McDonald’s is delicious but, like all fast food, it’s not always the healthiest choice. If you’re in a time or money bind but still looking to stay on track with eating more mindfully, try these healthier options at the Golden Arches.
The below items are made with whole and real ingredients. While the recipes keep it pretty simple, you won’t be missing out on any flavor. Plus, it helps that they’re priced reasonably!
The Healthiest McDonald’s Options
Taste of Home, Via McDonalds.com (7)
Fruit & Maple Oatmeal
Running late for work? A hot Fruit & Maple Oatmeal from McDonald’s will hit the spot. The best part is that it’s completely customizable, whether you’re a fan of brown sugar, fresh diced apples, a splash of cream or a blend of dried cranberries.
The stats:
- 310 calories
- 4g fat
- 62g carbs
- 6g protein
Hamburger
If you’re craving a classic burger, go for a no-frills hamburger. It contains a healthy amount of protein and other nutrients. To cut down on sodium and carbs, skip the side of fries. That’s not necessarily exciting, but it will still keep you full.
The stats:
- 250 calories
- 8g fat
- 31g carbs
- 13g protein
Egg McMuffin
You can take comfort in knowing that the eggs in your egg McMuffin are 100% real, and are free from any added ingredients, unlike some of the other all-day breakfast offerings. No matter what time you’re craving breakfast, the Egg McMuffin is definitely the healthy way to enjoy a morning-inspired sandwich.
The stats:
- 300 calories
- 12g fat
- 30g carbs
- 18g protein
Filet-O-Fish
If you’re looking for something without meat or different from the classic burgers of McDonald’s, their Filet-O-Fish is calling your name. Made with creamy tartar sauce, gooey American cheese and a fish filet between two soft buns, this sandwich is low in calories while still being delicious.
The stats:
- 390 calories
- 19g fat
- 39g carbs
- 16g protein
Sausage Burrito
Looking for a sturdy breakfast to hold you over until lunch? McDonald’s sausage burrito stuffs a soft tortilla with scrambled eggs, pork sausage, green chiles, onions and melted cheese for a grab-on-the-go treat. For an added 140 calories, pair it with a hash brown for a well-rounded breakfast.
The stats:
- 310 calories
- 17g fat
- 25g carbs
- 13g protein
6 Piece Chicken McNuggets
Perfect for an in-between-meals snack, McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets are juicy, crunchy and protein-packed. They’re all the good flavor without the added preservatives. Pair it with a side of apple slices for 15 more calories or go for the 10 piece, which is 410 calories.
The stats:
- 250 calories
- 15g fat
- 15g carbs
- 14g protein
McChicken
Just as popular as their classic cheeseburger, fans love McDonald’s McChicken for its crunchy goodness. Save on calories by asking for no mayo or add some nutrients by adding vegetables like tomatoes and onions.
The stats:
- 400 calories
- 21g fat
- 39g carbs
- 14g protein
When in doubt, you can take a quick glance at the nutrition facts, which chain restaurants are now required to publish. Look for menu items with minimal ingredients and preservatives. If you don’t cook with them at home, you probably don’t want to eat them at a restaurant, either.
(Psst: See which restaurant is officially one of the healthiest fast foods.)
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Try These McDonald's Copycat Recipes
Inspired By: McDonald's Cheeseburger
A favorite on
McDonald's dollar menu, these copycat burgers are a blend of ground beef and breadcrumbs. You can cook them on the stovetop on a grill pan or a standard skillet. I like to top these burgers with cheese, lettuce, pickles, onions, ketchup and mustard. —Mike Goldman, Arden Hills, Minnesota
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Nancy Mock for Taste of Home
We cracked the code on one of McDonald's best-kept secrets; the Big Mac sauce! Perfect for topping on burgers, or dipping your fries and nuggets in, this McDonald's copycat recipe is one you'll want to keep on hand. —
Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Inspired By: Chicken McNuggetsI like to make these golden chicken nuggets because they’re so quick and easy. My whole family loves them. The seasoning can also be used on chicken breast halves to make amazing sandwiches. —Annette Ellyson, Carolina, West Virginia
Inspired By: McDonald's French FriesIt's a
fact that McDonald's fries are one of their best-selling items, so we've created an even tastier way to eat their fries! The addition of Parmesan and garlic is optional, but they make this side dish simply irresistible. —
Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Inspired By: Egg McMuffinOn a busy morning, this McDonald's copycat recipe save the day. A hearty combo of eggs, Canadian bacon and cheese will keep you fueled through lunchtime and beyond. —Christine Rukavena,
Taste of Home Senior Editor
NANCY MOCK FOR TASTE OF HOME
When this colorful dessert appears on the McDonald’s menu, you know St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner. Make your own all year round with this McDonald's copycat recipe. —Nancy Mock, Colchester, Vermont
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Tmb Studio
The sauces of all sauces to go with a crispy McNugget, this sweet-and-sour sauce recipe tastes just like the franchise's. If you like your sauces spicy, some crushed red pepper flakes give this sauce a little added kick. —
Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Inspired By: Quarter Pounder with CheeseThis McDonald's copycat recipe is a terrific taste of summer served with tall glasses of lemonade or cola. —Jesse & Anne Foust, Bluefield, West Virginia
Inspired By: Bacon, Egg & Cheese BiscuitI turned classic breakfast sandwiches into something heartier that you could even enjoy for dinner. We pile toppings like salsa and avocado—mayo and ketchup, too—on the homemade biscuits. —Fay Moreland, Wichita Falls, Texas
Inspired By: Honey Mustard SauceThis fast, easy mustard with rice vinegar and honey has more flavor than any other honey mustard dressing I've ever tried. —Sharon Rehm, New Blaine, Arkansas
Inspire By: McChickenAfter trying all the major fast-food chains' chicken sandwiches, I decided to come up with my own McDonald's copycat recipe. I know everyone says theirs is better than the original, but mine really is. —Ralph Jones, San Diego, California
Inspired By: McCafe Strawberry ShakeCool off with a thick and rich treat that will remind you of a malt shoppe! Nothing can beat this McDonald’s copycat strawberry shake recipe. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana.
