Fast food often gets a bad rap for being unhealthy, loaded with calories, fat, and salt. But what if you could enjoy the convenience of fast food without compromising your health goals? The good news is, you can! Many fast food chains are now offering healthier choices, making it easier than ever to find healthy fast food options near you. Whether you’re watching your weight, trying to eat more nutritiously, or simply looking for a balanced meal on the go, there are plenty of delicious and healthy fast food options just around the corner.
This guide explores some of the healthiest fast food chains available, highlighting menu items that are both nutritious and convenient. So, next time you search for “Healthy Fast Food Options Near Me,” you’ll know exactly where to go and what to order.
15 Healthy Fast Food Chains Offering Nutritious Choices
1. Panera Bread: Your Neighborhood Healthy Haven
Panera Bread stands out as a top contender for healthy fast food. Known for its fresh ingredients and wholesome menu, Panera offers a variety of salads packed with vegetables. Just be mindful of dressings, as they can add hidden calories. Opt for lighter vinaigrettes or ask for dressing on the side. For a more substantial meal, add grilled chicken to your salad. Panera’s sandwiches and soups are also great choices. Grilled chicken sandwiches on whole grain bread are perfect for a lighter lunch. Be cautious of creamy soups, cheesy dishes, and sugary pastries, which can be higher in fat and calories. When looking for healthy fast food near you, Panera Bread is a reliable option for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
via Panera Bread
2. Taco Bell: Surprisingly Healthy and Conveniently Located
Taco Bell might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of healthy fast food, but it’s surprisingly health-conscious. With a wide-ranging menu that caters to various dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and low-calorie options, Taco Bell is a flexible choice. An impressive 75% of their menu items are under 500 calories, making it a great option for a quick and lighter meal. To further lighten your meal, order any item “Fresco Style.” This swaps out mayo-based sauces, cheese, and sour cream for fresh diced tomatoes, significantly reducing calories and fat. A Fresco Style soft taco can be as low as 160 calories, and a Burrito Supreme becomes just 340 calories with this simple modification. For healthy fast food options near me that are also budget-friendly, Taco Bell is worth considering.
3. Chick-Fil-A: Healthy Choices at a Drive-Thru Near You
Chick-Fil-A, a beloved fast food chain across America, offers more than just fried chicken. While it’s easy to indulge in higher-calorie options, Chick-Fil-A also provides a variety of healthier choices. For lighter fare, consider the grilled chicken wrap or chicken noodle soup, both lower in calories. The kale crunch salad is another excellent low-sodium option. They even offer gluten-free buns for those with dietary restrictions. For a healthy fast food breakfast near you, the egg white grill and Greek yogurt parfaits are among the most nutritious choices. Remember to be mindful of sauces, as they can quickly add extra calories and fat. Opt for light dressings or ask for sauces on the side to control your intake.
via Chick-Fil-A
4. Chipotle: Customize Your Healthy Bowl, Find One Near You
When it comes to healthy fast food, Chipotle is a standout, largely because of its customizable meal format. Building your own bowl or salad allows you to choose healthier ingredients and control portion sizes. Opt for salads or bowls over tortillas, as tortillas alone can add significant calories. For protein, steak and sofritas are among the leanest choices. Brown rice is a more nutritious base than white rice due to its higher fiber content. Load up on vegetable toppings and skip high-calorie additions like queso and sour cream. While generally healthy, be mindful of sodium content when choosing your ingredients at Chipotle. Searching for “healthy fast food options near me” often leads to Chipotle, thanks to its focus on fresh, customizable ingredients.
