Seeking healthier food options while dining at your favorite fast-food restaurant can be challenging. Well, here is some good news for you! Check out 21 list of healthy low-calorie McDonald’s options. They have recently added many healthy food items to its menu to please customers who are health conscious. Read further to know more.
Low-calorie McDonald’s options include a grilled chicken sandwich, the premium southwest salad, Egg McMuffin, filet-o-fish burger, wraps, parfait, and much more.
Nowadays, people are taking their health seriously, so it’s important to know what low-calorie means. A low-calorie food provides a relatively small amount of calories compared to its serving size. This can be a great way to control your overall calorie intake and maintain a healthy weight.
So, to help you choose the best healthy options, I have included a list of 21 low-calorie options from the McDonald’s menu that you can try. There is something on this list for everyone that will satiate your cravings. So, go ahead and find the best low-calorie McDonald’s options.
Does McDonald’s Have Healthy Food Options?
Yes! McDonald’s does have healthy low, calorie food options. When you look at the history of McDonald’s, it only had a few healthy food options in past years. But nowadays, people have started paying more attention to what they eat.
It has led McDonald’s to change their focus on offering healthier food choices for their customers. They also added various food options such as salads, wraps, fruits, and low-calorie burger options. In recent years, McDonald’s has expanded its menu to include opportunities for people with specific dietary needs, such as vegan and gluten-free options.
Even for people with diabetes, McDonald’s now offers a range of menu options to accommodate their needs. Want to know what diabetics can eat at McDonald’s, then click here.
For now, let’s look at the low-calorie menu options you can try on your next visit to Mcdonald’s. Take a look at the possibilities.
Healthy Low-Calorie Food Options At McDonald’s
McDonald’s offers various healthy food options despite being a fast-food chain. McDonald’s has multiple options that can fit into a low-calorie diet. If you are someone watching your weight, these options might interest you.
Here is a list of 21 food options at McDonald’s that are low in calories. Starting from low-calorie to high-calorie, these menu items will surely please you. So, let’s dive in and find out what options you can enjoy on your next visit to McDonald’s.
1. Apple Slices – 15 Calories
McDonald’s apple slices are a great option if you’re looking for a low-calorie snack. Each apple slices bag contains 15 calories, making them an ideal choice for anyone watching their calorie intake.
These apple slices are a great option as they are a source of fiber. Fiber is essential for maintaining good digestive health and can help keep you feeling full for longer. Also, they are a great source of vitamins and minerals.
Apples are a good source of vitamin C, which is essential for a robust immune system, and they also contain small amounts of potassium, which helps to regulate blood pressure.
2. French Fries (kids sized) – 110 Calories
French fries are a staple food for many. While it’s true that French fries are often associated with unhealthy eating habits, the kid-sized portion contains only about 110 calories.
Smaller portions allow you to enjoy still the food you love while keeping your overall calorie intake in check.
3. Hash Browns – 140 Calories
Hash browns are a popular breakfast item on McDonald’s menu. From a health perspective, one hash brown serving from McDonald’s contains about 140 calories. This is considered a low-calorie food option.
Hash browns are a low-calorie food because of their main ingredients, which are potatoes and oil. Potatoes are a good source of carbohydrates and fiber, while oil is a source of healthy fats.
Hash browns are often served as a side dish and are one of the most convenient food options for a quick bite.
4. Chocolate Chip Cookies – 170 Calories
Chocolate chip cookies are a beloved treat many of us love to indulge in. However, if you’re watching your calorie intake, you may be curious whether you can grab them for a treat. On average, a chocolate chip cookie contains about 170 calories.
While 170 calories may seem like a lot, it’s a relatively low-calorie option compared to many other sweet treats like McFlurry or hot fudge sundae.
It’s essential to remember that cookies should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. All and all, it’s the best chocolate treat.
5. Chicken McNuggets (4 pieces) – 190 Calories
Chicken McNuggets are made from chicken breast meat, mixed with a blend of spices, and coated in a crispy batter. A 4-piece serving of Chicken McNuggets contains 190 calories. It has 10 g of fat, 10 g of carbohydrates, and 9 g of protein. This makes them a relatively low-calorie option on the McDonald’s menu.
These McNuggets can be an excellent option to help you avoid feeling overly hungry and then reaching out for a high-calorie snack. Also, it contains a good amount of protein and carbs. You can pair your Chicken McNuggets with a side salad or apple slices to add more nutrients to your meal.
6. Mango Pineapple Smoothie – 200 Calories
A mango pineapple smoothie could be a great choice if you’re looking for a refreshing and healthy drink option. It’s a low-calorie drink that is packed with flavor and nutrition.
One serving of a mango pineapple smoothie from McDonald’s contains around 200 calories. The reason why it’s the best low-calorie option is because it provides a good amount of vitamins and antioxidants.
