23 Best Low-Carb Fast Food Options in 2025
Finding delicious low-carb fast food options can be a challenge, but we’ve done the work for you to conclude that it's entirely possible to stick to your diet goals even when dining out. These days, numerous fast food chains have embraced the low-carb trend, offering menu items that cater to health-conscious customers.
Have you ever wondered how to maintain your low-carb lifestyle while on the go? Well, you’re not alone. With a little planning and knowledge, you can enjoy satisfying meals without compromising your diet.
From bunless burgers to salad bowls and protein-packed snacks, we’ve found that the variety of low-carb fast food choices continues to expand. Whether you're in a rush or simply craving something quick and tasty, these options make it easier to stay on track.
Curious about the low-carb fast food choices available at your favorite spots? Dive into our comprehensive guide to discover the 23 top low-carb fast food options, ensuring you can enjoy your meals without a hefty portion of carbohydrates.
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- How We Choose the Best Low-Carb Fast Food Options
- What Are the Best Low-Carb Fast Food Options?
- 23 Best Low-Carb Fast Food Choices
How We Choose the Best Low-Carb Fast Food Options
At Cozymeal, we’re passionate about all things related to food, and as such, we make it our mission to provide the most accurate, well-researched and detailed information possible. With over 10 years of experience in the culinary world, dealing with fervent foodies and experienced chefs across the globe, we’re well aware of the requirements that readers consider when searching for the best low-carb fast foods.
To ensure we recommend a wide variety of options that give you the luxury of choice while still having your dietary needs met, our editorial team undertakes in-depth research from multiple sources. This entails extensive research online and even comprises conclusions from team members who have tasted various low-carb fast foods themselves.
We additionally use reviews on social media groups and fast food company websites to finalize our suggestions and recommend low-carb fast foods with excellent customer feedback.
We also ensure the foods we suggest meet the following requirements before finalizing our list:
- Cater to a wide range of diets, along with being low-carb, ensuring inclusivity.
- They are as low-carb as possible compared to all similar options made by other companies.
- Don’t exceed (or are as close to) the daily nutrition recommendations set by the USDA.
- Appeal to a wide range of taste preferences.
- Consistently receive positive reviews on company websites.
What Are the Best Low-Carb Fast Food Options?
When seeking the top low-carb fast food options, it's important to know which menu items you can choose from and where. Many fast food restaurants now provide options like lettuce-wrapped burgers, grilled chicken salads and bunless sandwiches, making it easier to enjoy a quick meal without compromising your low-carb lifestyle.
However, going bunless is not the only element to consider when seeking low-carb fast food options. What do we mean by that?
Sugary sauces are also eliminated from the picture, swinging the spotlight over to healthy fats and protein, usually from sources such as meats and (low-carb) vegetables. This ensures that your daily carb intake stays within 20 to 57 grams, which is the common range for diets that limit carbohydrates, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Other prime low-carb fast food options include protein bowls, wings and other plain meats. If you do feel like dressing your meal up with a sauce (we wouldn’t blame you), some restaurants offer options that are lower in carbohydrates. If not, head to your nearest grocery store to see what they have on offer and pair your findings with drive-through meals enjoyed at home.
23 Best Low-Carb Fast Food Choices
1. KFC Grilled Chicken
KFC grilled chicken is an excellent low-carb fast food option and one of the healthiest items at KFC, delivering flavor without the heavy carbs in most menu picks. Unlike KFC's traditional fried chicken, which is coated in a breaded crust, this high-protein fast food is marinated and cooked without breading, making it a healthier choice.
The grilled chicken breast, in particular, is a lean protein source with minimal carbs, fitting well into a low-carb and high-protein diet. Plus, the sugar content is perfect for those looking to minimize their intake of the simple carbohydrate, but we suggest keeping an eye on the sodium count per piece.
However, it’s worth noting that this low-carb fast food option may not be available in all stores, so it's a good idea to check with your local KFC beforehand.
KFC Grilled Chicken Nutritional Info (per 1-piece 192 gram serving)
- Calories: 284
- Total Fat: 6.5 grams
- Saturated Fat: 1.9 grams
- Sodium: 413 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 204 milligrams
- Total Carbs: 0 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Total Sugar: 0 grams
- Added Sugar: 0 grams
- Protein: 57 grams
2. Chipotle Lifestyle Bowls
Chipotle Lifestyle Bowls are designed specifically to meet various dietary preferences, including those that make room for low-carb fast food options. These healthy items at Chipotle come pre-customized to align with low-carb guidelines, so you don't need to modify a regular order.
