You may think it’s impossible to eat low-carb at McDonald’s, but with a little creativity and know-how, you can!
With options like bunless burgers, salads, and more, you can enjoy delicious, quick eats at McDonald’s while still meeting your health goals. Keep reading to learn how!
We will highlight fifteen of the best keto-friendly menu items to choose from when you’re craving fast food but want to stick to your diet.
Table of Contents
Best Keto Options At McDonald’s
The keto diet is all about eating low-carb, high fat. This makes fast food restaurants like McDonald’s tricky when you are trying to stay in ketosis.
However, with some modifications, you can enjoy some McDonald’s favorites and still stick to your keto diet. Here are fifteen of the best keto options at McDonald’s:
Big Mac (no bun)
A Big Mac with no bun from McDonald’s is a great option for those following a keto diet because it is low in carbs and protein. The Big Mac without the bun has only 4g of net carbs, much lower than the regular Big Mac with a bun, which has 45g of net carbs. In addition, the Big Mac without the bun has 28g of protein, making it a great source of protein. The Big Mac without the bun also has only 270 calories, which is lower than the regular Big Mac with the bun, which has 540 calories.
Overall, the Big Mac without the bun is an excellent choice for those following a keto diet because it is low in carbs and high in protein, making it a great fuel source for the body. Additionally, the Big Mac without the bun has a significantly lower calorie count than the regular Big Mac with the bun, making it a great option for those trying to lose weight or maintain their current weight.
Quarter Pounder with Cheese (no bun)
A Quarter Pounder with Cheese with no bun is an ideal keto-friendly meal at Mcdonald’s because of its low carb content. The sandwich contains 20g of fat, 24g of protein, and 0g of net carbs, making it an excellent fuel source for a ketogenic diet. The sandwich has only 420 calories, making it a low-calorie meal.
Nutritionwise, the sandwich is packed with essential vitamins and minerals such as Calcium, Iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, and vitamins A, C, and K. Furthermore, it is free of added sugars, making it a healthy option.
You can enjoy a keto-friendly and nutritious meal by removing the bun and opting for a Quarter Pounder with Cheese with no bun. This meal is a great option for those following a low-carb diet and will satisfy your taste buds.
Grilled Chicken Sandwich (no bun)
A Grilled Chicken Sandwich with no bun at McDonald’s is a perfect option for those following a ketogenic diet. This sandwich contains only 2.5g of net carbs and a whopping 25g of protein – making it an ideal choice for those looking for a low-carb meal. The sandwich has a grilled chicken patty, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise. This combination of ingredients is high in protein and low in carbs, making it an excellent choice for those looking to stay within their keto macros.
In addition to being low in carbs, this sandwich is also a good source of healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Mcdonald’s also offers a variety of other low-carb options, such as salads and wraps, so you can customize your order to fit your nutritional needs.
Filet-O-Fish (no bun)
The Filet-O-Fish at Mcdonald’s is a great option for a keto diet because it is low in net carbohydrates and high in protein and fat. Without the bun, the Filet-O-Fish contains only 4g of net carbs, 16g of fat, and 14g of protein. This makes it a great option for anyone looking for a quick and convenient keto-friendly meal.
Additionally, the Filet-O-Fish contains no sugar, which is important for anyone on the keto diet. It also contains a good amount of healthy omega-3 fatty acids and is a good source of Calcium and Iron. Since the Filet-O-Fish is already naturally low in carbs, it is an ideal choice for anyone on a keto diet.
Overall, the Filet-O-Fish at McDonald’s is a great choice for anyone on a keto diet and provides a quick and convenient meal option. The nutritional information and net carb count make it a great option for those looking to stay on track with their keto diet.
Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich (no bun)
The Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich with no bun from McDonald’s is a great option for those following a keto diet. It is a low-carb, high-protein option with only 5 net carbs and 30g of protein. This sandwich is made with two grilled chicken patties, white cheddar cheese, and creamy garlic aioli on a bed of lettuce, making it a great alternative to a traditional bunned sandwich.
Nutrition-wise, this sandwich is a great option. It contains only 280 calories and is a great source of protein, with 30g per serving. It is also low in fat, with only 8g per serving, and has zero grams of sugar. This sandwich is also high in dietary fiber, with 3g per serving.
Overall, the Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich with no bun from McDonald’s is an excellent keto-friendly option for those looking for a low-carb lunch or dinner. The 5 net carbs, 30g of protein, zero sugar, low fat, and high fiber make it a great choice for those following a keto diet.
10-piece Chicken McNuggets
A 10-piece Chicken McNuggets meal from McDonald’s is keto-friendly because it contains only 2 grams of net carbohydrates. Net carbohydrates are the total carbohydrates minus the fiber and sugar alcohols, making this meal an excellent option for those following a ketogenic diet. Additionally, this meal comes with a side of your choice and contains only 420 calories.
