Craving fast food but trying to stick to a healthy eating plan? It’s a common dilemma. For years, fast food was synonymous with high calories and unhealthy choices. However, as more people prioritize wellness, the fast-food industry has evolved. Today, many chains are offering genuinely healthier menu items, making it easier than ever to find Low Calorie Fast Food Options that fit your dietary needs.
Finding a quick bite used to mean compromising on health. But thankfully, times have changed. Restaurants are increasingly recognizing the demand for low-calorie choices. Whether you’re focused on weight management or simply seeking lighter meals, the availability of low-calorie fast food restaurants and menu items has significantly expanded. As you’ll see in this guide to 25 of the best low calorie fast food options, there’s a delicious and diverse range of choices to satisfy every taste bud without derailing your health goals.
The 25 Best Low Calorie Fast Food Options
1. Cava Greek Salad
For a taste of the Mediterranean that’s both refreshing and light, the Cava Greek Salad is an excellent low calorie fast food option. Packed with vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients, it’s hard to believe you’re enjoying fast food. This delightful salad from Cava features a base of romaine and arugula, topped with grilled chicken, creamy tzatziki, salty feta cheese, crisp Persian cucumber, juicy tomato, Kalamata olives, and a zesty Greek vinaigrette. To further reduce the calorie count, you can easily customize your salad by omitting the tzatziki and feta.
2. Chipotle Chicken Salad
Chipotle is a go-to destination for customizable and relatively healthy fast food. While you can build your own salad with various proteins, the Chipotle Chicken Salad stands out as a particularly smart low calorie fast food meal. This option comes with flavorful grilled chicken, sautéed fajita vegetables, hearty beans, and a fresh tomato salsa. Chipotle is well-regarded as one of the better low calorie fast food restaurants, offering numerous opportunities to create nutritious and satisfying meals.
3. Taco Bell Bean Burrito
Taco Bell might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of healthy eating, but it actually ranks as one of the healthier fast food chains. A popular and surprisingly nutritious choice is the Taco Bell Bean Burrito. Including rice, it comes in at around 480 calories, but by omitting the rice, you can enjoy a tasty, protein-rich, and filling low calorie fast food option. Taco Bell’s menu flexibility and variety solidify its place among restaurants offering low calorie fast food.
4. Pizza Hut Medium Thin ‘N Crispy Cheese Pizza
Pizza cravings can strike at any time, even when you’re watching your calorie intake. Luckily, Pizza Hut offers a solution for those seeking low calorie fast food pizza. Their Medium Thin ‘N Crispy Cheese Pizza provides a satisfying slice with only 180 calories, seven grams of fat, and 22 grams of carbohydrates. This makes it a sensible choice when pizza temptation arises.
5. Dunkin’ Donuts Wake-Up Wrap
Dunkin’ Donuts is more than just doughnuts; it also provides convenient low calorie fast food breakfast options. The Wake-Up Wrap is perfect for those mornings when you’re on the run but want a lighter start to your day. You can customize your Wake-Up Wrap to meet your calorie goals. A simple bacon, egg, and cheese version contains just 210 calories, including 13 grams of fat and 14 grams of carbohydrates.
6. Burger King Classic Royal Crispy Wrap
Burger King offers several items that are surprisingly light, with some of the healthier items at Burger King falling under 400 calories. The Royal Crispy Wrap is a prime example of a low calorie fast food item, containing only 310 calories. This wrap features crispy chicken without cheese, offering a decent 15 grams of protein and just three grams of saturated fat. Marketed as a snack wrap, it’s perfect for holding you over between meals when you need a little something.
7. McDonald’s McChicken Sandwich
A classic fast food staple, the McDonald’s McChicken Sandwich is also a surprisingly reasonable low calorie fast food option. Clocking in at just 400 calories and providing 14 grams of protein, the McChicken offers a satisfying crunch and juicy chicken without excessive calories.
