What is the least fattening thing to get at McDonald's?

November 23, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutritionists, it is possible to make relatively healthy choices at McDonald's, despite its reputation for indulgent options. Finding what is the least fattening thing to get at McDonald's is a common challenge for those trying to manage their weight while dining out occasionally.

Quick Summary

Several McDonald's menu items are surprisingly low in calories and can be part of a balanced diet. Options range from the classic hamburger and chicken nuggets to certain breakfast items and side choices. Making smart modifications, such as skipping high-calorie sauces and avoiding sugary drinks, can further reduce the overall fat and calorie count.

Key Points

Opt for the 4-piece McNuggets: This item offers a low-calorie, protein-rich snack, especially when you skip high-calorie dipping sauces.
Choose the classic Hamburger: The plain hamburger is one of the most modest burger options, avoiding extra cheese and rich sauces.
Select the Egg McMuffin for breakfast: This item provides a good protein-to-calorie ratio and is a better choice than sausage or biscuit options.
Switch sides to Apple Slices: For a minimal calorie count, swap out fries for the high-fiber, naturally sweet apple slices.
Customize your order: Removing cheese, mayo, and other creamy sauces can drastically reduce calories and fat in many menu items.
Prioritize water or black coffee: Avoid sugary sodas, milkshakes, and sweet teas to save hundreds of calories.
Look for grilled over crispy: If ordering a chicken item, always opt for the grilled version instead of the crispy (fried) one when available.
Consider portion sizes: A Happy Meal or smaller-sized options help manage overall calorie intake.

Navigating the McDonald's Menu for Lower-Calorie Options

While fast food is not traditionally considered 'healthy,' McDonald's offers some menu items that are significantly lower in calories and fat than their counterparts. By focusing on smaller portions, avoiding deep-fried items where possible, and customizing your order, you can enjoy a meal without completely derailing your dietary goals. The key is to be a savvy consumer by checking the nutritional information, which is readily available on the McDonald's website or app.

The Lowest-Calorie Menu Items

For those watching their waistline, some of the best choices are simple and straightforward. These items are generally lower in calories and fat because they lack high-calorie toppings or are not deep-fried.

4-Piece Chicken McNuggets: A surprising entry, the 4-piece Chicken McNuggets contain significantly fewer calories than a standard burger. Be mindful of your dipping sauce choice, as many add substantial calories and sugar.
Classic Hamburger: The plain hamburger is one of the most modest options on the menu. With a beef patty, pickles, and onions, it avoids the extra calories from cheese and creamy sauces found on more elaborate burgers.
Egg McMuffin: A solid breakfast contender, the Egg McMuffin offers a good protein boost and is lower in calories than many other breakfast sandwiches. The Canadian bacon is also leaner than regular bacon or sausage.
Apple Slices: For a guilt-free snack or side, apple slices are the clear winner. They are low in calories, high in fiber, and offer a natural sweetness.
Side Salad: If available, a side salad is a great choice, particularly when paired with a low-calorie dressing like a vinaigrette. Just be sure to avoid high-fat dressings and breaded chicken options.

Comparison Table: Calories in Popular McDonald's Items


Menu Item	Calories	Protein (g)	Fat (g)	Sodium (mg)
Hamburger	250	12	9	510
Cheeseburger	305	15	14.2	691
4-Piece McNuggets	170	10	10	340
Egg McMuffin	310	17	13	770
Small Fries	230	2	11	170
McChicken	370	14	17	810

Strategies for a Healthier McDonald's Order

Beyond selecting the lowest-calorie items, smart ordering can make a difference. These strategies focus on minimizing extra fat, sugar, and sodium that can quickly add up.

Customize your order: For burgers, ask for no cheese, no mayo, and use ketchup and mustard sparingly. For sandwiches with crispy chicken, see if a grilled version is an option, as it significantly reduces calories from breading and frying.
Choose better sides: Skip the fries entirely and opt for apple slices, which are a much healthier choice. In some locations, side salads with a light dressing are available.
Drink smart: Avoid high-sugar sodas and milkshakes. Instead, choose water, unsweetened iced tea, or black coffee. These options contain no calories and help with hydration.
Portion control is key: Consider ordering a Happy Meal. The smaller portions are often satisfying enough and come with a healthier side option like apple slices.

What to Avoid

To keep your meal as light as possible, it's best to steer clear of the most calorically dense items. These include large burgers with multiple patties, extra cheese, and creamy sauces. Items to limit or avoid include large fries, milkshakes, and sugary McFlurry desserts, which can contain a day's worth of sugar in a single serving.

A Final Thought on Fast Food

While eating at McDonald's shouldn't be a daily habit for those focused on healthy eating, it's possible to make better-informed decisions when cravings strike. By choosing wisely from the menu and customizing your order, you can enjoy a fast-food meal while still being mindful of your nutritional intake. For more detailed nutritional information, check the official McDonald's website or a dedicated food database.

Conclusion

Making a low-fat choice at McDonald's is entirely possible with some menu knowledge and a bit of customization. The 4-piece Chicken McNuggets (with no dipping sauce), a classic hamburger, or a breakfast Egg McMuffin are among the best options for those counting calories. Choosing healthy sides like apple slices and drinking water instead of sugary beverages further improves the nutritional profile of your meal. The key is moderation and informed decision-making to ensure your fast-food treat fits within a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

The plain classic Hamburger is one of the lowest-calorie main meals available, containing around 250 calories. For a snack, the 4-piece Chicken McNuggets is an even lower-calorie option at about 170 calories, depending on the market.

A 4-piece Chicken McNuggets order (170 calories) is typically less fattening than a classic Hamburger (250 calories), but this does not account for dipping sauces, which can add significant calories.

Yes, the Egg McMuffin is one of the healthier breakfast options at McDonald's. It provides a good balance of protein and is lower in calories than many other breakfast sandwiches.

To keep your drink calorie-free, opt for water, black coffee, or unsweetened iced tea. These options are much healthier than sugary sodas, juices, and milkshakes.

Yes, you can customize your order. Removing high-calorie components like cheese, mayo, and fatty sauces is a simple way to make your meal lighter and less fattening.

Salads can be a good choice, especially side salads with a low-fat vinaigrette. However, it is crucial to avoid salads with crispy (fried) chicken and high-calorie dressings, which can make them less healthy than a simple burger.

Apple slices are the clear winner for a healthy side dish at McDonald's. They are very low in calories and provide a good source of fiber.