For example, the salad bowl features romaine lettuce, barbacoa and fajita vegetables, as well as green salsa and guacamole, all without high-carb ingredients like rice or beans. You can also add sour cream for extra flavor and fat content, enhancing the meal's richness while keeping it low in carbs. Another useful tip from our side: check out the Chipotle secret menu for further customizations — you won’t regret it.
Be mindful of the calorie, saturated fat and sodium counts — the standard keto salad bowl contains around 535 calories, 17 grams of saturated fat (the daily max is 20g) and 1,130 milligrams of sodium (about 57% of the limit). Lighten it up by halving the cheese and sour cream or skipping the tomatillo red salsa to cut up to 4 grams of saturated fat and 400 milligrams of sodium.
Availability may vary by location, though, so it's a good idea to check at your local Chipotle to ensure it offers these Lifestyle Bowls.
Chipotle Lifestyle Bowls Nutritional Info (per single keto salad bowl serving)
- Calories: 535
- Total Fat: 36 grams
- Saturated Fat: 17 grams
- Sodium: 1,130 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 80 milligrams
- Total Carbs: 17 grams
- Fiber: 10 grams
- Total Sugar: 2 grams
- Added Sugar: 0 grams
- Protein: 32 grams
3. In-N-Out Protein Style Burgers
In-N-Out Protein Style Burgers are a popular choice, ideal for those looking to enjoy a delicious low-carb fast food meal that’s also low in calories and sodium. To order this In-N-Out secret menu item, simply request your burger "Protein Style," which means it will come wrapped in a lettuce wrap instead of a traditional bread bun.
This modification significantly reduces the carbohydrate content, making it a great choice for low-carb dieters. We feel that the crisp lettuce wrap adds a refreshing crunch while maintaining all the flavorful elements of the classic In-N-Out burger, including the juicy beef patty, fresh vegetables and signature sauce.
Nutritionally, the burger supplies 14 grams of fat, including 4.5 grams of saturated fat — about 23% of the FDA Daily Value — and 12 grams of protein. Balance the day with high-fiber produce and lower-fat foods. Some locations do not list the In-N-Out Protein Style Burger on the board so confirm availability before you order.
In-N-Out Protein Style Burger Nutritional Info
- Calories: 200
- Total Fat: 14 grams
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 grams
- Sodium: 390 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 35 milligrams
- Total Carbs: 8 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Total Sugar: 5 grams
- Added Sugar: 0 grams
- Protein: 12 grams
4. Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Nuggets
Choose Chick-fil-A's grilled chicken nuggets for an excellent low-carb fast food option without sacrificing convenience or taste. Unlike traditional breaded and fried nuggets, this lower-calorie version is marinated in a flavorful blend of seasonings and then grilled.
With only 2 grams of carbohydrates and 25 grams of protein per eight-count serving, we believe this is one of the best options for a low-carb, high-protein eating plan. However, the sodium content (440 milligrams) makes up about 22% of the WHO’s daily limit, so pair with low-sodium sides and water to balance the meal. Keep in mind, the dish lacks fiber and vegetables, so it’s worth adding a side salad.
Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Nuggets Nutritional Info (per 8-piece serving)
- Calories: 130
- Total Fat: 3 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 grams
- Sodium: 440 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 85 milligrams
- Total Carbs: 1 gram
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Total Sugar: 1 gram
- Added Sugar: 0 grams
- Protein: 25 grams
5. Wendy's Avocado Chicken Salad
Wendy’s avocado chicken salad ranks among the healthiest items at Wendy’s for a low-carb diet. This high-protein salad features a mix of fresh lettuce, diced grilled chicken, creamy avocado — for those healthy fats — and a blend of other vegetables, all topped with a ranch dressing. With under 8 grams of net carbs per serving, it offers a flavorful and satisfying meal without the high carbohydrate content typically found in fast food.
That said, the sodium (1,250 milligrams) and saturated fat (9.5 grams) are on the high side. To lighten it up, ask for vinaigrette instead of ranch and consider skipping the bacon or cheese. For extra fiber, request more greens or pair it with a veggie-based side. If you're watching sodium, splitting the salad into two servings is another smart option.
