In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleEgg McMuffinMcCafe LatteFruit & Maple OatmealApple SlicesMcChicken SandwichFilet-O-FishHow to Choose
In This ArticleView All
View All
In This Article
Egg McMuffin
McCafe Latte
Fruit & Maple Oatmeal
Apple Slices
McChicken Sandwich
Filet-O-Fish
How to Choose
Close
Photo:Getty Images. EatingWell design.
Getty Images. EatingWell design.
No one is claiming that fast food is always healthy. But, when you’re in a pinch, there are some heart-healthy options at the drive-thru.
What makes a heart-healthy fast food meal? To find out, we asked dietitians. Whether you’re grabbing a quick meal on the go or looking for a heart-healthy snack, these choices from McDonald’s can support your heart health.
The 6 Best Heart-Healthy Picks from McDonald’s
1. Egg McMuffin
“My favorite heart-healthy McDonald’s pick that I always suggest for my patients who like to grab a quick breakfast out is the Classic Egg McMuffin,” says St. Louis-based dietitianDorian Doss, M.S., RD, LD. “I like it instead of their biscuit options, because it has a leaner protein, Canadian bacon, and it’s lower in fat and sodium than a biscuit.”
This convenient little breakfast sandwich is a balanced choice thanks to a surprising 17 grams of protein, a moderate 6 grams ofsaturated fat, and zero grams of cholesterol-raising trans fats. In addition, the English muffin provides energizing carbs to power you through your morning. For extra antioxidants and vitamins, wash it down with a small orange juice.
Nutrition information for Egg McMuffin:Calories: 310Total Carbohydrate: 30 gDietary Fiber: 2 gTotal Sugar: 3 gProtein: 17 gTotal Fat: 13 gSaturated Fat: 6 gSodium: 770 mg
Nutrition information for Egg McMuffin:
2. McCafé Latte
Nutrition information for small McCafé Latte:Calories: 140Total Carbohydrate: 13 gDietary Fiber: 0 gTotal Sugar: 10 gProtein: 8 gTotal Fat: 7 gSaturated Fat: 4 gSodium: 90 mg
Nutrition information for small McCafé Latte:
3. Fruit & Maple Oatmeal
Made with cholesterol-loweringwhole-grain oatsand topped with apples, cranberries and raisins, the Fruit & Maple Oatmeal provides a healthy dose offiberand natural sweetness, saysJulie Andrews, M.S., RDN. “Plus, it’s low in saturated fat and sodium, making it a decent choice for heart health,” she adds. If you want to reduce the 18 grams of added sugar, ask for yours minus the sugar-laced cranberry raisin topping.
Keep in mind that this option is low in protein. So, pair it with a McCafé Latte for a complete meal.
Nutrition information for Fruit & Maple Oatmeal:Calories: 320Total Carbohydrate: 64 gDietary Fiber: 4 gTotal Sugar: 31 gProtein: 6 gTotal Fat: 4.5 gSaturated Fat: 1.5 gSodium: 150 mg
Nutrition information for Fruit & Maple Oatmeal:
4. Apple Slices
A simple but smart snack or side dish, apple slices provide natural sweetness without added sugars. Plus,applesare filled with heart-friendly antioxidants. Apples are also rich in water, which helps support healthy blood pressure. Swap them in for fries or hash browns to add volume and nutrition to your meal!
Nutrition information for Apple Slices:Calories: 15Total Carbohydrate: 4 gDietary Fiber: 0 gTotal Sugar: 3 gProtein: 0 gTotal Fat: 0 gSaturated Fat: 0 gSodium: 0 mg
Nutrition information for Apple Slices:
5. McChicken Sandwich
McDonald’s McChicken Sandwich is a great lunch or dinner choice if you’re aiming for heart health. The chicken provides lean protein and is surprisingly low in saturated fat. If you want to trim fat even more, skip the mayo. Then, pair it with an order of apple slices and a bottle of water or an unsweetened iced tea.
Nutrition information for McChicken Sandwich:Calories: 390Total Carbohydrate: 38 gDietary Fiber: 1 gTotal Sugar: 4 gProtein: 14 gTotal Fat: 21 gSaturated Fat: 3.5 gSodium: 560 mg
Nutrition information for McChicken Sandwich:
6. Filet-O-Fish
Nutrition information for Filet-O-Fish:Calories: 380Total Carbohydrate: 38 gDietary Fiber: 1 gTotal Sugar: 4 gProtein: 16 gTotal Fat: 19 gSaturated Fat: 4 gSodium: 580 mg
Nutrition information for Filet-O-Fish:
What to Look For in Heart-Healthy Picks
When heart health is a goal, what you do and don’t order at the drive-thru can make a big difference.
Look for options that are lower in:
Look for options higher in:
The Bottom Line
Finding heart-healthy options at McDonald’s might be easier than you think. By choosing items that are lower in saturated fat, sodium and calories and higher in protein, unsaturated fats and fiber, you can enjoy a quick meal without compromising your heart health goals. And don’t forget to check out the online nutrition facts. They’re filled with valuable information that can make your next trip to the drive-thru a lot healthier!
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SourcesEatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.McDonald’s.Nutrition Calculator.Mendoza MF, Sulague RM, Posas-Mendoza T, Lavie CJ.Impact of Coffee Consumption on Cardiovascular Health.Ochsner J. 2023;23(2):152-158. doi:10.31486/toj.22.0073American Heart Association.How Much Sugar Is Too Much?
Sources
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.McDonald’s.Nutrition Calculator.Mendoza MF, Sulague RM, Posas-Mendoza T, Lavie CJ.Impact of Coffee Consumption on Cardiovascular Health.Ochsner J. 2023;23(2):152-158. doi:10.31486/toj.22.0073American Heart Association.How Much Sugar Is Too Much?
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
McDonald’s.Nutrition Calculator.Mendoza MF, Sulague RM, Posas-Mendoza T, Lavie CJ.Impact of Coffee Consumption on Cardiovascular Health.Ochsner J. 2023;23(2):152-158. doi:10.31486/toj.22.0073American Heart Association.How Much Sugar Is Too Much?
McDonald’s.Nutrition Calculator.
Mendoza MF, Sulague RM, Posas-Mendoza T, Lavie CJ.Impact of Coffee Consumption on Cardiovascular Health.Ochsner J. 2023;23(2):152-158. doi:10.31486/toj.22.0073
American Heart Association.How Much Sugar Is Too Much?