5. Panda Express: Wok Smart for Healthy Fast Food on the Go
American-Chinese fast food might not always scream “healthy,” but Panda Express offers a “Wok Smart” menu specifically designed for health-conscious diners. These menu items contain at least 8 grams of protein and are under 300 calories, making them a better choice when you’re looking for healthy fast food near you. To further enhance the nutritional value of your meal, choose steamed brown rice and add greens and tofu. Grilled shrimp or grilled chicken are leaner protein options compared to fried choices, helping to reduce calories and carbohydrates.
via Panda Express
6. Sweetgreen: Salad Bowls for a Quick and Healthy Meal Nearby
While Sweetgreen may not be as ubiquitous as some other chains, it’s definitely a go-to for healthy fast food. With locations in 21 states, Sweetgreen specializes in rice and quinoa bowls and salads with bases like kale, lettuce, arugula, or spinach. You can customize your bowl or salad with a variety of nuts, seeds, beans, vegetables, and proteins, and choose from different dressings and sauces. The base of salad or quinoa bowls inherently makes Sweetgreen a healthier fast food option. However, be mindful of toppings and dressings, as calories can quickly add up. When searching for “healthy fast food options near me” that prioritize fresh salads and bowls, Sweetgreen is a great choice if available in your area.
7. Subway: Build Your Own Healthy Sandwich or Salad, Conveniently Located
Subway is a reliable choice for healthy fast food, largely due to its “Fresh Fit” menu options and the ability to customize your order. The American Heart Association has even recognized Subway for heart-healthy meals like the Veggie Delite and Sweet Onion Chicken Teriyaki sandwich (when made on 9-grain wheat bread with recommended veggies). Subway’s strength lies in its customization. You can load up on vegetables, choose whole grain breads, and select leaner protein options. If you’re not in the mood for a sandwich, Subway salads are also a solid, healthy choice. With locations virtually everywhere, Subway is a conveniently accessible “healthy fast food option near me.”
via Subway
8. CAVA: Mediterranean Flavors for a Healthy Fast-Casual Experience
CAVA, a fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in Mediterranean cuisine, is a fantastic option for healthy fast food. The Mediterranean diet is widely recognized for its health benefits, and CAVA brings those flavors to a convenient fast-casual setting. Their menu features bowls and pitas that you can fill with grilled meats, falafel, eggplant, and hummus. “RightRice,” made from lentils, chickpeas, green peas, and rice, offers more protein and fiber and fewer carbohydrates than white rice. Grilled chicken and roasted vegetables are among the healthiest choices at CAVA. You can build your own bowl or choose from pre-designed menu options. For those seeking flavorful and nutritious “healthy fast food options near me,” CAVA is an excellent choice, offering a delicious taste of the Mediterranean.
9. Veggie Grill: Plant-Based Healthy Fast Food, Find a Location
Veggie Grill is a pioneer in the plant-based fast-casual scene and is undoubtedly one of the healthiest fast food chains, especially for vegetarians and vegans. Their menu features vegan versions of comfort food classics like buffalo wings, burgers, and mac and cheese, along with seasonal specials. They also offer gluten-free and low-carb options. Beyond the vegan comfort food, Veggie Grill’s vegetable and plant-based meat wraps and salad bowls are incredibly nutritious, packed with vegetables and fruits. Be mindful of additions like tortilla chips and dressings, which can increase calorie counts. If you are looking for “healthy fast food options near me” that are plant-based and delicious, Veggie Grill is a top choice, though locations are less widespread than some other chains.
via Veggie Grill
10. Noodles & Company: Customizable Bowls with Healthy Noodle Options
Noodles & Company, another fast-casual chain, offers noodle bowls, soups, and salads with a focus on customization. For the healthiest choices, explore their “LEANguini” line, which boasts 44% fewer net carbs and 50% more protein than traditional pasta while maintaining flavorful sauces. Their regular pasta bowls also often include vegetables, grilled chicken, Impossible “chicken,” tofu, and shrimp, providing good sources of protein. For an even healthier option, swap traditional pasta for zucchini noodles (“zoodles”), significantly reducing carbohydrates and calories. When searching for “healthy fast food options near me” that offer variety and customizable healthy bowls, Noodles & Company is a solid contender.
