Is it really possible to find healthy fast food restaurant menu items and what about CHEAP healthy fast food options? I guess that depends on your definition of healthy. I’ve got some good news and some bad news. Good news is yes, there are some healthy options out there (and on this list) but honestly, they are few and far between.
But if you are really just looking for lower calorie fast food restaurant items, your options just opened up a lot more! I’ve got you covered in both areas so you can just sit back, relax, and know you are making a better choice by ordering from the items on this list the next time you head to your favorite fast food restaurant when you’re on the go.
Still, even when you find that magical “healthy” pick on the menu, there’s another side to the story—how safe and clean the food supply behind it really is. Fast-food chains, especially the bigger ones, are under constant scrutiny, and for good reason. The ingredients they source go through layers of inspection to ensure quality and safety before they ever hit the fryer or grill.
Many suppliers rely on mycotoxin testing kits to screen grains, nuts, and other raw materials for hidden contaminants that could compromise both safety and nutrition. So while you’re debating between the grilled chicken wrap and the salad, know that a lot of unseen work goes into keeping that meal both affordable and safe.
And here’s the thing: even though some fast food places have managed to sneak a few “healthy-ish” choices onto their menus, nothing really beats cooking it yourself. When you throw some lean chicken or fresh veggies onto a grill, you know exactly what’s going into your meal—no mystery sauces, no hidden salt bombs. That’s where grilling or smoking at home becomes not just the healthier route, but honestly the tastier one too.
In fact, with Chiasson Smoke, you can grab a firepit grill or smoker and turn your backyard into your own little fast-food alternative—except this time, it’s fresh, clean, and made just the way you like it. A burger cooked over an open flame you control? That beats a drive-thru any day.
1. McDonalds
If you’re looking for the healthiest fast food under $5, McDonald’s has a few options but not many. One of the healthiest and lowest calorie food at McDonald’s is the Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich (380 calories).
This includes tomato, lettuce, and their herb sauce. You can always ask for no sauce to lower the calories even more.
Related: 21 Best Tips on How to Eat Healthy at Restaurants
2. Wendys
Now Wendy’s actually has quite a few healthy fast food restaurant menu items if you check out their variety of amazing salads. The Apple Pecan Chicken Salad half size only has 340 calories and the full size contains 570.
3. Burger King
The Whopper Jr with tomatoes, lettuce, pickles, ketchup, onions, and no mayo only has 240 calories. Who doesn’t love their famous flame grilled burgers? Delish!
4. Taco Bell
I love Taco Bells “fresco style” option. It replaces cheese, creamy sauces, sour cream, and/or guacamole with delicious pico de gallo. You can make pretty much anything on their menu fresco style. My personal favorite is the steak soft taco, fresco style. They are only 140 calories each!
5. Chic-Fil-A
Chic-Fil-A actually does have a lot of healthy fast food restaurant menu options. One of their most popular is the Grilled Cool Wrap (350 calories) Choose their Light Italian Dressing and only add an extra 25 calories!
6. Subway
We all remember Jared, right? So it’s no secret you can’t go wrong with Subway when you’re trying to eat healthy… that is if you are ordering properly. The Subway Club 6 inch only contains 290 calories.
The main reason people struggle to make good choices at Subway is not the meal options itself, but instead the condiments they put on their sub. So steer clear of the mayo. Also make sure you check out their Fresh Fit Menu for other great low calorie options.
7. Panera
Panera is so good and they actually have a lot of great salads that are healthy and low calorie. Try the Asian Sesame Salad with Chicken (410 calories).
And during the summer, they release their Chicken Poppyseed Salad (340 calories). It’s my favorite! I love berries in my salad.
These glass meal prep containers are perfect for keeping salad ingredients fresh when I prep at home
8. Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut is not really the best place to go if you are trying to stay low calorie, but if you must, order a small pizza and limit how many slices you have. The small Supreme with thin and crispy crust contains 120 calories per slice.
9. Arbys
If you are looking for a hot option, go for the Classic Roast Beef Sandwich (360 calories). But if you are looking for a cold sandwich or salad, Arby’s has a Market Fresh section on their menu with lots of low calorie and healthy options.
10. Starbucks
What would this list be without a couple of breakfast options, right? Try Starbuck’s Spinach, Feta, and Egg White Breakfast Wrap if you want to start your day off right. It only contains 280 calories and has enough protein and fiber to keep you full until lunch.
11. Dunkin Donuts
Dunkin Donuts actually has a DDSmart menu that contains quite a few lower calorie and lower sodium options. Their Ham, Egg, and Cheese English Muffin is really good and only has 360 calories.
Kickstart Your Healthy Habits
I’ve created a free 5 Day Lazy Girl Healthy Habits Challenge to help you finally stick with your goals. Inside, you’ll get quick nutrition tips, simple fitness routines, and mindset hacks to keep you motivated—even on your laziest days.
Click here to join the 5 Day Challenge for free!
What’s your go-to healthy fast food order? Share it in the comments—I’d love to add more ideas to the list!
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