluten free.

Can you customize Dave’s Single?

Yes, you can add or remove toppings, including bacon, cheese, and sauces.

How does Dave’s Single compare to the Baconator?

The Baconator has two patties, bacon, and more calories and protein than Dave’s Single.

Can you add bacon to a Dave’s Single?

There is no direct online option for this. Requesting bacon in person basically recreates the Big Bacon Classic, which is cheaper to order as is.

Can you get a pretzel bun on Dave’s Single?

Yes, you can select a pretzel bun when customizing your order online, usually for a small upcharge around $1.00.

Final Notes

Nutrition values and prices can vary by location and menu updates. Check Wendy’s official menu or app for the most current information before ordering.

Sources: Wendy’s official menu and nutrition data, USDA dietary guidelines for general nutrition reference.