12 Healthiest Items at McDonald's in 2025
As with all things, moderation is key. That’s definitely the case when ordering food at a fast food giant such as McDonald’s. McDonald's has been striving to become the healthiest fast food chain by evolving its traditional menu to offer a variety of options that cater to health-conscious consumers. From wholesome breakfast choices to lighter lunch alternatives, navigating the menu for the healthiest items at McDonald’s can be surprisingly rewarding.
In this article, we explore 12 of the healthiest items at McDonald's, highlighting nutritious ingredients, balanced portion sizes and overall benefits for those looking to make mindful choices while dining on the go.
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Is McDonald's Healthy?
Despite its reputation as a fast food chain often associated with unhealthy eats, this list of the healthiest items at McDonald’s is proof that that needn't always be the case. It’s mostly to do with portion control, meal selection and knowledge. Understanding the nutritional content of the food you are consuming and making informed choices can make a world of difference when it comes to maintaining a balanced diet.
As a general rule of thumb, when ordering your food, make sure to stick to items on the menu made from chicken, as it typically has more protein and less fat than other meat items. When looking for the healthiest items at McDonald's, opt for menu items that are lower in saturated fats, sugars and sodium. Avoid items with extra sauces, cheese or large portions of processed meats. It can be worth checking the menu for an ingredients list and nutritional information, or asking a member of staff who can guide you in the right direction.
The 12 Healthiest McDonald's Menu Items
1. Egg McMuffin
Who knew the Egg McMuffin would be classified as one of the healthiest items at McDonald’s? This classic breakfast sandwich is packed full of protein, with 17 grams of protein and 310 total calories per sandwich. This sandwich comes in other variations, including the Sausage McMuffin, but stick to the classic Egg McMuffin for a healthier meal. So, when you need a healthy McDonald’s breakfast, be sure to ask for the Egg McMuffin.
2. Six-Piece Chicken McNuggets
With 14 grams of protein and 15 grams of fat in a six-piece order, McNuggets offer a decent amount of protein with less fat than other menu options topped with cheese and other high-fat ingredients. That's why chicken McNuggets are considered one of the healthiest items at McDonald's.
3. Sausage Burrito
This breakfast menu item comes in at 310 calories per burrito and offers 13 grams of protein, with scrambled eggs and pork sausage leading the way. It's a relatively simple burrito that also includes cheese, green chiles and onions wrapped nicely in a plain tortilla. The sausage burrito is typically part of a meal, but to keep it as one of the healthiest items at McDonald's, make sure to order it by itself.
4. Filet-O-Fish
Fish is packed full of omega-3 fatty acids, essential vitamins and is also a great source of minerals such as calcium and phosphorus. That’s why the Filet-O-Fish, which has 16 grams of protein and 390 calories, is on this list of the healthiest items at McDonald’s. There’s no denying it has health benefits, even though it is fried. After all, it’s not every day that you'll order one of the best fast food fish sandwiches.
5. Apple Slices
It goes without saying that apple slices are good for you and packed full of essential nutrients, putting them among the healthiest McDonald's items. Whether you're at McDonald's or elsewhere, their nutritional benefits remain unchanged. Not only are they remarkably low in calories, at just 15 per serving, but they also provide fiber and vitamins that contribute to a balanced diet. These apple slices stand out as by far one of the healthiest items at McDonald’s, making them a smart choice for anyone looking to enjoy a nutritious snack.
6. Fruit & Maple Oatmeal
The fruit and maple oatmeal is considered one of the healthiest items at McDonald's due to its combination of wholegrain oats, diced apples, cranberries and raisins — it’s a fiber juggernaut. Offering a balanced breakfast option with natural sweetness and essential nutrients at just 320 calories per serving, the fruit and maple oatmeal is a nutritious choice among the other menu items.
7. Hamburger Happy Meal
The Happy Meal with a hamburger is deemed one of the healthiest items at McDonald's because it offers a balanced meal of a small hamburger, apple slices and a choice of milk or juice — all with moderate portion sizes that will help you in managing your calorie intake. Suitable for children and adults alike, it’s a great choice when you’re craving McDonald’s but you also want to stick to ordering the healthiest items at McDonald’s.
8. McChicken
The theme of this list of healthiest McDonald's menu items centers largely around chicken, and for good reason. The McChicken is considered one of the healthiest items at McDonald's due to its relatively lean chicken patty, which provides 14 grams of protein. It's also lower in calories compared to a quarter pounder by about 120 calories, making it a lighter choice when you don't want to overindulge.
9. Small Fries
As previously mentioned, everything in moderation is key and that’s exactly what you need to do when you order fries from McDonald’s. Opting for the healthiest items at McDonald’s doesn't mean you have to miss out on its delicious fries. By choosing a small portion, you can significantly reduce your overall calorie and fat intake, with a notable 250-calorie difference between the small and large sizes.
10. Hash Browns
Hash browns are popular among diners at McDonald's due to their crispy texture and savory flavor. Each hash brown contains 140 calories and two grams of protein. Despite being fried, there are ways to ensure these remain one of the healthiest items at McDonald’s, such as paying attention to serving size. Make sure to order just the one hash brown to better manage portion control.
If you're feeling adventurous, take a leaf out of the McDonald's secret menu by combining your hash brown with a McMuffin. You end up with a delicious texture combination that’s both chewy and crispy. This creative option allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds while sticking to two of the healthiest McDonald's items.
11. Small Latte
A small latte comes in at number 11 on this list of healthiest items at McDonald’s because of its balanced serving size that offers customers a satisfying coffee experience without all the excess caffeine or calories that many beverages are known to contain. It's a popular menu item at McDonald's with its delightfully creamy texture and mild coffee flavor, perfect for when you need a lighter beverage on the go. Be sure to order the small size, which provides 140 calories and eight grams of protein.
12. Classic Hamburger
Although we've emphasized chicken-based menu choices as the healthiest items at McDonald's, surprisingly, the classic hamburger has also secured a spot on this list. With only 250 calories, 12 grams of protein and nine grams of fat, this classic hamburger is simple and provides diners with a satisfying meal without excessive calories or ingredients.
Navigating the menu to find the healthiest items at McDonald's is not as daunting as it may seem. With careful selection, you can enjoy a meal that not only satisfies your cravings but also meets your nutritional goals in the middle. The 12 healthiest items at McDonald’s we’ve highlighted demonstrate that fast food can fit into a balanced diet when chosen thoughtfully.
Starting with breakfast, the fruit and maple oatmeal and Egg McMuffin provides a nutritious start to your day, perfect for an on-the-go meal. For lunch or dinner, the classic hamburger and the McChicken are stand-out choices. They both offer a moderate calorie count and provide a good source of protein, which makes for a deliciously filling and nutritious meal. The Happy Meal, with its balanced combination of food items, is another excellent option, especially for children or those looking for a smaller portion size. The clue, as they say, is in the name!
Sides like apple slices and small fries allow you to enjoy a bit of indulgence without overdoing it, and drinks such as the small latte can complement your meal without the high sugar content found in many other beverages. With these insights, you’re ready to make informed choices, so what are you waiting for? Go ahead and order!
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