The nutrition information for the 10-piece Chicken McNuggets meal includes 20 grams of fat, 25 grams of protein, and 2 grams of net carbohydrates. This meal also contains 0 grams of sugar, which is great for limiting sugar intake.
The 10-piece Chicken McNuggets meal is a great option for those following a ketogenic diet due to its low carbohydrate content and high protein and fat content. This meal is also low in calories and sugar, making it an ideal option for those looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Bacon Ranch Grilled Chicken Salad
A Bacon Ranch Grilled Chicken Salad from Mcdonald’s is a great choice if you’re looking for a keto-friendly meal. The salad contains grilled chicken filet, shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, bacon bits, pico de gallo, and a bacon ranch dressing. It has 30g of fat, 31g of protein, and just 7g of net carbs. This makes it one of the most keto-friendly options on the McDonald’s menu.
Additionally, the salad is a great source of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Calcium, and Iron. All these nutrients are essential to keeping your body healthy while maintaining a keto diet.
Grilled Chicken Club Sandwich
A Grilled Chicken Club Sandwich from Mcdonald’s is one of the more keto-friendly options on the Mcdonald’s menu. It contains 17g of net carbs, which is within the range of a ketogenic diet. The Grilled Chicken Club Sandwich also contains 24g of protein and 11g of fat. This combination of carbs, protein, and fat makes it an ideal choice for anyone looking to maintain a ketogenic diet.
The Grilled Chicken Club Sandwich also contains other important nutrients such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and Calcium. It is relatively low in sodium and provides a good source of dietary fiber. This makes the Grilled Chicken Club Sandwich an overall healthy and nutritious choice for anyone following a ketogenic diet.
Hamburger
A Hamburger from McDonald’s is a great option for someone on the keto diet. The Hamburger has only 6g of net carbs, making it a great low-carb option for a meal. It also packs a lot of protein, 21g, and fat, 9g. The Hamburger also has 8g of dietary fiber, which helps to keep you fuller for longer. The Hamburger is a great way to get some necessary nutrients and macros while following the keto diet.
Cheeseburger
A Cheeseburger from McDonald’s is a great option for those following a keto-friendly lifestyle. The Cheeseburger contains just 10 net carbs per serving, making it a great choice for those looking to stay within their daily carb allotment. The Cheeseburger also contains 25 grams of protein, along with 68% of the daily value of Vitamin C, 10% of the daily value of Iron, and 7% of the daily value of Calcium. The Cheeseburger is also low in fat, containing just 9 grams and 2 grams of saturated fat. The Cheeseburger from Mcdonald’s is a great option for those following a keto-friendly lifestyle, as it balances protein, fat, and carbohydrates well.
Side Salad
A Side Salad at McDonald’s is a great choice for those following a ketogenic diet, as it contains few net carbohydrates. The Side Salad contains just 6 grams of net carbs, making it an ideal choice for those on a low-carb diet. The salad is also low in calories, containing just 90 calories, and is high in fiber with 4 grams. Additionally, it is packed with vitamins and minerals, containing important vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and potassium.
The Side Salad is great for those seeking a low-carb and nutritious meal at McDonald’s. The low carb and high nutrient content make it a great choice for those following a ketogenic diet.
Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad
The Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad at McDonald’s is a great option for those on the keto diet. The salad comes with grilled chicken, a blend of baby spinach and romaine lettuce, a three-cheese blend, a flavorful fajita-style blend of roasted corn and peppers, crispy tortilla strips, and a creamy southwest ranch dressing. These ingredients are low in carbs, making it a great option for those following a ketogenic diet.
The nutrition information for the Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad is as follows: 270 calories, 8g fat, 2g saturated fat, 47g carbohydrates, 3g fiber, 10g sugar, and 33g protein. This dish provides a net carb count of 44g, low enough to fit into a ketogenic diet. Additionally, the salad is high in protein and fat, two essential elements of a keto diet.
Overall, the Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad at McDonald’s is a great option for those on the keto diet. Its low carb count and many healthy ingredients make this dish a great way to stay in ketosis while enjoying a delicious meal.
Egg McMuffin
The Egg McMuffin from Mcdonald’s is a great keto-friendly option for those looking for a breakfast sandwich without all the carbs. The sandwich contains just 9 net carbs, making it a great choice for those looking to stick to their keto diet goals. Additionally, it contains 16g of protein, 5g of fat, and 220 calories, providing a good balance of macronutrients for those looking for a quick breakfast. The sandwich is also a great source of fiber, vitamin A, Calcium, and iron source. This makes it a great option for those looking for a quick, nutritious breakfast while maintaining their keto diet goals.
Sausage McMuffin
The Sausage McMuffin from McDonald’s is a great option for those following a keto diet. It contains only 8g of net carbs, lower than most other breakfast items from McDonald’s. In addition, the McMuffin is a good source of protein, containing 20g per serving. This makes it an ideal breakfast choice for those following a keto diet.