8. Jack in the Box Garden Salad With Grilled Chicken
Jack in the Box offers some commendable fast food salads, making them suitable low calorie fast food items. The Garden Salad with Grilled Chicken is a particularly delicious and healthy choice. It features grilled chicken strips, grape tomatoes, shredded carrots, and cheddar cheese atop a bed of mixed greens. Without dressing or crunchy toppings, this salad has only 200 calories, leaving plenty of room within your daily calorie budget.
9. Shake Shack BLT
The Shake Shack BLT is a simple yet satisfying low calorie fast food choice that can easily serve as a full meal. While technically a Shake Shack secret menu item, it’s widely known and readily available – just ask for it! The BLT comes in at around 300 calories and includes three slices of bacon, tomato, and lettuce on a soft potato bun.
10. Subway 6-Inch Turkey Breast Sub
Subway is a popular choice for those seeking healthier and customizable fast food. Among the healthiest items at Subway, the 6-Inch Turkey Breast Sub is a standout low calorie fast food option. The sub itself is only 280 calories, giving you flexibility to add your preferred low-calorie toppings or pair it with a side salad for a more complete meal. It’s a straightforward and satisfying choice that won’t derail your healthy eating efforts.
11. Arby’s Jalapeño Roast Beef Slider
For a flavorful snack that won’t break the calorie bank, consider the Arby’s Jalapeño Roast Beef Slider. This low calorie fast food snack option contains just 220 calories, nine grams of fat, and 21 grams of carbohydrates, yet is packed with flavor. The slider features Arby’s signature roast beef, spicy jalapeños, and melted cheese on a soft slider bun.
12. Taco Bell Crunchy Taco
The Taco Bell Crunchy Taco is another excellent low calorie fast food item, so light you could even enjoy two! Each taco is only 170 calories and provides eight grams of protein. These crunchy tacos are hard to resist, and given their low calorie count, you might even decide to add a side and indulge a little without guilt.
13. Panda Express Mixed Veggies & Mushroom Chicken Bowl
Panda Express might surprise you with its selection of better-for-you options. The Mixed Veggies and Mushroom Chicken Bowl is a fantastic low calorie fast food choice at just 250 calories per serving. Ordering at Panda Express can feel like a step above typical fast food, offering fresh flavors and lighter options.
14. Wendy’s Crispy Chicken BLT
Wendy’s Crispy Chicken BLT is a satisfying low calorie fast food option that delivers flavor and substance for just 420 calories – and that’s with all the delicious ingredients included! Made with applewood smoked bacon, crisp lettuce, juicy tomato, American cheese, and creamy mayonnaise, it offers a delightful combination of textures and tastes in every bite. If you want to reduce calories further, you can always request it without cheese.
15. Wendy’s Apple Pecan Salad
For a fresh and nutritious option, Wendy’s Apple Pecan Salad is a great low calorie fast food choice. This salad is not only low in calories at 410, but also provides a good source of fiber and protein. It’s made with a blend of greens, crumbled cheese, crisp apples, dried cranberries, and grilled chicken breast, making it a refreshing and filling meal or snack.
16. Chick-fil-A Kale Crunch Salad
Chick-fil-A, known for its chicken, also offers healthy side options like the Kale Crunch Salad. This low calorie fast food salad is only 170 calories and contains 12 grams of fat. It features a mix of kale, green cabbage, and crunchy salted almonds, topped with a tangy savory dressing made with apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard. While it comes without chicken, you can easily add a grilled chicken breast to create a more substantial and protein-rich meal.
17. Popeyes Red Beans and Rice
Popeyes Red Beans and Rice is a flavorful and surprisingly nutritious side dish on their menu. It stands out as a good source of protein and fiber, making it a smart low calorie fast food choice. This side is also suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Enjoy all 210 delicious calories of this hearty and flavorful dish.
