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9 of the Healthiest Fast Food Meals in 2025

December 08, 2025

Fast food doesn’t have to mean compromising on all your healthy eating goals.

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We’ve all been there. When you just can’t cook or are stuck on the road with nowhere else to eat, swinging by the nearest drive-thru might be most convenient option to just getting some food in your stomach. But opting for fast food doesn’t have to mean compromising all your healthy eating goals.

Not all fast-food menus are made equal, and some items are healthier than others. When scanning through menus, look for meals that are not only lower in calories compared to other options (think a single burger verses a deluxe burger with all the works), but are also lower in artery-clogging saturated fat. Go for items that have even some non-fried vegetables or fruit (or both); this will help balance out your meal.

With that, we’ve rounded up the best fast-food meal options that can fit into a healthy eating plan.

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Panera Bread’s Fuji Apple Chicken Salad

This balanced salad is made with mixed greens and romaine lettuce tossed in white balsamic vinaigrette and topped with grilled chicken, grape tomatoes, red onions, toasted pecan pieces, feta and apple chips. If you’re looking to cut back on the sodium, go light on the dressing or omit the feta.

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Photo: Photo courtesy of Chick-fil-A
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Chick-fil-A’s Grilled Chicken Sandwich

When you’re rolling into Chick-fil-A, a chain famous for its fried chicken sandwiches, go for an option that skips the frying altogether. Its Grilled Chicken Sandwich is made with lemon-herb marinated boneless chicken breast served on a multigrain bun with lettuce and tomato. The sodium, saturated fat and sugars are all within reasonable limits for a sandwich. Fill out your meal with a fruit cup or side salad.

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Photo: Photo courtesy of McDonald's
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McDonald’s Fruit & Maple Oatmeal

If you’re looking for a healthier breakfast at The Golden Arches, opt for Fruit & Maple Oatmeal, which in some locations may be available all day. This dish contains two servings of whole-grain oats with a touch of cream and brown sugar. You’ll also get some fiber, since it’s sweetened with red and green apples, cranberries and two varieties of raisins.

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Photo: Photo courtesy of Chipotle
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Chipotle’s Wholesome Bowl

One of Chipotle’s “Lifestyle Bowls,” the Wholesome Bowl is comprised of a salad blend, chicken, fajita vegetables, fresh tomato salsa and guacamole. It’s a great option for those who must eat gluten-free or are following specific diets such as Paleo, Whole30 or keto. Pair it with a smaller serving of rice, or a tortilla on the side if you want to add more carbs.

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Subway’s Sweet Onion Teriyaki Bowl

This sandwich turned bowl is made with sweet onion teriyaki chicken strips, American cheese, lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers, black olives and red onions, and is topped with sweet onion teriyaki dressing. This option is reasonable calorie-wise, and comes with plenty of vegetables, balanced out with protein and dairy. If you’re looking to decrease the sodium, hold the olives and go lighter on the dressing.

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Starbucks’ Tomato and Mozzarella on Focaccia

If you find yourself hungry when hitting up a Starbucks, order this plant-based sandwich which includes roasted tomatoes, mozzarella, spinach and basil pesto layered in focaccia. For a very reasonable 360 calories and 15 grams of protein, this meal provides a balance of dairy, grains, vegetables and healthy fat. Further, the sodium count is reasonable at 590 milligrams per sandwich.

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Photo: Photo courtesy of Dunkin'
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Dunkin’s Egg & Cheese Sandwich

This simple sandwich served on an English muffin can be ordered any time of day. The item’s calories, saturated fat and even sodium count are reasonable and can hold you over until you can get to your next meal.

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Wendy’s Grilled Signature Chicken Wrap

Wendy’s signature wrap is filled with herb-marinated grilled chicken breast, cheddar cheese and romaine lettuce drizzled with ranch sauce. Although it has protein, it’s just not enough food for a filling meal. To balance it out and stay fuller longer, pair with a small chili or apple bites — or both, depending on your individual needs.

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Photo: Photo courtesy of Noodles & Company
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Noodles & Company’s Rigatoni Rosa with Parmesan Chicken

If you’re in the mood for a pasta dish, this Noodles & Company menu item contains a reasonable amount of calories, fat and protein. The rigatoni is served in a mildly spiced tomato cream sauce with parmesan-crusted chicken, cherry tomatoes, spinach and mushrooms. To cut back on sodium, ask to hold the Parmesan.

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