Fast food is often the easiest option when you’re on the go, but sometimes you want something lighter than your usual burger and fries. Thankfully, most fast food restaurants offer healthier options like wraps, grilled chicken, and salads. But let’s be realistic: do these healthy fast food meals actually taste good? Sure, they may be good for you, but who wants to pay for food that doesn’t taste good?
To get to the bottom of this, I decided to try these healthy options for myself. With the help of a registered dietitian, Lisa Young, PhD, RDN and Mary Sabat, MS, RDN, LDIn this article, I’ve chosen the healthiest menu items from popular fast-food restaurants to try. Below, I share my honest thoughts on how they taste and why our nutritionist recommended them in the first place. Of the seven meals I tried, I only disliked one.
That’s not to say that fast food has suddenly become healthy. Most options are loaded with sodium, fat, sugar and calories. But Wendy’s 1,100-calorie 82 grams of fat Dave’s Triple Burger 440 calories, 24 grams fat Apple pecan salad.
If you want to make better choices at the drive-thru, keep reading to find out what I would order again and what I would skip next time. Below, I’ve ranked my favorites from best to worst, with my least favorite options at the bottom that I’ll skip next time. To learn more, check out 60 Low-Calorie Fast Foods.
Best: Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Power Bowl
Nutritional Information (per serving):
calorie: 490
fat: 24 g (Saturated Fat: 7 g)
sodium: 1,150mg
carbohydrates: 44 g (dietary fiber: 11 g, carbohydrates: 3 g)
protein: 25 grams
Expert opinion: ” Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Power Bowl is a commendable fast food option, especially for those looking for a balanced, nutritious meal. Its 490 calories provide a moderate energy intake, while the 25 grams of protein help maintain and repair muscle and promote satiety, helping you feel fuller for longer. This bowl also contains 11 grams of dietary fiber, which aids digestion, regulates blood sugar levels, and supports overall gut health. The combination of lean chicken, wholesome ingredients, and a variety of vegetables ensures you’re getting essential vitamins and minerals. – Sabbath
taste: This is by far my favorite healthy fast food meal I’ve ever tried. Seasoned rice, black beans, slow roasted chicken, pico de gallo, guacamole, and avocado ranch sauce all combine to make one incredibly satisfying bowl. I can’t believe I could get such a hearty meal for only $8.50. I’m not normally a big Taco Bell fan, but I’d happily order this high-protein bowl again if I ever visit this fast food chain.
Wendy’s Apple Pecan Salad
Nutritional information (per salad):
calorie: 440
fat: 24 g (Saturated Fat: 10 g)
sodium: 1,160mg
carbohydrates: 28 g (dietary fiber: 5 g, carbohydrates: 19 g)
protein: 31 grams
Expert opinion: “Wendy’s Apple Pecan Salad ” is a fast food balanced meal with the perfect balance of protein, fiber and healthy fats. At 440 calories, it’s a moderate calorie option for any diet, yet still provides 31 grams of protein to help maintain muscle and keep you full. It includes romaine lettuce, apple bites and spring mix for added vitamins, minerals and digestive fiber. The pomegranate vinaigrette is flavorful and light, while blue cheese crumbles provide calcium and probiotics. Grilled chicken is a lean source of protein, and roasted pecans add healthy fats and a satisfying crunch.” – Sabbath
taste: The first thing I noticed when I opened my Wendy’s salad was how generous the chicken and braai toppings were, which really elevated my opinion of this salad. The apples and dried cranberries added sweetness, and the toasted pecans added a nice crunch. My only complaint was that the spring vegetable mix was a little stale, so I had to take it out of the bowl. This salad is sweet, savory, and loaded with chicken, so when I’m on the go and want a quick, healthy meal, I’ll order this salad.
McDonald’s Fruit and Maple Oatmeal
Nutritional Information (per order):
calorie: 320
fat: 4.5 g (saturated fatty acid: 1.5 g)
sodium: 150mg
carbohydrates: 64 g (dietary fiber: 4 g, carbohydrates: 31 g)
protein: 6g
Expert opinion: ” McDonald’s Fruit and Maple Oatmeal “The combination of nutritious ingredients makes McDonald’s Fruit and Maple Oatmeal a healthy breakfast option, especially for those on the go. This oatmeal provides complex carbohydrates essential for sustained energy in the morning and contains 4 grams of fiber to aid digestion and promote satiety. The addition of diced apples and a cranberry-raisin blend enhances flavor and adds natural sweetness, vitamins and antioxidants. Protein is relatively low at 6 grams, but the light cream brings a little more protein and creamy texture. Overall, McDonald’s Fruit and Maple Oatmeal is a convenient, healthy breakfast option with a balanced amount of fiber, vitamins and energy-boosting carbohydrates.” – Sabbath
taste: I rarely eat breakfast at McDonald’s, but when I have, it’s usually after a late night out with friends. At those times, I usually get a breakfast sandwich and hash browns, so this chain’s oatmeal doesn’t come to mind. This one was a pleasant surprise for me, though. This fast food oatmeal was the perfect amount of creaminess, and I loved the brown sugar, apple, and dried fruit toppings. Next time, I might use only half the dried fruit to cut down on the amount of sugar and add the nut butter myself, but overall, this McDonald’s oatmeal was a nice treat.
