How much sodium is in a McDonald's grilled chicken sandwich?

December 28, 2025 •

3 min read

While the grilled chicken sandwich was discontinued in the U.S. in 2020 due to low demand, versions still exist internationally, featuring a wide range of sodium levels. Depending on the specific iteration and location, the sodium content could be surprisingly high, challenging the item's perception as a universally healthier option.

Quick Summary

The sodium content of McDonald's grilled chicken sandwiches varied significantly by version and location, with some past items exceeding 1000mg. It was phased out in many markets due to low demand.

Key Points

Variable Sodium Content: The sodium level in McDonald's grilled chicken sandwiches was highly dependent on the version and location, with different recipes containing different amounts of sodium.
Discontinued in the US: As of 2020, McDonald's discontinued its grilled chicken sandwiches in the U.S. and other markets due to low customer demand and operational changes.
Higher than Expected Sodium: Despite its perception as a healthier choice, some versions of the sandwich contained surprisingly high sodium levels, sometimes exceeding 1000mg per serving.
Global Variations Persist: While unavailable in the U.S., versions of the grilled chicken sandwich can still be found on international menus, but with differing nutritional information.
Alternatives Exist: For those seeking lower-sodium options at McDonald's today, alternatives like a side salad with light dressing or a simple hamburger are better choices.

The Discontinuation and Its Implications

In recent years, McDonald's has streamlined its menu, leading to the phasing out of several items, including salads and the popular grilled chicken sandwiches in the United States. Former corporate chef Mike Haracz explained that this move was driven by low sales and the company's desire for operational efficiency. Despite its removal from the U.S. menu, some form of the grilled chicken sandwich can still be found in other countries, such as Canada and Saudi Arabia, but with different recipes and nutritional profiles. This international variation is a key reason for the inconsistent sodium figures associated with the item.

A Deep Dive into Sodium Content by Version

Over its history, McDonald's offered several iterations of its grilled chicken sandwich, each with a distinct nutritional makeup. The sodium content was influenced by the chicken's marinade, the condiments, and the bun.

Sodium Comparison Table

Below is a comparison of the sodium levels for various grilled chicken sandwiches offered by McDonald's, using data from different reputable sources and historical product versions.


Sandwich Version	Sodium (mg)	Daily Value (%)	Source/Notes
Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich (US, Discontinued)	982 mg	43%	via Nutritionix
Premium Grilled Chicken Classic Sandwich (US, Discontinued)	820 mg	36%	via Nutrifox
Grilled Chicken Sandwich (Canada)	650 mg	28%	via McDonald's Canada
Premium Grilled Chicken Club Sandwich (US, Discontinued)	1030 mg	45%	via Nutrifox
Grilled Chicken Sandwich (Saudi Arabia)	1334.5 mg	N/A	via McDonald's Saudi Arabia

As the table clearly illustrates, the sodium content in these supposedly "healthier" sandwiches could be substantial, with the Saudi version containing well over half a day's recommended limit in a single sandwich. The now-discontinued U.S. Artisan and Premium versions were also significant sources of sodium.

Comparison with Other McDonald's Menu Items

To put the grilled chicken sandwich's sodium into perspective, it's helpful to compare it with other popular menu items. While many people might assume grilled is always a lower-sodium option than fried, this is not always the case.

McDONALD'S, Crispy Chicken Sandwich: With approximately 1090 mg of sodium, this fried alternative can contain even more sodium than some of the grilled versions.
Big Mac Meal: A meal including a Big Mac, medium fries, and a medium drink can push the sodium intake up to 1385 mg.
Hamburger: A simple hamburger often represents one of the lower-sodium sandwich options on the menu, especially when compared to heavily sauced or processed alternatives.
Filet-O-Fish: This sandwich can sometimes be a lower-sodium choice compared to other specialty sandwiches.

What Contributes to the High Sodium in Fast Food?

Several factors contribute to the high sodium levels found in fast-food items, including grilled chicken sandwiches:

Seasonings and Marinades: To enhance flavor and moisture, fast-food companies often use marinades and seasoning blends that are very high in salt.
Condiments and Sauces: The sauces used on the sandwiches, such as special sauces or mayonnaises, are often packed with sodium.
Processed Buns: The bread itself is another source of sodium, as salt is a common ingredient in dough.
Preservatives: Sodium-based preservatives are used in many processed foods to extend their shelf life.

Finding Healthier Alternatives at McDonald's Today

Since the grilled chicken sandwich is no longer a reliable option in many places, customers looking for lower-sodium meals can explore other menu items. Options that offer lower sodium and calorie counts often involve simpler preparation and fewer added condiments. Here are some options to consider:

Side Salad (with light dressing): Choosing a basic side salad and using only a small amount of a vinaigrette dressing is one of the lowest-sodium options available.
Apple Slices: As a standalone snack or side, apple slices are a very low-calorie and low-sodium choice.
Simple Hamburger: Ordering a simple hamburger and customizing it to remove or reduce high-sodium condiments can significantly decrease the sodium content.

Conclusion

The McDonald's grilled chicken sandwich, in its various historical forms, was not a reliably low-sodium meal, and it has since been removed from the menu in the U.S. and other markets. Sodium content varied drastically depending on the version and location, with some premium and international options carrying a very high salt load. For those managing sodium intake, it's essential to check the specific nutritional information for current menu offerings in their region and consider simpler alternatives to minimize salt consumption.

NutriFox offers detailed nutrition facts for historical McDonald's items, including some grilled chicken sandwiches.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, McDonald's discontinued its grilled chicken sandwich in the U.S. and other regions around 2020, citing low sales and a desire to streamline its menu. Some international locations may still have a version, but the recipe and nutrition will likely differ significantly.

According to a former corporate chef, the item was discontinued primarily because of low customer demand. It was also part of a larger effort to simplify the menu and improve kitchen efficiency, which became a priority during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Yes, the Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich, which was previously available in the U.S., contained approximately 982 mg of sodium, which is a significant portion of the recommended daily intake.

The sodium in grilled chicken sandwiches was comparable to, and sometimes even higher than, some of McDonald's fried chicken options. For example, some grilled versions contained nearly as much or more sodium than the Crispy Chicken Sandwich.

For customers seeking to manage their sodium intake, better options include a simple hamburger, a side salad with a very light dressing, or apple slices. These items generally contain less salt and fewer processed ingredients.

The high sodium content typically came from a combination of the chicken marinade, which is often salt-heavy for flavor and moisture, as well as the sauces and toppings on the sandwich. The bun and other processed ingredients also add to the overall sodium total.

While it was often perceived as healthier than its fried counterparts due to lower fat and calorie content, the high sodium levels in many of its versions meant it wasn't necessarily a low-sodium meal. Customers must consider all nutritional data, not just calories and fat, when evaluating fast-food options.