Wendy's Avocado Chicken Salad Nutritional Info
- Calories: 485
- Total Fat: 36 grams
- Saturated Fat: 9.5 grams
- Sodium: 1,250 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 125 milligrams
- Total Carbs: 7.5 grams
- Fiber: 1.4 grams
- Total Sugar: 5.2 grams
- Added Sugar: 2.5 grams
- Protein: 32 grams
6. Jersey Mike's Sub Bowl
Jersey Mike's Sub Bowl stands out as an excellent low-carb fast food choice, offering a satisfying meal without excess carbs. Essentially, it's a deconstructed traditional sub sandwich, with its fillings in a bowl instead of on a bread roll. This innovative approach allows customers to enjoy their favorite sandwich flavors without the carb-heavy bread.
Each Sub Bowl features generous portions of high-quality meats, cheeses and fresh vegetables, providing a nutritious and flavorful meal. All that nutrition and flavor does come with high amounts of saturated fat (12 grams) and sodium (1,200 milligrams) , however, so we’d recommend enjoying this low-carb fast food meal sparingly. To lighten it up, opt for leaner meats like turkey, reduce the cheese, skip salty extras like pickles or cured meats and pile on the fresh veggies for more fiber and volume.
Jersey Mike's Sub Bowl Nutritional Info
- Calories: 500
- Total Fat: 46 grams
- Saturated Fat: 12 grams
- Sodium: 1,200 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 60 milligrams
- Total Carbs: 8 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Total Sugar: 3 grams
- Added Sugar: 1 gram
- Protein: 12 grams
7. Starbucks Egg White & Roasted Red Pepper Egg Bites
Starbucks’ Egg White & Roasted Red Pepper Egg Bites are an excellent option for those seeking a nutritious snack that can be enjoyed on-the-go. Packed with wholesome ingredients like eggs, cottage cheese and red bell pepper, these egg bites from the ever-popular Starbucks breakfast menu are high in protein.
With only about 11 grams of carbohydrates per serving, they’re not only one of the healthiest Starbucks foods, but they also fit well into a low-carb diet without needing to modify the order. You might even find yourself reaching for a second serving — which gives you a solid protein boost.
That said, each serving contains 470 milligrams of sodium and 5 grams of saturated fat, about a quarter of the daily limit for each. Doubling up adds flavor and protein but also raises sodium and saturated fat higher than ideal. To balance things out, pair them with a fiber-rich side like fruit or raw vegetables.
Starbucks Egg White & Roasted Red Pepper Egg Bites Nutritional Info (per 2-piece 130-gram serving)
- Calories: 170
- Total Fat: 8 grams
- Saturated Fat: 5 grams
- Sodium: 470 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 25 milligrams
- Total Carbs: 11 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Total Sugar: 3 grams
- Added Sugar: 0 grams
- Protein: 12 grams
8. Taco Bell Doritos Locos Tacos (without shell)
For a surprisingly good low-carb fast food order, opt for Taco Bell's Doritos Locos Tacos. To make this popular item low-carb, simply order the taco without the shell and request a lettuce wrap instead. By ditching the shell, you cut the carb count to around 3 grams, while still enjoying the succulent seasoned beef, lettuce and cheese.
We think it’s also worth adding guacamole or extra vegetables to enhance the taste and nutritional value of this low-calorie meal without adding many carbs. If you’re looking to up your protein intake, you may just want to have more than one serving of this healthy item at Taco Bell, or add an extra protein source to your order such as black beans.
Taco Bell Doritos Locos Taco Nutritional Info
- Calories: 170
- Total Fat: 10 grams
- Saturated Fat: 4 grams
- Sodium: 370 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 25 milligrams
- Total Carbs: 13 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Total Sugar: <1 gram
- Added Sugar: 0 grams
- Protein: 7 grams
9. Jack in the Box Chicken Club Salad
Featuring one of the highest protein counts on this list, the Jack in the Box Club Salad with grilled chicken is a great low-carb fast food option. Along with grilled chicken, this salad includes crispy bacon, shredded cheese and fresh vegetables, providing a satisfying and nutritious meal with minimal carbs.
Just keep in mind that, although it’s one of the healthiest items at Jack in the Box, like some of the other salads listed here, the sodium and saturated fat contents are worth keeping an eye on. To keep carbs low and nutrition balanced, skip the croutons and choose a vinaigrette over creamy dressings.
While the salad offers an impressive 38 grams of protein, it also packs 1,060 milligrams of sodium and 8.4 grams of saturated fat — over 40% of the daily limit for each. For a lighter option, ask for less cheese or bacon and keep dressing portions modest.