Mango is an excellent source of vitamin C, which helps to boost the immune system, while pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which can help to reduce inflammation in the body. It’s an excellent alternative to high-calorie, sugary drinks.
7. Baked Apple Pie – 230 Calories
Baked Apple Pie is a classic dessert many enjoy, especially during the holiday season. But what about the health aspect of this sweet treat? Well, a serving of baked apple pie contains 230 calories, which comparatively is low compared to other McDonald’s desserts.
The baked apple pie is made with fresh, juicy apples and a flaky, golden crust baked to perfection. If you’re trying to be mindful of your calorie intake but still want to enjoy a sweet treat, consider grabbing this pie at McDonald’s.
8. Strawberry Banana Smoothie – 240 Calories
A strawberry banana smoothie can be a delicious and refreshing treat. This smoothie contains around 240 calories. At McDonald’s, this smoothie is considered a low-calorie food because it is made with natural fruit and low-fat milk and does not contain added sugars.
Using real fruit in the smoothie provides a natural source of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and potassium. The low-fat milk helps to provide protein, which can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
A strawberry banana smoothie can be a great choice if you are looking for a healthier snack. So, next time you’re at McDonald’s, consider ordering a strawberry banana smoothie instead of a high-calorie, sugary drink.
9. Hamburger – 250 Calories
McDonald’s hamburger is a classic menu item. It contains only 250 calories, making it a low-calorie food option at McDonald’s. Moreover, it has 12 g of protein, a macronutrient that helps satiate your cravings and keep you full between meals.
This burger is made with a 100% beef patty free of artificial colorings, flavorings, and preservatives. It ensures that you’re only getting the best quality ingredients.
The toppings on this burger are a sprinkle of salt and pepper, a smearing of ketchup and mustard, chopped onions, and pickles. The pickles contain an artificial preservative, but the rest of the sandwich, including the soft bun, is entirely preservative-free.
With only 250 calories, this burger is an excellent choice for anyone looking to make healthier choices. And if you’re feeling hungrier, a small order of fries can easily be added without pushing the meal over the 500-calorie mark.
10. Cheeseburger – 300 Calories
Are you craving cheese? Then, it’s good news because you can opt for a cheeseburger at McDonald’s with low-calorie. Yes! This cheeseburger contains 300 calories, 13g of fat, 32 g of carbohydrates, and 15 g of protein.
One of the great things about this cheeseburger is that it contains relatively healthy ingredients, such as a 100% beef patty, melted cheese, pickles, onions, mustard, and a bun. These ingredients combine to create a flavor-packed burger.
A McDonald’s cheeseburger is worth considering if you’re looking for a tasty and low-calorie food option.
11. Egg McMuffin – 310 Calories
The Egg McMuffin is a popular breakfast option at McDonald’s. This sandwich is a great way to start your day with a simple and classic combination of a freshly cracked egg, Canadian bacon, and American cheese packed between toasted English muffins.
One of the standout features of the Egg McMuffin is its high protein content. Each serving provides 17 grams of protein. This makes it an excellent option for people looking for a quick and filling breakfast. Moreover, this sandwich is a good source of iron, calcium, and vitamin D, providing 15% of your daily recommended intake.
With 310 calories and 13 grams of fat, it’s the best low-calorie breakfast option available. With its simple and tasty ingredients, it’s one of the best fast breakfast options out there.
12. Sausage Burrito – 310 Calories
Another option apart from the egg Mcmuffin is the sausage burrito. It’s a delicious wrap filled with scrambled eggs, juicy pork sausage, melted cheese, and a mix of veggies tucked into a warm flour tortilla.
This burrito packs a good amount of protein, iron, calcium, and vitamin D, making it a decent choice for those looking for a balanced breakfast. However, it’s worth noting that it also contains a considerable amount of sodium and cholesterol. So, if you’re watching your salt and cholesterol intake, there might be better options than this burrito.
13. Fruit And Maple Oatmeal – 320 Calories
The fruit and maple oatmeal at McDonald’s is a nutritious breakfast option. This oatmeal packs 4 grams of fiber, 6 grams of protein, and 320 calories per serving. It also contains essential micronutrients such as calcium, iron, and potassium. It’s also low in fat and sodium, making it the healthiest choice.
The oatmeal is made with a blend of oatmeal, diced apples, and a mix of cranberries, raisins, and golden raisins, topped with cream and brown sugar. The result is a sweet, creamy, textured breakfast perfect for starting your day.
14. Filet-O-Fish – 390 Calories
It’s harder to find the tastiest sandwich than filet-o-fish at McDonald’s. This is a low-calorie food option with 390 calories. If you exclude the tartar sauces added, this sandwich comes with only 470 mg of sodium. It’s the healthiest option compared to other McDonald’s sandwiches.
