News & Trending Shopping & Deals News

10 Healthy(ish) McDonald’s Menu Items That Are Tasty and Cheap

McDonald’s might be fast food, but some menu items are surprisingly healthy — and good values.

McDonalds cafe Riga Old Town Latvia
Updated Nov. 6, 2024
Fact checked

We receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own. Compensation may impact where offers appear. We have not included all available products or offers. Learn more about how we make money and our editorial policies.

A busy day or long trip can lead to stopping for fast food even when you want to eat healthy and don’t want to spend too much money. 

While many fast food options are unhealthy, ultra-processed, and full of calories, some healthy(ish) McDonald’s menu items can help you stretch your fast food budget.

Here are 10 options from the McDonald’s menu that work as a healthy(ish) breakfast, snack, or lunch:

Earn $200 cash rewards bonus with this incredible card

There's a credit card that's making waves with its amazing bonus and benefits. The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card(Rates and fees) has no annual fee and you can earn $200 after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.

The Active Cash Card puts cash back into your wallet. Cardholders can earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases — easy! That's one of the best cash rewards options available.

This card also offers an intro APR of 0% for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (then 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable). Which is great for someone who wants a break from high interest rates, while still earning rewards.

The best part? There's no annual fee.

Click here to apply now.

Fruit & Maple Oatmeal (320 calories)

Courtesy of McDonalds McDonalds Fruit Maple Oatmeal 320 calories

Price: $2.59

For only 320 calories, you can choose a Fruit & Maple Oatmeal for a filling, warm breakfast. The oatmeal is topped with apples, raisins, and cranberries and is high in fiber, so you’ll be more likely to get by until lunch without feeling hungry. 

You can ask to skip the added brown sugar to make it healthier.

Egg McMuffin (310 calories)

Courtesy of McDonalds McDonalds Egg McMuffin 310 calories

Price: $4.19

An Egg McMuffin for breakfast will leave you satisfied and full without guilt about having something unhealthy. The eggs in a McMuffin are real and have no added ingredients, a promising sign from a fast-food item.

You can modify the sandwich by adding extra cheese for 50 more calories or doubling the egg for 70 calories. Modifications can add nutrition and fill you up more, but be mindful of the calories they add.

Apple Slices (15 calories)

Courtesy of McDonalds McDonalds Apple Slices 15 calories

Price: 50 cents

Fruit is always a healthy snack, so you might be surprised to learn that you can just order apple slices at McDonalds for less than $1. 

Apples benefit your heart, and the peels have lots of fiber, ensuring you’re getting nutrition from this quick snack. Not only are apple slices a great snack, but they’re also the perfect side to a sandwich or McNuggets.

Stop overpaying when you shop online

Shopping online has its perks. It's super convenient, but it can be time consuming to find the best deals. Instead of hunting for coupon codes (that don't always work!) and opening tons of browser tabs comparing prices, you can try Capital One Shopping.

Capital One Shopping makes saving money effortless. Just add the browser extension and when you check out, it'll scour the internet for coupon codes to help you save cash. And before you check out at 25+ major retailers, Capital One Shopping will notify you with a friendly pop-up if the item you're buying is available cheaper somewhere else.

Capital One Shopping is free to use and won't show you ads. Add it today and stop overpaying!1

Get Capital One Shopping now

Classic Hamburger (250 calories)

Courtesy of McDonalds McDonalds Classic Hamburger 250 calories

Price: $1.49

While chicken is generally healthier, you don’t have to turn down a classic hamburger at McDonalds if that’s what sounds good. At just 250 calories, they are a healthy(ish) item with lots of protein and other nutrients. 

Making it a cheeseburger boosts the protein and adds flavor for only 50 extra calories, but doubling the meat can lead to a calorie-laden meal full of sodium.

McChicken (400 calories)

Courtesy of McDonalds McDonalds McChicken 400 calories

Price: $1

While a McChicken is already one of the healthier options on the McDonald’s menu, you can reduce the amount of fat, calories, and sodium by asking for it without mayonnaise. 

Another option is to order it without the bun to save around 150 calories. If you want to add more flavor or nutrients, you can ask to add pickles, onion, tomato, or cheese to your sandwich.

Filet-O-Fish (390 calories)

Courtesy of McDonalds McDonalds Filet O Fish 390 calories

Price: $4.79

The Filet-O-Fish is a good option when you want as many nutrients as possible during your McDonald’s visit. It has plenty of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, iodine, and other essential nutrients like calcium and phosphorus. 

This sandwich is fried, but it’s still better than many options on the menu, and you can reduce the calories by skipping the tartar sauce or cheese.

Four-Piece Chicken McNuggets (170 calories)

Courtesy of McDonalds McDonalds Chicken McNuggets 170 calories

Price: $2.19

Chicken is often healthier than a hamburger since it’s a leaner meat and has fewer calories. McNuggets are one of the healthier fast food items, containing protein and only 170 calories without sauce. 

You can make your nuggets a meal by adding apple slices and a sugar-free drink while sticking to your health goals.

Small McCafé Latte (140 calories)

Courtesy of McDonalds McDonalds Small McCafé Latte 140 calories

Price: $3.29

A drink can sometimes get you by until your next meal if you only need a snack. While it’s best to avoid too much sugar, a small McCafé Latte also has protein and other nutrients but doesn’t have sodium and is only 140 calories. 

It’s the perfect option when you want something hot to sip on and to give you a little something between meals.

Sausage Burrito (310 calories)

Courtesy of McDonalds McDonalds Sausage Burrito 310 calories

Price: $2.09

McDonald’s Sausage Burrito has eggs, sausage, green chiles, onions, and cheese on a tortilla, covering key food groups. It’s also full of protein and other nutrients and will keep you feeling full throughout the morning. 

Pair it with apples as a side, and you have a relatively healthy meal to start your day.

Earn money online by taking surveys

$55,000 might sound crazy … but with a company called Survey Junkie, it’s possible to get your share of it every day by taking their surveys in your extra time.

Follow these simple steps to start earning:

  1. Sign up for an account with Survey Junkie here.
  2. Take surveys.
  3. Repeat daily and get paid for sharing your opinion!

P.S.: You can cash out with as little as $5 through PayPal or bank transfer, or transfer to gift cards from a number of stores.

Get your share of $55,000 daily by signing up here

Medium Black Coffee (10 calories)

Courtesy of McDonalds McDonalds Medium Black Coffee 10 calories

Price: $1.89

Black coffee is the way to go for caffeine without many calories. While the McDonald's website says it has ten calories, black coffee has around two calories per eight ounces. 

Adding cream or sugar still doesn’t add too many calories if you don't go overboard. The cream is 20 calories each, and sugar packets are 15 calories each.

Bottom line

Sampajano-Anizza/Adobe McDonalds logo on blue sky background

Eating at McDonald’s doesn’t have to mean ruining your healthy eating habits because many options are relatively healthy for when you’re in a hurry or on a long trip. 

You’ll likely pass a McDonald’s anywhere, so knowing what healthy(ish), budget-friendly items to order can make all the difference.

Be careful of portion sizes when ordering, and always choose unsweetened drinks to ensure you’re as healthy as possible. Skipping sauces and additional toppings can help you meet your nutritional goals, satisfy your hunger, and help you avoid wasting money.

Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards

5.0
info

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Current Offer

$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks
Card Details