Jack in the Box Grilled Chicken Club Salad Nutritional Info
- Calories: 365.1
- Total Fat: 19.2 grams
- Saturated Fat: 8.4 grams
- Sodium: 1,060 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 110 milligrams
- Total Carbs: 9.6 grams
- Fiber: 3.8 grams
- Total Sugar: 4.7 grams
- Added Sugar: <1 gram
- Protein: 38.4 grams
10. Popeyes Blackened Tenders
Featuring the highest protein count per serving of all the items listed here, Popeyes’ blackened tenders offer a flavorful and satisfying low-carb fast food choice. These tenders are seasoned with a blend of spices and then cooked to perfection, resulting in a low-calorie, flavorful meal.
Unlike traditional fried chicken options, Popeyes’ blackened tenders are not breaded or battered. This means you can enjoy a delicious, protein-packed meal without worrying about excess carbs. However, each five-piece serving contains 920 milligrams of sodium — nearly half the recommended daily limit. To keep your meal balanced, consider ordering a smaller portion or pairing it with a low-sodium side like a plain side salad.
Popeyes Blackened Tenders Nutritional Info (per 5-piece serving)
- Calories: 280
- Total Fat: 3 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0 grams
- Sodium: 920 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 40 milligrams
- Total Carbs: 3 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Total Sugar: 0 grams
- Added Sugar: 0 grams
- Protein: 43 grams
11. Carl's Jr. Lettuce Wrap Burgers
Opt for a lettuce-wrapped Carl's Jr. burger for a low-carb fast food option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or convenience. Swapping the bun for crisp lettuce keeps the carbs down to just 8 grams per burger, while still delivering a high-protein, satisfying meal.
That said, this low-carb fast food choice comes with a tradeoff: 670 calories, 55 grams of fat and 22 grams of saturated fat — exceeding the FDA recommended daily limit. The sodium is also substantial at 880 milligrams, or about 44% of the daily max.
To keep your low-carb fast food meal more balanced, go for a single patty instead of a double, skip the cheese or bacon and ask for light sauce. These simple tweaks can help reduce saturated fat and sodium while maintaining the meal’s low-carb, high-protein appeal.
Carl's Jr. Lettuce Wrap Burgers Nutritional Info
- Calories: 670
- Total Fat: 55 grams
- Saturated Fat: 22 grams
- Sodium: 880 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 140 milligrams
- Total Carbs: 8 grams
- Fiber: 1 grams
- Total Sugar: 5 grams
- Added Sugar: 2 grams
- Protein: 39 grams
12. Quiznos Soups
Quiznos soups can be a good low-carb dinner idea for those seeking a quick, healthy meal with one of the lowest calorie counts on this list. While Quiznos is primarily known for its sandwiches, we love its soup offerings, which provide a flavorful and relatively low-carb alternative.
Many of the soups, such as the broccoli cheese or chicken noodle, are lower in carbohydrates compared to the brand’s sandwich counterparts. However, it's essential to note that some soups may contain higher-carb ingredients like potatoes or pasta, so it's advisable to check the nutritional information beforehand.
Additionally, if you’re also looking for a high-protein meal with a low sodium count, we’d recommend you keep scrolling, as each serving of soup comes with an average of 1,100 milligrams of sodium and only around 6 grams of protein.
Quiznos Soups Nutritional Info (per regular broccoli cheese soup)
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 13 grams
- Saturated Fat: 6 grams
- Sodium: 1,160 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 25 milligrams
- Total Carbs: 13 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Total Sugar: 5 grams
- Added Sugar: 1 gram
- Protein: 6 grams
13. Arby's Classic Beef ‘N Cheddar
Although Arby's is not generally considered to be one of the healthiest fast food chains, its Classic Beef ‘N Cheddar can be a great high-protein, low-carb fast food option with a few modifications. By requesting no bun, you can significantly reduce the carbohydrate content of the meal from 45 grams to 9 grams and removing the red ranch sauce brings it down further to an impressive 3 grams.
Keep in mind, though, that without the bun and sauce, you’re still looking at 930 milligrams of sodium (about 40% of the daily limit) and 6 grams of saturated fat (30% of the daily value). For a smarter low-carb fast food choice, pair it with a side salad (hold the dressing) or eat it open-faced with extra veggies to boost fiber and volume without adding carbs.
