Fast food is often the quickest choice when you’re on the go, but sometimes you want something lighter than the typical burger and fries. Fortunately, many fast-food chains now offer healthier options like wraps, grilled chicken, and salads. But the real question is—do these healthier fast-food meals actually taste good? It’s great that they’re better for you, but no one wants to spend money on a meal that doesn’t satisfy.
To find out, I decided to taste-test these healthier choices myself. With guidance from registered dietitians Lisa Young, PhD, RDN, and Mary Sabat, MS, RDN, LD, I selected the healthiest menu items from popular fast-food restaurants and gave them a try. Below, I’m sharing my honest opinions on their taste and explaining why our dietitians recommended them in the first place. And here’s the good news—out of the seven meals I tried, there was only one that I didn’t enjoy!
Now, I’m not suggesting that fast food has suddenly become healthy—most options are still packed with sodium, fat, sugar, and calories. However, there’s a noticeable difference between Wendy’s 1,100-calorie, 82-grams-of-fat Dave’s Triple burger and their 440-calorie, 24-grams-of-fat Apple Pecan Salad.
If you’re interested in making smarter choices at the drive-thru, keep reading to see which meals I’d happily order again and which one I’ll be passing on next time. Below, I’ve ranked my favorites from best to worst, with my least favorite—the one I’d skip—at the bottom. For more, check out 60 Low-Calorie Fast-Food Meals.
The Best: Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Power Bowl
Nutrition (Per Bowl):
Calories: 490
Fat: 24 g (Saturated Fat: 7 g)
Sodium: 1,150 mg
Carbs: 44 g (Fiber: 11 g, Sugar: 3 g)
Protein: 25 g
What our expert says: "The Taco Bell Cantina Chicken Power Bowl is a solid fast food option, especially for those looking for a balanced and nutritious meal. With 490 calories, it offers a reasonable amount of energy, while its 25 grams of protein support muscle maintenance and repair, helping to keep you feeling full longer. The bowl also provides 11 grams of fiber, which aids in digestion, helps regulate blood sugar, 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." – Sabat
The taste: This was hands down my favorite healthy fast-food item. The seasoned rice, black beans, slow-roasted chicken, pico de gallo, guacamole, and avocado ranch sauce came together to create a satisfying and flavorful bowl. It almost seemed too good to be true that I could enjoy such a filling meal for only $8.50. While I’m not usually a big fan of Taco Bell, if I find myself there again, I’ll definitely be ordering this high-protein bowl.
Wendy’s Apple Pecan Salad
Nutrition (Per Salad):
Calories: 440
Fat: 24 g (Saturated Fat: 10 g)
Sodium: 1,160 mg
Carbs: 28 g (Fiber: 5 g, Sugar: 19 g)
Protein: 31 g
What our expert says: "Wendy's Apple Pecan Salad is a balanced fast food choice, providing a nutritious mix of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. With 440 calories, it offers a moderate energy level suitable for a meal, along with 31 grams of protein, which aids in muscle maintenance and helps keep you feeling satisfied. The salad's romaine lettuce, apple slices, and spring mix contribute a variety of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, which supports digestion. The pomegranate vinaigrette dressing adds a flavorful but light touch, while the blue cheese crumbles provide calcium and probiotics. The grilled chicken serves as a lean protein source, and the roasted pecans offer healthy fats and a delightful crunch." – Sabat
The taste: The first thing that stood out when I opened this Wendy's salad was the generous amount of chicken and blue cheese toppings, which definitely earns it high marks in my book. The apples and dried cranberries added a pleasant sweetness, and the toasted pecans provided a satisfying crunch. My only minor complaint was that a few pieces of the spring mix were a bit wilted, so I had to pick them out. Overall, thanks to the blend of sweet and savory flavors and the substantial amount of chicken, I'd definitely choose this salad again if I needed a quick, healthy meal on the go.
McDonald's Fruit and Maple Oatmeal
Nutrition (Per Order):
Calories: 320
Fat: 4.5 g (Saturated Fat: 1.5 g)
Sodium: 150 mg
Carbs: 64 g (Fiber: 4 g, Sugar: 31 g)
Protein: 6 g
What our expert says: "McDonald's Fruit and Maple Oatmeal is a solid breakfast choice, especially for those on the go, thanks to its nutritious combination of ingredients. This oatmeal offers complex carbohydrates, which are crucial for providing sustained energy throughout the morning, and it contains 4 grams of fiber, aiding digestion and promoting fullness. The addition of diced apples and a cranberry raisin blend not only enhances the flavor but also adds natural sweetness, vitamins, and antioxidants. While the 6 grams of protein is on the lower side, the light cream adds a touch more protein and a smooth, creamy texture. Overall, McDonald's Fruit and Maple Oatmeal is a convenient and wholesome breakfast option, delivering a good mix of fiber, vitamins, and energy-boosting carbohydrates." – Sabat
The taste: I don’t often have breakfast at McDonald’s, but when I do, it’s usually after a late night out with friends, and I typically go for a breakfast sandwich and hashbrowns. Oatmeal has never been on my radar, but this one was a pleasant surprise. The oatmeal had a perfect creaminess, and I really enjoyed the brown sugar, apples, and dried fruit toppings. Next time, I might use only half of the dried fruit to reduce the sugar content and perhaps add a scoop of nut butter for extra richness, but overall, this McDonald’s oatmeal was a delightful treat.