Chipotle Lifestyle Wholesome Bowl
Nutritional Information (per serving):
calorie: 460
fat: 29 grams
carbohydrates: 18 grams
protein: 35 grams
Expert opinion: “Maybe you should try it. Chipotle Lifestyle Wholesome Bowl This balanced and nutritious fast food is perfect for health conscious people and those on low carb diets. With only 460 calories and 35 grams of protein, it’s perfect for muscle repair and satiety. This bowl is low in carbs at 18 grams, making it perfect for those watching their carb intake. Organic ingredients like fresh lettuce, juicy chicken, vibrant fajita veggies, tangy fresh tomato salsa, and creamy guacamole not only enhance the flavor, but also ensure you’re consuming high-quality, healthy food. The combination makes for a delicious, convenient and healthy fast food option. – Sabbath
taste: One of the things I love about Chipotle is that everything on the menu is delicious and relatively healthy compared to other fast food restaurants. However, some items, such as the Wholesome Lifestyle Bowl, are much lighter and lower in calories than others. My local Chipotle didn’t have the Lifestyle Bowls on the menu, so I ordered one as described online. It was a very easy process. I don’t think the bowl would taste as good without the Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette, but the dressing adds an extra 220 calories, so I can see why some people recommend skipping it if you’re watching your calorie intake.
Jimmy John’s Mediterranean Wrap
Nutritional Information (per wrap):
calorie: 760
fat: 38 g (Saturated Fat: 9 g)
sodium: 2,030 mg
carbohydrates: 69 g (dietary fiber: 7 g, carbohydrates: 7 g)
protein: 37 grams
Expert opinion: “I used Sabra Roasted Red Pepper Hummus. Jimmy John’s Mediterranean Wrap It’s a flavorful and satisfying source of plant-based protein. Olive tapenade and crumbly feta cheese add healthy fats and unique flavor, while fresh cucumber, tomato, onion and lettuce provide essential vitamins, minerals and fiber that contribute to overall health and satiety. Wrapped in a spinach tortilla, this option is low in calories and offers additional nutritional value. Oregano and basil seasoning and an oil and vinegar dressing enhance the Mediterranean character without adding excess calories. At 480-780 calories depending on customization, this wrap is a delicious and nutritious option for those looking for a healthy meal at Jimmy John’s. – Sabbath
taste: Since I habitually order the Beach Club at Jimmy John’s, I should have ordered the Mediterranean Wrap instead, but I’m glad I did. The hummus, olive tapenade, chicken, and feta cheese were all very flavorful, and I loved the subtle flavor of the spinach tortilla itself. In my opinion, one of the strongest flavors was the olive tapenade, so if you’re not a fan of olives, you might want to skip this one.
Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Nutritional Information (per sandwich):
calorie: 390
fat: 12 g (Saturated fatty acids: 2 g)
sodium: 770mg
carbohydrates: 44 g (dietary fiber: 3 g, carbohydrates: 12 g)
protein: 28 grams
Expert opinion: ” Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Sandwich It’s a lean protein option that’s lower in calories and fat than popular fried foods.” young
taste: To be honest, I don’t think I enjoy Chick-fil-A’s grilled chicken as much as their fried chicken. However, this sandwich was pretty tasty compared to other grilled chicken I’ve had from the restaurant chain. It was nice that it came with lettuce and tomato, but the sandwich itself didn’t have much flavor without the honey BBQ sauce that came with it. Overall, this sandwich was pretty tasty, but it did make me miss the original Chick-fil-A sandwich.
The worst thing I would never order: Dunkin’ Donuts eggs and cheese with an English muffin
Nutritional Information (per sandwich):
calorie: 460
fat: 13 g (Saturated Fatty Acids: 5 g)
sodium: 1,010mg
carbohydrates: 66 g (dietary fiber: 4 g, carbohydrates: 8 g)
protein: 19 grams
Expert opinion: ” Dunkin’ Donuts Egg and Cheese It’s low in calories compared to other options, making it a good choice for those watching their calorie intake. The high-quality protein in the eggs and cheese will make you feel full, and cheese also contains beneficial calcium.” – young
taste: So that brings us to the one item on my list that I will never order again. While it wasn’t the worst thing I’ve ever ordered from a restaurant chain, it’s hard to describe the taste of Dunkin’ Donuts’ egg and cheese because it had very little flavor. It was just… bland. I’m happy to have a fast food breakfast sandwich that’s under 500 calories, but this sandwich needs hot sauce to taste good. When I want a quick coffee and breakfast sandwich, I go to Starbucks and get it there.
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