Arby's Classic Beef ‘N Cheddar Without the Bun Nutritional Info
- Calories: 290
- Total Fat: 17.5 grams
- Saturated Fat: 6 grams
- Sodium: 930 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 50 milligrams
- Total Carbs: 9 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Total Sugar: 5 grams
- Added Sugar: 2.5 grams
- Protein: 17.5 grams
14. Carl's Jr.'s Chicken Soft Taco
We’re big fans of Tex-Mex cuisine, which is why Carl’s Jr.'s chicken soft tacos earn a spot on our list of standout low-carb fast food options. By skipping the tortilla and opting for a lettuce wrap, you can cut the carbs from 36 grams to just 6 grams (for two tacos) while still enjoying the chicken, cheese, lettuce and tomato fillings.
To keep it fully low-carb, avoid high-sugar condiments like salsa or creamy dressings. This modified meal delivers 27 grams of protein and only 6 grams of carbs — but also packs 12 grams of saturated fat (60% of the daily limit) and 1,180 milligrams of sodium (over 50% of the daily maximum).
For a more balanced low-carb fast food option, ask for less cheese or choose grilled chicken if available. Pairing it with a simple side salad with no dressing can add fiber and volume without pushing up the carb count.
Carl's Jr.'s Chicken Soft Taco Nutritional Info (per 2-taco serving with lettuce wraps)
- Calories: 295
- Total Fat: 21 grams
- Saturated Fat: 12 grams
- Sodium: 1,180 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 120 milligrams
- Total Carbs: 6 grams
- Fiber: 0.6 grams
- Total Sugar: 1 gram
- Added Sugar: <1 gram
- Protein: 27 grams
15. Panera Bread Green Goddess Cobb Salad
Opt for one of the healthiest items at Panera, the Green Goddess Cobb Salad, and we think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by this healthy, low-carb fast food choice. This salad features a medley of fresh ingredients, including mixed greens, chicken and avocado, as well as eggs, bacon, tomatoes and cucumber, all topped with a flavorful green goddess dressing.
What makes it particularly appealing for low-carb diets is that it's already naturally low in carbohydrates, with the majority of said nutrients coming from vegetables. We often rate this as one of the best fast food salads, and can’t recommend it enough for hungry foodies looking for high-protein options.
While this salad is a flavorful and satisfying low-carb fast food option, the sodium content may be a drawback, clocking in at 1,300 milligrams (over 50% of the daily value). It also contains 6 grams of saturated fat (30% of the daily value) and 305 milligrams of cholesterol, which could be a concern for some eaters.
To lighten it up while keeping it low-carb, ask for the dressing on the side, skip the bacon or egg, and go easy on cheese if included. These simple tweaks can help cut down sodium and saturated fat while maintaining plenty of flavor and protein.
Panera Bread Green Goddess Cobb Salad Nutritional Info
- Calories: 390
- Total Fat: 21 grams
- Saturated Fat: 6 grams
- Sodium: 1,300 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 305 milligrams
- Total Carbs: 11 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Total Sugar: 6 grams
- Added Sugar: 3 grams
- Protein: 40 grams
16. Dunkin' Donuts Bacon & Cheddar Omelet Bites
Dunkin's Bacon & Cheddar Omelet Bites can be a suitable low-carb fast food item, especially for those looking to minimize carbohydrate intake while still enjoying their indulgent favorites. These egg bites deliver 17 grams of protein and just 7 grams of carbs per two-piece serving, making them a great option for low-carb eaters.
They’re one of the best keto fast food options on the Dunkin’ Donuts breakfast menu, thanks to their low sugar and moderate calorie count. However, the fat content, especially saturated fat, is worth noting, with 19 grams total and 10 grams saturated fat (50% of the daily limit). Sodium is moderate at 520 milligrams, or about 23% of the recommended daily max.
For a more balanced low-carb fast food meal, pair the bites with avocado or other vegetables to add fiber and volume without significantly increasing carbs. Protein-rich and easy to grab on-the-go, they’re one of the better picks at Dunkin’.
