The New Era of McDonald's Chicken Tenders
McDonald's chicken tenders have changed over time. The McCrispy Strips have replaced the older products. However, understanding the current menu offerings is crucial. Discontinued in 2020, the Buttermilk Crispy Tenders have been replaced by the McCrispy Strips. These McCrispy Strips are typically served in 3- or 4-piece servings.
McCrispy Strips Nutrition: The 4-Piece Breakdown
The 4-piece McCrispy Strips provide a good amount of protein, made from all-white meat chicken.
A 4-piece McCrispy Strips provides approximately:
- Protein: 40 grams
- Calories: 460
- Total Fat: 23 grams
- Carbohydrates: 24 grams
- Sodium: 1470 mg
The Ghost of Tenders Past
McDonald's previously offered Buttermilk Crispy Tenders and Chicken Selects, which are no longer available in the United States. Historical information from some international markets or past US offerings provided the nutritional data for different serving sizes, including a 5-piece option.
An older 5-piece Chicken Selects contained about 42 grams of protein, a detail that is relevant for those searching for the discontinued 5-piece option. This historical data helps provide context for the query for "5 chicken tenders", even though the product has been off the menu for some time.
Comparing McDonald's Chicken Items
Here's a comparison of the 4-piece McCrispy Strips against other McDonald's chicken items. This comparison aids in making an informed decision based on nutritional goals. Nutritional information can vary by location and product formulation.
| Item | Serving Size | Protein (g) | Calories | Total Fat (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| McCrispy Strips | 4 Pieces | 40 | ~460 | 23 |
| Chicken McNuggets | 6 Pieces | 17 | 291 | 17 |
| McChicken Sandwich | 1 Sandwich | 22 | 530 | 28 |
The McCrispy Strips offer more protein per piece than McNuggets, though they have more calories and fat. The McChicken sandwich has fewer calories and less protein than a serving of McCrispy Strips.
Sauce and Meal Considerations
The nutritional profile of a meal changes with the addition of sauces and sides. McDonald's has a variety of dipping sauces, and it's essential to consider the calories, sugar, and sodium they add.
Common Dipping Sauces
- Creamy Chili Dip: A new sauce, it adds calories and fat.
- Honey Mustard Sauce: Typically high in sugar and calories.
- Tangy BBQ Sauce: Also contributes to the overall sugar and calorie count.
Making it a Complete Meal
Pairing tenders with fries and a sugary drink increases the total calorie, carbohydrate, and fat intake. For a balanced meal, consider skipping the sugary drink and choosing a side salad or just the tenders. More nutritional information is available on the McDonald's website.
Conclusion: Navigating the Nutritional Facts
The search for "how much protein is in McDonald's 5 chicken tenders" relates to outdated information for the US market. The 4-piece McCrispy Strips contain 40 grams of protein. The older 5-piece Chicken Selects had 42g of protein in some regions, but that product is no longer available. Consider sauces and sides, which affect the total nutritional value. The McCrispy Strips are a high-protein option for a balanced diet.
More McDonald's Protein Options
- McCrispy Sandwiches: These sandwiches contain a substantial amount of protein.
- Quarter Pounder with Cheese: A good source of protein.
- Beef Burger: A basic option with a decent protein count.
- Grilled Chicken Sandwiches: Some international menus feature grilled chicken options with varying protein levels.
For the most up-to-date and specific details on any McDonald's menu item, consult the official McDonald's Nutrition Calculator.
