The 20 Healthiest Fast Food Orders That Won’t Ruin Your Diet
When you’re in a hurry but want nutritious fast-food options, choose wisely by skipping unhealthy fare like burgers, fries and shakes. The following top 10 fast food meals offer good nutrition for relatively few calories. They focus on fresh ingredients, lean proteins and whole grains to satisfy without sabotaging your health. These represent some of the healthiest fast food orders available at major chains, focusing on lean protein sources, whole grains, and plenty of vegetables for nutrition on-the-go.
Fast food is known for being convenient, affordable and tempting—but also high in calories, fat and sodium. Thankfully, with a few substitutions and customizations, you can find healthier options at major chains to fuel your day without sabotaging your nutrition goals. Choosing lean proteins, whole grains, fresh produce and lighter sauces lets you satisfy cravings without overdoing it on processed foods. Here are the top 20 healthiest orders you can build at fast food joints, along with tips to modify any meal into a nutritious choice.
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1.Taco Bell Fresco Menu. Crisp tacos, burritos and quesadillas made with fresh pico de gallo, salsa and extra lettuce instead of cheese and sour cream save around 100 calories each. Opt for meat like steak or grilled chicken.
2.Wendy’s Baked Potato. A loaded potato provides potassium, fiber and protein from toppings like chili and diced tomatoes. Ask for it topped with broccoli instead of cheese sauce for fewer calories and more nutrients.
3.Chipotle Burrito Bowl. Get rice, beans, vegetables and protein in a bowl with no tortilla for a lighter meal. Choose sofritas, barbacoa, carnitas or chicken. Load up on salsa, pico de gallo and peppers for extra flavors and nutrients.
4.Panera Broccoli Cheddar Soup. At only 230 calories and 20 grams of protein per bowl, this vegetable-rich soup is a smart choice. The broccoli provides fiber, vitamins and antioxidants, while the cheddar adds richness with minimal fat.
5.Starbucks Green Tea Lemonade. For a healthier drink option, go for this refreshing combo of green tea, lemon juice and cane sugar. It has just 75 calories per grande and provides antioxidant-rich EGCG from the green tea.
6.Chick-fil-A Grilled Nuggets. Grilled instead of breaded and fried, these nuggets provide a filling dose of protein (24 grams per 6 pack) with fewer added calories. Pair them with a side salad and light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
7.Subway Turkey on Flatbread. Load up a 6-inch turkey sub on a flatbread with tons of fresh veggies like spinach, tomato, cucumber, bell pepper, onion and banana pepper. Go light on mayo-based sauces and cheeses.
8.Dunkin’ Egg White Breakfast Sandwich. An egg white, American cheese and lean Canadian bacon sandwich made with an English muffin provides protein and wholesome carbs with fewer calories than traditional options. Ask for extra veggies like spinach and tomato.
9.McDonald’s Egg McMuffin.Though not the healthiest option, this breakfast sandwich with a whole egg, Canadian bacon and cheese on an English muffin has manageable calories (300) and protein (17 grams) to keep you full.
10.KFC Grilled Chicken Tenders. These tenders are baked, not fried, so they provide a satisfying 32 grams of lean protein and less saturated fat. Pair with a side salad or steamed green beans to make a balanced meal.
11.Burger King Veggie Burger. Made with soy and gluten, this meat-free patty provides 15 grams of protein and a hearty portion of veggies in each serving. Top it with lettuce, tomato and onion for extra nutrients.
12.Arby’s Roast Turkey Ranch Wrap. This wrap loaded with roasted turkey, lettuce, tomato and ranch dressing on a spinach tortilla provides 26 grams of protein and just 390 calories. It’s a lighter take on the roast beef classics.
13.Pizza HutStuffed Crust Pizza. With 11 grams of protein and 12% of your daily fiber in each slice, this satisfies pizza cravings without overdoing the carbs or saturated fat. Eat with a side salad and limit cheese to 1-2 slices.
14.Baja Fresh Tacos Al Carbón. Grilled chicken, steak or carnitas tacos wrapped in corn tortillas provide a filling trio of protein, whole grains and veggies. Load up on fresh pico de gallo, salsa and cilantro to boost nutrition.
15.Sonic Tater Tots. At 160 calories for an order, these spud nuggets satisfy potato chip cravings with more nutrients from real potatoes. Pair them with a grilled chicken sandwich and diet drink for balance.
16.Jack in the Box Egg White Breakfast Sandwich. Similar to Dunkin’, this option with egg whites, turkey bacon and cheese on an English muffin provides18 grams of protein and 320 calories. Ask for extra fresh peppers and mushrooms.
17.Dairy Queen Grilled Chicken Salad. Grilled chicken breast over a bed of greens and veggies supplies a satisfying 34 grams of protein. Request lite balsamic dressing and go easy on cheese or croutons to limit saturated fat and calories.
18.In-N-Out Protein Style Burger. Request your burger “protein style” to get it wrapped in lettuce instead of a bun. This low-carb option saves up to 150 calories while still delivering protein and fresh toppings.Also order a side salad in place of fries.
19.Five Guys Little Hamburger. At 330 calories, the Little Hamburger comes in at nearly half the size and calories of a regular burger here.Ask for it with lettuce wrap instead of a bun, then load up with fresh tomato, onion and pickle for flavor.
20.Hardee’s Oatmeal. With 13 grams of filling fiber, 5 grams of protein and just 200 calories, this hearty oatmeal makes a balanced start to your day. Choose fruits like raisins and blueberries for a boost of nutrients.
With menu modifications and smarter choices like these, any fast food meal can fit into an overall healthy diet. The key is balancing indulgence with nutrition to fuel your body right—even when you’re short on time