Dunkin' Donuts Bacon & Cheddar Omelet Bites Nutritional Info (per 2-piece serving)
- Calories: 280
- Total Fat: 19 grams
- Saturated Fat: 10 grams
- Sodium: 520 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 185 milligrams
- Total Carbs: 7 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Total Sugar: 2 grams
- Added Sugar: 0 grams
- Protein: 17 grams
17. Hardee's Bacon, Egg and Cheese Biscuit
If a high-fat, low-sugar morning meal is what you’re after, we’d suggest Hardee's bacon, egg and cheese biscuit as a great low-carb fast food choice. This Hardee's breakfast dish features a folded egg, American cheese and bacon sandwiched between a fluffy biscuit, providing a satisfying meal without the high carbohydrate content found in some of the brand’s other offerings.
To further lower the carbohydrate content from 44 grams to 6.5 grams, you can remove the biscuit and still have a delicious and convenient low-carb fast food option. This no-bun version delivers 14.5 grams of protein in just 245 calories.
However, with 710 milligrams of sodium (about 31% of the daily limit) and 5 grams of saturated fat (25% of the daily value), it’s best enjoyed in moderation. For added fiber and balance, consider pairing it with a side salad to round out your low-carb fast food breakfast.
Hardee's Bacon, Egg and Cheese Biscuit Without the Biscuit Nutritional Info
- Calories: 245
- Total Fat: 11.5 grams
- Saturated Fat: 5 grams
- Sodium: 710 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 225 milligrams
- Total Carbs: 6.5 grams
- Fiber: 0.5 grams
- Total Sugar: 2.5 grams
- Added Sugar: 0.75 grams
- Protein: 14.5 grams
18. Firehouse Subs Hook and Ladder Salad
Firehouse Subs’ Hook and Ladder Salad is a satisfying, protein-packed alternative to a traditional sub, making it a popular choice for those aiming to reduce their carb intake. It features a fresh base of lettuce topped with smoked turkey breast, honey ham, Monterey Jack cheese, cucumbers, tomatoes and green bell peppers.
With 30 grams of protein and just 260 calories, it’s a solid high-protein, low-calorie meal — but at 21 grams of total carbs, it’s higher in carbohydrates than most typical low-carb fast food options. It also contains 12 grams of total sugar (2 grams added), mostly from the ham and dressing, and 880 milligrams of sodium (about 38% of the daily limit).
To better align this with a low-carb approach, consider skipping the honey ham or asking for a lighter hand with dressing to reduce both sugar and sodium. Adding extra greens can help increase fiber while keeping the carb impact steady.
Firehouse Subs Hook and Ladder Salad Nutritional Info
- Calories: 260
- Total Fat: 8.2 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 grams
- Sodium: 880 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 40 milligrams
- Total Carbs: 21 grams
- Fiber: 5 grams
- Total Sugar: 12 grams
- Added Sugar: 2 grams
- Protein: 30 grams
19. Checkers & Rally’s Classic Wings
For those adhering to a low-carb fast food diet that’s also low in sugar and high in protein, we’d say an order of Checkers & Rally’s classic wings should do the trick. These wings are typically served plain and without breading, keeping carbs low at just 2 grams per five-piece order.
With 35 grams of protein, they offer a filling and flavorful option that satisfies savory cravings. However, they also come with 23 grams of fat (5.6 grams saturated) and 760 milligrams of sodium — about a third of the daily limit.
While they’re a convenient protein boost, these wings are best enjoyed occasionally due to their high fat and sodium content. To keep things lighter, stick to one five-piece order served plain, skip the sauces and fries and add a side of raw veggies or a simple salad.
Checkers & Rally’s Classic Wings Nutritional Info (per 5-piece plain serving)
- Calories: 350
- Total Fat: 23 grams
- Saturated Fat: 5.6 grams
- Sodium: 760 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 180 milligrams
- Total Carbs: 2 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Total Sugar: 0 grams
- Added Sugar: 0 grams
- Protein: 35 grams
20. Shake Shack Chicken Bites
Shake Shack's Chicken Bites are a delicious, low-carb fast food menu item that’s also fairly low in calories. These tender, juicy bites are made from all-natural chicken breast, providing a protein-rich option that can help keep you satisfied.
To keep things light, skip Shack Sauce in favor of plain mustard or hot sauce, and — if possible at your location, ask for the bites “naked” (lightly seasoned, no breading) to shave off extra carbs and fat. Whether you enjoy the chicken bites with a side salad or take them home and toss together some vegetables to go with them, you can create a satisfying low-carb fast food meal.
The only con is that the sodium count is fairly high, so we feel it’s wise to stick to six pieces per sitting. Can’t get enough of the brand’s delectable food? Then check out the Shake Shack secret menu for more low-carb fast food options.