Inspired By: HotcakesI found this fluffy and easy pancake recipe among our old family favorites and adapted it to make a small amount. It's quick and easy to prepare, but we still consider it a special treat. —Eugene Presley, Council, Virginia
Inspired By: Chicken SelectsI recently made this recipe of Mom's for my in-laws and they told me it was the "best fried chicken ever." Slicing the chicken breasts into strips cuts down on cooking time and ensures every piece is crunchy and evenly coated. Serve the homemade chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauce. —Genny Monchamp, Redding, California
Inspired By: Tangy Barbecue SauceI've never cared that much for store bought barbecue sauce. I just like to make things myself from scratch including this spicy, deep red-brown sauce. You'll find it clings well when you slather it on grilled meat. —Helena Georgette Mann, Sacramento, California
TMB Studio
Skip those morning drive-thru stops with this McDonald's copycat iced coffee recipe. Made with only four ingredients, your morning drink necessity can even been made ahead of time so it's ready to go when you are. —
Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Inspired By: Cinnamon MeltsA slow cooker turns day-old cinnamon rolls into a comforting, old-fashioned dessert. It tastes wonderful topped with lemon or vanilla sauce or whipped cream. —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana
Inspired By: McRibPerfect for a weekday dinner or cozy weekend meal, this McDonald's copycat recipe makes fall-off-the-bone tender meat with delicious flavor. —Margaret Luchsinger, Jupiter, Florida
Inspired By: Fruit & Maple OatmealI tasted muesli on a trip to Switzerland, and when I came home, I made it my way. Keep things interesting (and avoid midmorning munchies) by adding different fruits and nuts every day. —Maddie Kirk, Springfield, Pennsylvania
Inspired By: Filet-O-FishThe seasoned breading of this hearty sandwich turns mild-flavored cod or halibut into a taste sensation, and the creamy sauce just keeps it going! —Mildred Caruso, Brighton, Tennessee
Inspired By: Tartar SauceYou'll never buy the jarred stuff again once you've tried this homemade tartar sauce recipe! —Michelle Stromko, Darlington, Maryland
Inspired By: Spicy Chicken McNuggetsWe devour these spicy chicken nuggets at least once a week. If you want to tone down the heat, skip the chipotle pepper. —Cheryl Cook, Palmyra, Virginia
Inspired By: Sausage BurritoThis is a great kid-friendly recipe that takes only 20 minutes to prepare and cook. —Sharon Haswell, Cheshire, Massachusetts
Inspired By: Sweet BBQ Bacon BurgerEvery family has a burger of choice, and this McDonald's copycat recipe is ours. It's stacked tall with bacon and crunchy onion rings. —Paula Homer, Nampa, Idaho
Inspired By: Fruit 'N Yogurt ParfaitThe best time for this dessert is midsummer, when the blueberries are thick in our northern woods. Red raspberries can be added to the mixed berries, too, to brighten the patriotic colors. —Anne Theriault, Wellesley, Massachusetts
Inspired By: Fish McBitesMy husband and I love fried fish, but we're both trying to cut back on dietary fat. I came up with this oven-baked version. He likes it as much as deep-fried fish, so I know it's a winner. —LaDonna Reed, Ponca City, Oklahoma
Nancy Mock for Taste of Home
Enjoy the flavors of Christmas all-year-round with this McDonald's Eggnog Shake recipe. Simply add eggnog, vanilla ice cream, rum extract and nutmeg to a blender and blend it all together for that perfect milkshake. Don't forget the cherry on top! —
Taste of Home Test Kitchen
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Updated: Aug. 01, 2023
