Craving fast food but watching your waistline? You’re not alone. The good news is that finding Low Calorie Fast Food Options is easier than ever. With growing health awareness, fast-food chains are expanding their menus to include healthier choices. This guide explores 25 delicious and surprisingly low-calorie options to satisfy your cravings without derailing your diet.
Finding Healthy Bites on the Go
Finding fast food used to mean sacrificing health. Not anymore. Restaurants are responding to the demand for low calorie fast food options, offering a wider variety for health-conscious consumers. This list of 25 options proves there’s something for everyone.
What Qualifies as Low Calorie Fast Food?
A low-calorie diet typically restricts daily intake to 1,200-1,800 calories for women and 1,500-2,000 for men, depending on individual goals and body weight. This requires making healthier choices, like opting for a side salad instead of fries. Many fast-food chains now cater to this need with salads, grilled options, and the ability to customize orders by omitting high-calorie ingredients like cheese and creamy sauces.
25 Delicious Low Calorie Fast Food Choices
1. Cava Greek Salad: A Mediterranean Delight
Cava’s Greek Salad bursts with fresh flavors. Grilled chicken, tzatziki, feta, cucumber, tomato, Kalamata olives, and a light Greek vinaigrette make this a satisfying and nutritious meal. For even fewer calories, omit the tzatziki and feta.
2. Chipotle Chicken Salad: Customizable and Healthy
Build your own healthy meal at Chipotle. The Chicken Salad with grilled chicken, fajita vegetables, beans, and fresh tomato salsa is a low-calorie powerhouse.
3. Taco Bell Bean Burrito: A Vegetarian Favorite
Taco Bell’s Bean Burrito is a classic for a reason. Packed with protein and fiber, it’s a satisfyingly low-calorie option. Skip the rice for an even leaner meal.
4. Pizza Hut Medium Thin ‘N Crispy Cheese Pizza: Guilt-Free Pizza
Pizza lovers rejoice! Pizza Hut’s Thin ‘N Crispy Cheese Pizza offers a delicious slice without the calorie overload. At just 180 calories per slice, it’s a surprisingly guilt-free indulgence.
5. Dunkin’ Donuts Wake-Up Wrap: A Quick and Easy Breakfast
Dunkin’ Donuts offers more than just donuts. The Wake-Up Wrap, with various options like bacon, egg, and cheese, provides a satisfying low-calorie breakfast on the go.
6. Burger King Classic Royal Crispy Wrap: A Lighter Burger Option
Burger King’s Royal Crispy Wrap is a surprisingly low-calorie choice at just 310 calories. With a decent amount of protein and low saturated fat, it’s a great snack or light meal.
7. McDonald’s McChicken Sandwich: A Classic for a Reason
The McChicken is a classic low-calorie option, providing a satisfying crunch and juicy chicken for only 400 calories.
8. Jack in the Box Garden Salad with Grilled Chicken: Fresh and Flavorful
Jack in the Box’s Garden Salad with Grilled Chicken is a refreshing and low-calorie option. Loaded with vegetables and lean protein, it’s a healthy and filling choice.
9. Shake Shack BLT: Simple and Satisfying
Shake Shack’s BLT, a secret menu item, is a simple yet satisfying low-calorie option. Bacon, lettuce, and tomato on a potato bun provide a classic combination for around 300 calories.
10. Subway 6-Inch Turkey Breast Sub: Customizable and Healthy
Subway’s 6-Inch Turkey Breast Sub is a customizable and low-calorie option. At just 280 calories without toppings, it allows for personalized additions while keeping the calorie count in check.
11. Arby’s Jalapeño Roast Beef Slider: A Spicy Low-Calorie Snack
Arby’s Jalapeño Roast Beef Slider packs a flavorful punch for only 220 calories. Roast beef, jalapeños, and melted cheese on a slider bun make for a satisfying and spicy snack.
