The Discontinuation of the Grilled Chicken Wrap in the US
For many in the United States, the memory of a grilled chicken wrap from McDonald's is a distant one. The company has officially removed this option from its American menus for several years now. The decision was primarily a business one, driven by low sales volume and a desire to simplify kitchen operations. Unlike crispy chicken, which is relatively easy and fast to prepare, grilled chicken requires dedicated grill space and longer cooking times, which slowed down the service and was not profitable enough to justify its permanence.
What About the Snack Wrap's Return?
While headlines in 2024 and 2025 announced the return of the McDonald's Snack Wrap, it's crucial to understand this is a crispy chicken version, not grilled. The new Snack Wrap, featuring a McCrispy strip, was reintroduced in July 2025 in the US, featuring ranch and spicy flavors. It's a completely different product from the original grilled item and carries a different nutritional profile. The company's focus has shifted towards its fried chicken portfolio, as noted by CEO Chris Kempczinski.
International and Historical Calorie Counts
Since the grilled chicken wrap is no longer a US menu staple, calculating its calories requires looking at international menus or historical data. The nutritional content varied widely depending on the ingredients, sauces, and local portion sizes.
Examples from International Menus
- United Kingdom (UK): A standard grilled chicken wrap is listed at approximately 181 calories.
- Canada (CA): A Ranch Chicken Snack Wrap with grilled chicken was listed at around 260 calories.
- Australia (AU): The grilled chicken snack wrap came in at approximately 216-217 calories.
- India (IN): A grilled chicken wrap from McDonald's was found to contain around 308 calories.
Comparison: Crispy vs. Grilled Chicken Wraps
To highlight the difference in nutrition, here is a comparison table between a historical grilled wrap and the new crispy one returning to the US.
| Feature | Historical Grilled Chicken Wrap (International) | Reintroduced Crispy Snack Wrap (US, July 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Style | Grilled, sometimes marinated chicken breast | McCrispy strip (fried) |
| Calorie Range | Varies (e.g., 181-340 kcal) | Not officially released, but crispy is generally higher. The Crispy Chicken Snack Wrap was previously higher in calories |
| Sauce Options | Varies by region (e.g., ranch, ketchup) | Ranch and Spicy options |
| Fat Content | Typically lower due to grilled preparation | Likely higher due to crispy fried chicken and sauces |
| Availability | Discontinued in US, varies internationally | Limited time US return, nationwide |
Healthier Alternatives to a McDonald's Wrap
If you are seeking a genuinely healthy alternative, the best option is to make a homemade grilled chicken wrap. This gives you complete control over the ingredients, portion sizes, and preparation methods. Not only can you reduce the overall calorie count, but you can also boost the nutritional value with fresh, unprocessed ingredients.
Here are some tips for a delicious and healthy DIY grilled chicken wrap:
- Use a whole wheat tortilla: Opt for a fiber-rich tortilla to aid digestion and provide a longer-lasting feeling of fullness.
- Lean protein: Choose skinless, boneless chicken breast for the leanest protein source.
- Load up on fresh veggies: Add an abundance of colorful vegetables like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions for vitamins and fiber.
- Make your own healthy sauce: Replace creamy, high-fat sauces with lighter alternatives. A simple Greek yogurt-based sauce with garlic, lemon juice, and herbs works well and adds a creamy texture without the extra calories.
- Control the portion size: Be mindful of how much chicken, sauce, and cheese you add to avoid turning your healthy meal into a calorie-dense one.
Conclusion
While a grilled chicken wrap from McDonald's was a healthier choice on their historical menu, it is no longer available in the US due to poor sales performance. Calorie counts for this item vary by country, with international versions showing a range from around 181 to 340 calories. For those seeking this specific item, recreating a lighter, homemade version is the best approach for a nutritious meal. As for the reintroduced Snack Wrap in 2025, remember it features crispy, not grilled, chicken. Check out this guide to healthier eating for more alternatives and tips: Healthy and Delicious: Grilled Chicken Wrap for Every Meal.
