10 Healthy(ish) McDonald’s Menu Items That Are Tasty and Cheap

A busy day or long trip can lead to stopping for fast food even when you want to eat healthy and don’t want to spend too much money. 

While many fast food options are unhealthy, ultra-processed, and full of calories, some healthy(ish) McDonald’s menu items can help you stretch your fast food budget.

Here are 10 options from the McDonald’s menu that work as a healthy(ish) breakfast, snack, or lunch:

Price: $2.59

For only 320 calories, you can choose a Fruit & Maple Oatmeal for a filling, warm breakfast. The oatmeal is topped with apples, raisins, and cranberries and is high in fiber, so you’ll be more likely to get by until lunch without feeling hungry. 

You can ask to skip the added brown sugar to make it healthier.

Price: $4.19

An Egg McMuffin for breakfast will leave you satisfied and full without guilt about having something unhealthy. The eggs in a McMuffin are real and have no added ingredients, a promising sign from a fast-food item.

You can modify the sandwich by adding extra cheese for 50 more calories or doubling the egg for 70 calories. Modifications can add nutrition and fill you up more, but be mindful of the calories they add.

Price: 50 cents

Fruit is always a healthy snack, so you might be surprised to learn that you can just order apple slices at McDonalds for less than $1. 

Apples benefit your heart, and the peels have lots of fiber, ensuring you’re getting nutrition from this quick snack. Not only are apple slices a great snack, but they’re also the perfect side to a sandwich or McNuggets.

Price: $1.49

While chicken is generally healthier, you don’t have to turn down a classic hamburger at McDonalds if that’s what sounds good. At just 250 calories, they are a healthy(ish) item with lots of protein and other nutrients. 

Making it a cheeseburger boosts the protein and adds flavor for only 50 extra calories, but doubling the meat can lead to a calorie-laden meal full of sodium.

Price: $1

While a McChicken is already one of the healthier options on the McDonald’s menu, you can reduce the amount of fat, calories, and sodium by asking for it without mayonnaise. 

Another option is to order it without the bun to save around 150 calories. If you want to add more flavor or nutrients, you can ask to add pickles, onion, tomato, or cheese to your sandwich.

Price: $4.79

The Filet-O-Fish is a good option when you want as many nutrients as possible during your McDonald’s visit. It has plenty of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, iodine, and other essential nutrients like calcium and phosphorus. 

This sandwich is fried, but it’s still better than many options on the menu, and you can reduce the calories by skipping the tartar sauce or cheese.

Price: $2.19

Chicken is often healthier than a hamburger since it’s a leaner meat and has fewer calories. McNuggets are one of the healthier fast food items, containing protein and only 170 calories without sauce. 

You can make your nuggets a meal by adding apple slices and a sugar-free drink while sticking to your health goals.

Price: $3.29

A drink can sometimes get you by until your next meal if you only need a snack. While it’s best to avoid too much sugar, a small McCafé Latte also has protein and other nutrients but doesn’t have sodium and is only 140 calories. 

It’s the perfect option when you want something hot to sip on and to give you a little something between meals.

Price: $2.09

McDonald’s Sausage Burrito has eggs, sausage, green chiles, onions, and cheese on a tortilla, covering key food groups. It’s also full of protein and other nutrients and will keep you feeling full throughout the morning. 

Pair it with apples as a side, and you have a relatively healthy meal to start your day.

Price: $1.89

Black coffee is the way to go for caffeine without many calories. While the McDonald's website says it has ten calories, black coffee has around two calories per eight ounces. 

Adding cream or sugar still doesn’t add too many calories if you don't go overboard. The cream is 20 calories each, and sugar packets are 15 calories each.

Eating at McDonald’s doesn’t have to mean ruining your healthy eating habits because many options are relatively healthy for when you’re in a hurry or on a long trip. 

You’ll likely pass a McDonald’s anywhere, so knowing what healthy(ish), budget-friendly items to order can make all the difference.

Be careful of portion sizes when ordering, and always choose unsweetened drinks to ensure you’re as healthy as possible. Skipping sauces and additional toppings can help you meet your nutritional goals, satisfy your hunger, and help you avoid wasting money.