12. Taco Bell Crunchy Taco: A Classic Low-Calorie Indulgence
Taco Bell’s Crunchy Taco is a surprisingly low-calorie option at just 170 calories. Its satisfying crunch and flavorful filling make it a guilt-free indulgence.
13. Panda Express Mixed Veggies & Mushroom Chicken Bowl: A Flavorful and Balanced Meal
Panda Express offers surprisingly healthy options. The Mixed Veggies & Mushroom Chicken Bowl is a flavorful and balanced meal with only 250 calories.
14. Wendy’s Crispy Chicken BLT: A Crispy and Satisfying Sandwich
Wendy’s Crispy Chicken BLT is a surprisingly low-calorie option at 420 calories. Packed with flavor and satisfying textures, it’s a complete meal without the guilt.
15. Wendy’s Apple Pecan Salad: A Refreshing and Filling Salad
Wendy’s Apple Pecan Salad is a refreshing and filling option. With grilled chicken, apples, dried cranberries, and pecans, it offers a delicious mix of flavors and textures for only 410 calories.
16. Chick-fil-A Kale Crunch Salad: A Healthy and Flavorful Salad
Chick-fil-A’s Kale Crunch Salad is a healthy and flavorful option with only 170 calories. Kale, green cabbage, and salted almonds provide a satisfying crunch, while a savory dressing adds a delicious kick. Add grilled chicken for a protein boost.
17. Popeyes Red Beans and Rice: A Vegetarian and Flavorful Side
Popeyes Red Beans and Rice is a flavorful and satisfying side dish. At just 210 calories, it’s a great option for vegetarians and those looking for a low-calorie side.
18. Taco Bell Veggie Power Bowl: A Vegetarian Powerhouse
Taco Bell’s Veggie Power Bowl is a vegetarian powerhouse packed with nutrients and flavor. At 420 calories, it’s a filling and satisfying meal option.
19. Starbucks Rolled and Steel Cut Oatmeal: A Hearty and Healthy Breakfast
Starbucks Rolled and Steel Cut Oatmeal is a hearty and healthy breakfast option. At 160 calories, it’s a great source of fiber and nutrients to start your day.
20. In-N-Out Protein Style Burger: A Bunless Burger Delight
In-N-Out’s Protein Style Burger offers a bunless alternative to their classic burger. Wrapped in lettuce, it’s a low-carb and protein-packed option.
21. Wendy’s Small Chili: A Hearty and Flavorful Chili
Wendy’s Small Chili is a hearty and flavorful option packed with protein and fiber. At under 250 calories, it’s a satisfying snack or light meal.
22. Sonic Spicy Chicken Slinger: A Spicy and Satisfying Slider
Sonic’s Spicy Chicken Slinger offers a spicy kick for only 350 calories. Breaded chicken with spicy ranch and pickles on a mini bun makes for a flavorful and satisfying slider.
23. Popeyes Blackened Tenders: A Flavorful and Healthy Chicken Option
Popeyes Blackened Tenders offer a healthier alternative to their classic fried tenders. At 280 calories for five tenders, they’re a flavorful and protein-packed option. Pair them with a side of coleslaw for a complete meal.
24. Carl’s Jr. Double Cheeseburger: A Classic Burger Indulgence
Carl’s Jr. Double Cheeseburger is a classic burger indulgence that clocks in at under 400 calories. At 380 calories, it allows for a satisfying burger experience without excessive calories.
25. Chick-fil-A Chick-n-Strips: A Crispy and Flavorful Chicken Option
Chick-fil-A Chick-n-Strips are a crispy and flavorful favorite. A full order contains just 310 calories, making it a surprisingly guilt-free indulgence.
Conclusion: Enjoying Fast Food Without the Guilt
With so many delicious and low calorie fast food options available, eating healthy on the go is easier than ever. Making informed choices and customizing orders can help you enjoy your favorite fast food treats without sacrificing your health goals.