Chipotle Lifestyle Wholesome Bowl
Nutrition (Per Bowl):
Calories: 460
Fat: 29 g
Carbs: 18 g
Protein: 35 g
What our expert says: "Chipotle's Lifestyle Wholesome Bowl is a great choice for those looking for a balanced and nutritious meal, especially if you're health-conscious or following a low-carb diet. With just 460 calories, this bowl provides an impressive 35 grams of protein, making it excellent for muscle repair and keeping you full longer. It’s also low in carbs, with only 18 grams, making it ideal for those monitoring their carbohydrate intake. The bowl features organic ingredients like fresh lettuce, tender chicken, colorful fajita veggies, zesty tomato salsa, and creamy guacamole, which not only enhance the flavor but also ensure you're eating high-quality, wholesome foods. This combination makes it a delicious, convenient, and healthy fast-food option." – Sabat
The taste: One of the things I love about Chipotle is that everything on the menu is flavorful, and it tends to be healthier compared to other fast-food options. However, some items, like the Lifestyle Wholesome Bowl, are much lighter and lower in calories. The Chipotle near me didn’t have the Lifestyle Bowls listed on the menu, but I followed the ingredients listed online and ordered it that way, which was super easy. While the bowl was tasty, I think it could use a little extra flavor, like the Chipotle-Honey Vinaigrette. However, that dressing adds an extra 220 calories, so I understand why it’s recommended to skip it if you’re watching your calorie intake.
Jimmy John’s Mediterranean Wrap
Nutrition (Per Wrap):
Calories: 760
Fat: 38 g (Saturated Fat: 9 g)
Sodium: 2,030 mg
Carbs: 69 g (Fiber: 7 g, Sugar: 7 g)
Protein: 37 g
What our expert says: "The Mediterranean Wrap from Jimmy John’s, made with Sabra Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, offers a flavorful and satisfying plant-based protein source. The olive tapenade and feta cheese contribute healthy fats and a unique taste, while fresh cucumber, tomato, onion, and lettuce provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, promoting overall health and satiety. Wrapped in a spinach tortilla, this option is not only lower in calories but also provides an extra nutrient boost. The oregano-basil seasoning and oil & vinegar dressing enhance the Mediterranean flavors without adding excessive calories. With a calorie range of 480-780, depending on customization, this wrap is a delicious and nutritious choice for those looking for a wholesome meal at Jimmy John’s." – Sabat
The taste: I’m usually a creature of habit at Jimmy John’s and always order the Beach Club, so I had to push myself to try this Mediterranean Wrap instead. But I’m glad I did. The combination of hummus, olive tapenade, chicken, and feta cheese was packed with flavor, and I appreciated the slight savoriness of the spinach tortilla. However, the olive tapenade had a strong flavor, so if you’re not a fan of olives, you might want to pass on this one.
Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Nutrition (Per Sandwich):
Calories: 390
Fat: 12 g (Saturated Fat: 2 g)
Sodium: 770 mg
Carbs: 44 g (Fiber: 3 g, Sugar: 12 g)
Protein: 28 g
What our expert says: "The Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Sandwich is a lean protein option that’s lower in calories and fat compared to the popular deep-fried alternatives." – Young
The taste: I have to admit, I don't think I'll ever enjoy Chick-fil-A's grilled chicken options as much as their fried chicken. However, this grilled chicken sandwich was still quite tasty compared to other grilled options I've tried at restaurant chains. The lettuce and tomato added some freshness, but the sandwich itself would have been rather bland without the Honey BBQ sauce that came with it. Overall, it was a decent choice, but it definitely made me miss the classic Chick-fil-A sandwich.
The Worst Order I'd Skip: Dunkin' Egg and Cheese on English Muffin
Nutrition (Per Sandwich):
Calories: 460
Fat: 13 g (Saturated Fat: 5 g)
Sodium: 1,010 mg
Carbs: 66 g (Fiber: 4 g, Sugar: 8 g)
Protein: 19 g
What our expert says: "The Egg & Cheese sandwich from Dunkin' has fewer calories than many other options, making it a decent choice for those watching their calorie intake. It provides high-quality protein from the egg and cheese, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied, while the cheese also offers a good source of calcium." – Young
The taste: Now we’ve reached the one item on this list that I won’t be ordering again. It wasn’t the worst thing I’ve ever had from a restaurant chain, but the flavors of this Dunkin’ Egg & Cheese sandwich were almost nonexistent. It was just... bland. While it’s nice to find a fast-food breakfast sandwich under 500 calories, this one would need a generous amount of hot sauce to make it enjoyable. If I needed a quick breakfast sandwich with my coffee, I’d rather head to Starbucks and enjoy one of theirs.