Shake Shack Chicken Bites Salad Nutritional Info (per 6-piece serving)
- Calories: 300
- Total Fat: 19 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 grams
- Sodium: 780 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 50 milligrams
- Total Carbs: 15 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Total Sugar: 1 grams
- Added Sugar: 0 grams
- Protein: 17 grams
21. Subway Bowls
One of our favorite low-carb fast food orders, especially for the protein-to-calorie ratio, Subway's bowls are a convenient and customizable option for carb-conscious diners. Unlike traditional sandwiches, Subway's bowls allow you to enjoy your favorite fillings without the bread.
Ready to give one of the healthiest items at Subway a try? Simply opt for a protein-rich base such as grilled chicken, turkey or steak and load up on fresh vegetables and low-sodium toppings of your choice. Skip processed meats like ham or salami, go easy on cheese and dress the bowl with olive oil and vinegar instead of higher-sodium sauces.
With the flexibility to customize your order, we believe Subway's bowls can easily fit into a low-carb lifestyle, but the sodium count means you’ll just need to enjoy them wisely.
Subway Bowls Nutritional Info (per single oven-roasted turkey bowl serving)
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 3.5 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0.5 grams
- Sodium: 970 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 50 milligrams
- Total Carbs: 8 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Total Sugar: 5 grams
- Added Sugar: 1 gram
- Protein: 23 grams
22. McDonald’s Breakfast Sandwich Without the Bread
Opting for a McDonald’s breakfast sandwich without the bread bun can be a smart low-carb fast food move that also keeps calories down. By foregoing the bun, you trim the carbs to almost zero while still getting a protein-rich, satisfying low-carb breakfast.
For example, the Egg McMuffin, a popular McDonald’s breakfast choice, consists of an English muffin, egg, Canadian bacon and cheese. This drops to just 3 grams of carbs once you skip the muffin (McDonald’s doesn’t officially offer lettuce wraps, so simply enjoy the fillings on their own).
To make things even lighter, ask for round egg only (no cheese) or swap Canadian bacon for an extra egg to cut saturated fat and sodium, then add a side of apple slices for fiber without many carbs. Beyond one serving, sodium (490 milligrams) and saturated fat (6 grams) climb quickly, so consider pairing the sandwich with water or black coffee and limiting high-fat add-ons like hash browns.
McDonald’s Breakfast Sandwich Without the Bread Nutritional Info
- Calories: 160
- Total Fat: 11 grams
- Saturated Fat: 6 grams
- Sodium: 490 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 245 milligrams
- Total Carbs: 3 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Total Sugar: 1 gram
- Added Sugar: 0 grams
- Protein: 12 grams
23. Dairy Queen Original Cheeseburger Without the Bun or Ketchup
Dairy Queen’s cheeseburger without a bun or ketchup is a great low-carb fast food option for those who want a meaty, cheesy meal without a heavy carbohydrate intake. It's important to request this menu item without ketchup if you're on a low-carb diet, as that is what’s highest in sugar.
That said, a single patty still packs 9 grams of saturated fat (45% of the FDA daily value) and 650 milligrams of sodium (28% of the daily max). To keep things lighter, ask for double lettuce in place of the bun, skip the cheese and pair the burger with a side salad (no dressing) or a cup of plain iced coffee.
These tweaks preserve the burger’s low-carb appeal and protein punch while trimming saturated fat and sodium, making it one of the healthiest items at Dairy Queen.
Dairy Queen Original Cheeseburger Without the Bun or Ketchup Nutritional Info
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 16 grams
- Saturated Fat: 9 grams
- Sodium: 650 milligrams
- Cholesterol: 65 milligrams
- Total Carbs: 4 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Total Sugar: 4 grams
- Added Sugar: 0 grams
- Protein: 15 grams
Exploring the various low-carb fast food options available just goes to show that you can go light on the carbs even when dining out. Whether you're in the mood for a classic lettuce-wrapped burger, inventive protein bowls minus the rice or zesty salads with tons of fresh produce, we’ve discovered that fast food establishments are continuously expanding their menus to accommodate diverse dietary needs.
With the increasing popularity of low-carb diets, this selection highlights the range and ingenuity found within the fast food industry. Now you don’t have to feel left out if you’re hoping for convenient and tasty options to limit your carb consumption when enjoying a meal with friends. Try out the wide range of menu items available and discover new low-carb favorites from these top fast food choices!
For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.
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