The nutrition information for the Sausage McMuffin includes 320 calories, 20g of fat, 8g of carbohydrates, and 20g of protein. This is an ideal balance of macronutrients for keto diets, as it helps keep the body in ketosis. It is also low in sodium compared to other breakfast items, which makes it an even better choice.
The Sausage McMuffin from McDonald’s is a great option for those following a keto diet. It contains only 8g of net carbs and is a good source of protein and fat. The nutrition information also makes it a great breakfast choice for those looking to stay in ketosis.
Sausage Burrito
The McDonald’s Sausage Burrito is a great option for anyone looking for a keto-friendly meal. With only 9 net carbs, it is a low-carb option that still offers a satisfying meal. The burrito is filled with sausage, egg, cheese, and a creamy jalapeno sauce, all wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. The combination of protein and fat makes it an ideal choice for those following a ketogenic diet.
Regarding nutrition, the Sausage Burrito contains 400 calories, 20 grams of fat, 18 grams of protein, and 9 grams of net carbs. This makes it an excellent option for those looking to maintain low levels of carbohydrates while still getting enough calories and nutrition to fuel their keto lifestyle. The burrito is also free of artificial ingredients, making it a healthier option for those looking for a keto-friendly meal.
Overall, McDonald’s Sausage Burrito is a great option for anyone looking for a keto-friendly meal. With a low net carb count and nutritious ingredients, it offers a tasty filling option for those following a ketogenic diet.
What to Avoid for Keto at McDonald’s?
McDonald’s has some keto-friendly options, but there are also many menu items that should be avoided on the keto diet.
Here’s what to steer clear of if you’re following a keto diet:
Drinks and Desserts
- Sodas and fruit juices have a lot of sugar added to them. It’s best to avoid these and stick to water or plain coffee/tea without any sweeteners.
- Sweet treats like McFlurries and milkshakes should also be skipped. They are full of carbs and sugar, which is not good for keto.
Breads & Breaded Items
- Skip the burger buns and bread used for sandwiches and breakfast sandwiches. They contain too many carbs. Ask for your burger wrapped in lettuce leaves instead of a bun.
- Avoid pancakes, waffles, biscuits, and anything made with dough or batter. Stick to grilled meat, eggs, and other keto-friendly options.
- Avoid breaded patties, which are common for fried chicken or fish patties. Go for grilled items instead.
Sauces and Dressings
- Ketchup, barbeque sauce, sweet & sour dipping sauce, and McDonald’s creamy dressings have added sugar. Use plain mustard or mayo instead.
- Or, ask for your food without any sauce or dressing. Adding your own low-carb sauces is a good idea too.
Tips For Eating Keto At McDonald’s
Follow these tips to make keto-friendly choices when eating at McDonald’s:
- Focus on Beef – Order burgers without the bun and condiments. Opt for patties with higher fat content when possible. Add extra cheese, bacon, and avocado for fat.
- Customize Your Order – Don’t hesitate to ask for substitutions or to remove sugary sauces, condiments, and high-carb ingredients. Add extra veggies instead of fries.
- Choose Grilled Chicken – Grilled chicken sandwiches and salads are go-to keto options. Remove the bun and high-carb toppings. Add more avocado.
- Load up on Veggies – Ask for extra lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, mushrooms, and other fresh veggies to create volume without the carbs.
- Select Low-Carb Dressing – Ranch, mustard, olive oil, and vinegar are better dressing choices than sweet, sugary dressings.
- Skip Fries and Starchy Sides – Fries, fruit cups, oatmeal, hash browns, and biscuits are too high in carbs.
- Avoid Sugary Drinks – Sodas, juices, shakes, smoothies, and frappes are forbidden. Opt for unsweetened coffee or tea and add heavy cream.
- Say No to Dessert – Don’t even think about ordering sundaes, McFlurries, pies, cookies, or other desserts. They are carb bombs.
- If Unsure, Check the Menu – Review the McDonald’s menu online and use nutrition calculators to identify lower carb options.
- Meal Prep Snacks – Bring some nuts, seeds, cheese, or hard-boiled eggs to help you avoid temptation.
With smart swaps and custom orders, you can eat keto at McDonald’s. Focus on burgers, chicken, salad, and low-carb dressings.
Conclusion
Who says you can’t have it your way on keto? With the right substitutions and smart menu choices, you can even enjoy McDonald’s without being thrown out of ketosis.
Salads, bunless burgers, grilled chicken, and breakfast sandwiches can all be made keto-friendly with simple swaps. Don’t deprive yourself, satisfy occasional fast food cravings by sticking to these low-carb picks.
McDonald’s offers more keto options than you would think. So go ahead and give in to your next craving, just be prepared and make the right decisions.