18. Taco Bell Veggie Power Bowl
Another excellent vegetarian and vegan-friendly option from Taco Bell is the Veggie Power Bowl. This low calorie fast food bowl is packed with rice, black beans, guacamole, tomatoes, and lettuce. At 420 calories, it’s a satisfying and nutritious meal, providing a significant 40% of your daily recommended fiber intake.
19. Starbucks Rolled and Steel Cut Oatmeal
For a warm and comforting low calorie fast food breakfast, Starbucks Rolled and Steel Cut Oatmeal is a reliable choice. Recommended by nutritionists for its high fiber, vitamin, and mineral content, oatmeal is a healthy way to start your day. It’s also known to help lower cholesterol and aid in weight management. Prepared with water, it’s only 160 calories. You can request milk for a creamier texture, but keep in mind this will add to the calorie count.
20. In N Out Protein Style Burger
In-N-Out Burger, a West Coast favorite, offers a “Protein Style” option that caters to those seeking low carb and low calorie fast food. Order any of their burgers “Protein Style” to have it served without the bun, wrapped in lettuce instead. This dramatically reduces carbohydrates and calories while keeping the focus on the flavorful burger patty and toppings. The Protein Style burger is packed with protein and is a smart choice for health-conscious individuals.
21. Wendy’s Small Chili
Wendy’s Small Chili is a hearty and warming side that can double as a light meal or snack, all while staying under 250 calories. It’s a good source of both protein and fiber, making it a more nutritious choice compared to typical fast food sides. If you’re craving something comforting and filling without excess calories, Wendy’s chili is a great option.
22. Sonic Spicy Chicken Slinger
Sonic’s Spicy Chicken Slinger manages to pack a lot of flavor into a small, low calorie fast food sandwich. At just 350 calories, this option is perfect when you’re in the mood for something with a bit of a kick. It features a breaded chicken breast topped with spicy ranch and pickles, offering a satisfyingly spicy and flavorful light bite.
23. Popeyes Blackened Tenders
Popeyes Blackened Tenders are a healthier alternative to their classic fried tenders. Since they are not battered and fried, they offer a lower calorie option while still being flavorful and satisfying. Five of these tenders are only 280 calories. For a complete low calorie fast food meal, pair them with a regular coleslaw at just 140 calories and add a dash of hot sauce for extra zest.
24. Carl’s Jr. Double Cheeseburger
If a burger craving is undeniable, the Carl’s Jr. Double Cheeseburger can satisfy it without completely derailing your healthy eating plan. While still a treat, it comes in under 400 calories, at just 380 calories of burger goodness. Enjoy it in moderation when you want to indulge without excessive calorie intake.
25. Chick-Fil-A Chick-n-Strips
Chick-fil-A Chick-n-Strips are a popular choice, known for being tender and juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. A full order is surprisingly reasonable at just 310 calories. These Chick-n-Strips have long been a go-to low calorie fast food option for those mindful of their calorie intake.
Learn To Cook Healthy Food
Fast food offers undeniable convenience, and with the growing focus on healthier options, finding low calorie fast food choices is easier than ever. However, imagine the empowerment of mastering the skills to create your own healthy meals at home. Cooking your own food comes with numerous benefits, including greater control over ingredients, cost savings, and the sheer satisfaction of creating nutritious dishes yourself.
If you’re interested in developing your healthy cooking skills, consider taking cooking classes. Exploring cooking classes near you can provide hands-on learning and expert guidance. Alternatively, online healthy cooking classes offer the flexibility to learn from the comfort of your own kitchen.
Fast food has become a modern staple due to its speed and ease. Today, you can find options to suit almost any dietary preference. Eating out doesn’t have to be an unhealthy experience. By making informed choices, selecting healthier menu items, and making simple modifications, you can easily manage your calorie intake and maintain a healthier lifestyle while still enjoying the convenience of fast food. Embracing these low calorie fast food options can make healthy eating feel both achievable and enjoyable.