The filet-o-fish offers 14 grams of protein and essential minerals such as iron and potassium, making it a nutritious choice. It’s a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Moreover, the fish used in the sandwich is Alaskan Pollock, which is low in mercury and high in healthy nutrients.
15. McDouble – 400 Calories
The McDouble is a delicious burger option offered by McDonald’s. With 400 calories, it becomes a low-calorie choice for people looking to grab their lunch quickly. It’s made with two 100% pure beef patties, melted cheese, pickles, onions, ketchup, and mustard, all on a toasted bun.
The McDouble provides 22 g of protein, which is a decent amount and a source of iron and calcium. However, note this: it’s high in sodium with 960 mg and saturated fat 9 g. So, it’s best to enjoy it in moderation only.
It’s a tasty and convenient option for anyone looking for a quick bite. So, go ahead and enjoy this burger.
16. McChicken – 400 Calories
McChicken is another low-calorie food option that is also low in sodium. If you skip the mayonnaise, the sodium content drops to 500mg. Plus, it’s got a decent amount of protein and is relatively low in calories, containing 400 calories.
The McChicken has been a staple on the menu since 1988 and is still a favorite among many. It’s made with a juicy and tender chicken patty, a soft toasted bun, and shredded lettuce. The lettuce adds a crisp crunch to the burger. If you’re looking for an affordable and healthy option at McDonald’s, the McChicken is worth a try.
17. Blueberry Muffin – 440 Calories
You might be surprised to learn that many sweet treats on the McDonald’s menu have high sodium levels. Some even have over 20% of your daily recommended intake in just one serving.
While the blueberry muffin is one of the lower-sodium options, with 360 mg per serving, it’s also packed with calories, carbohydrates, and added sugar. So, it’s best to treat yourself to a blueberry muffin now and then but not make it a regular part of your daily diet.
18. Double Cheeseburger – 450 Calories
A McDonald’s double cheeseburger can be low-calorie. With 440 calories, it can be an excellent choice for those trying to keep track of their calories.
The double cheeseburger does provide nutritional value too. It contains 22 grams of protein, essential for building and repairing muscle tissue.
Moreover, this double cheeseburger is also an excellent keto-friendly option. It fits your daily macro goals and contains a good amount of fat and protein.
19. Bacon, Egg, And Cheese Biscuits – 460 Calories
McDonald’s bacon, egg, and cheese biscuits are a fantastic low-calorie breakfast option. One biscuit only contains 300 calories, making it a relatively guilt-free way to start your day. Moreover, it has 16 grams of protein and 29 grams of carbohydrates.
This delicious food option is also loaded with flavor. The flaky biscuit, melted cheese, crispy bacon, and gooey egg are a great combination. You can enjoy or pair it with fruit or yogurt to create a more balanced meal.
20. Crispy Chicken Sandwich – 470 Calories
Crispy chicken sandwiches are a popular item on McDonald’s menu. It’s made with a juicy, crispy chicken patty topped with creamy mayo and served on a bun.
This crispy chicken sandwich contains 440 calories, 17 grams of fat, 49 grams of carbohydrates, and 26 grams of protein.
You can skip the mayo to make it a less calorie-indulgent option. Replace the mayo with mustard or hot sauce, as these condiments have fewer calories. Moreover, you can also order apple slices or a side salad to pair with this.
21. Deluxe Crispy Chicken Sandwich – 530 Calories
The McDonald’s deluxe crispy chicken sandwich is a tasty and satisfying option. One of the reasons why this is a low-calorie food option is because it contains just 410 calories. It has 18 grams of fat, 44 grams of carbohydrates, and 20 grams of protein.
The sandwich features a juicy, crispy chicken patty seasoned to perfection and topped with fresh lettuce, ripe tomato slices, and creamy mayonnaise. All of these ingredients come together to create a flavor explosion.
People should choose this sandwich as part of their low-calorie food options. It provides a balanced meal packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.
One thing to note here is that this sandwich burger contains 1140 mg of sodium which is higher. So, be careful of your sodium intake if you have blood pressure. Otherwise, it’s a great option as a satisfying meal and also a great option on cheat days.
Conclusion
So, that was all from my side on low-calorie menu options. If you are conscious about your health but still want to enjoy fast food now and then, these healthier options offered by McDonald’s will meet your requirements.
The full menu caters to burgers, wraps, muffins, sandwiches, fries, and shakes.
These nutrient-dense foods not only help you cut back on calories, but they will also provide you with essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. I hope this list helps you choose the best food items. You can check out our McDonald’s nutritional information guide for meal planning tips. It will help you look at the beneficial aspect of these menu items.