11. Au Bon Pain: Bakery-Style Healthy Fast Food for a Quick Bite
Au Bon Pain, a bakery-style fast food restaurant, provides delicious and satisfying meals with numerous low-calorie options across their menu. They offer a wide selection of sandwiches, soups, and salads. For health-conscious individuals, Au Bon Pain features 19 low-fat soups under 200 calories. The chicken salad sandwich on whole grain bread is a relatively healthy option at 490 calories, with low fat and high fiber content. Salads loaded with vegetables, topped with lean protein, are also excellent choices for a low-calorie and nutritious meal. If you’re looking for “healthy fast food options near me” with a bakery touch, Au Bon Pain provides a range of lighter choices.
via Au Bon Pain
12. Wendy’s: Salads and More at a Burger Chain Near You
It might be surprising to see a burger chain on a list of healthy fast food options, but Wendy’s offers a surprisingly robust salad selection for a fast food restaurant. Their salad menu includes cobb, apple pecan, Parmesan Caesar, and taco salads. You can also order these salads without meat for vegetarian options. To control calories and fat, order dressings on the side. Be mindful of added cheese and tortilla chips on some salads. Healthier side alternatives to fries include grilled chicken wraps, baked potatoes, or apple bites. While Wendy’s is known for burgers, their salad options make them a viable “healthy fast food option near me” when you’re looking for something lighter.
13. Native Foods: Eco-Friendly Vegan Fast Food, Check for Locations
Native Foods stands out as both an eco-friendly and healthy fast food chain. While locations are fewer, it’s a top destination for delicious and healthy vegan dishes. This vegan chain offers healthy options like the sesame kale bowl and Buddha bowl. However, Native Foods is also loved for its vegan takes on comfort foods like chicken tenders and burgers. Plant-based ingredients make these typically indulgent foods a bit healthier than their traditional counterparts. Still, be mindful of toppings and fried options like onion rings and fries. For a satisfying and plant-based “healthy fast food option near me,” Native Foods is worth seeking out if available in your area.
via Native Foods
14. Burger King: Impossible Choices for a Healthier Burger Nearby
Like Wendy’s, Burger King might seem like an unexpected addition to a list of healthy fast food chains. However, Burger King does offer some options that can be part of a healthier meal. A key highlight is the Impossible Burger, a plant-based patty. While only slightly lower in calories than a beef Whopper, the Impossible Burger offers a different nutritional profile. To make any burger healthier at Burger King, remove mayonnaise and cheese and consider swapping the bun for a lettuce wrap to reduce simple carbohydrates and saturated fat. This can result in a more nutritious meal, especially when you need a quick and convenient “healthy fast food option near me.”
15. Mendocino Farms: Seasonal and Innovative Healthy Fast-Casual
Mendocino Farms is not only one of the healthiest fast food chains but also one of the most innovative. Their menu changes seasonally, ensuring fresh, in-season ingredients. Mendocino Farms offers sandwiches, salads, and soups, all with healthy options. You can order sandwiches “breadless” for a low-carb meal or enjoy the same sandwich flavors in salad form. They also create healthier versions of comfort food favorites, like their “Not-So-Fried Chicken,” which uses shaved roasted chicken breast with crunchy polenta for a healthier take on fried chicken. A dedicated vegan menu further expands healthy choices. For a more upscale and health-conscious “healthy fast food option near me,” Mendocino Farms is a great choice, offering unique and flavorful dishes.
via Mendocino Farms
Finding the Healthiest Fast Food Options Near You
While no fast food chain is exclusively “healthy,” these 15 chains demonstrate that nutritious options are readily available. There isn’t one single “healthiest” fast food chain, but rather a variety of choices across different menus that allow you to make healthier decisions. When searching for “healthy fast food options near me,” remember that making smart swaps and menu choices is key.
Opting for whole grain bread, choosing salad dressings on the side, and skipping creamy or cheesy additions can significantly reduce calories and fat. Choosing lean proteins like grilled chicken or fish helps you feel full and satisfied while providing essential nutrients. By being informed about these healthier fast food chains and menu options, you can enjoy the convenience of fast food while staying true to your health and wellness goals. So, next time you’re looking for a quick and healthy meal, explore these options and discover delicious and nutritious “healthy fast food options near you.”
Eating healthy doesn’t mean giving up the convenience of fast food. By making informed choices at these healthier fast food chains, you can easily find balanced and nutritious meals that fit your lifestyle and health needs, right in your neighborhood.
