The 5 Best High-Protein Lunch Orders from McDonald’s, According to Dietitians

A protein-packed lunch can keep you full, satisfied and alert all afternoon long (so long, siesta!). When you’re short on time, McDonald’s has a surprising number of high-protein options. That means you can enjoy a filling meal that supports your health goals without feeling like you have to sacrifice convenience. 

Of course, navigating the menu can be a little tricky, especially since fast food is often high in sodium, fat and calories. You can balance this by making nutritious choices throughout the rest of your day when possible. But sometimes, you may need to make modifications to your order—like skipping the mayo or tartar sauce.

We spoke to dietitians to learn the healthiest high-protein lunch orders from McDonald’s. Here are their top picks for a lunch that’s big on protein plus other nutrients to keep you going strong for the rest of your day.

The 5 Best High-Protein Lunch Orders from McDonald’s

Double Cheeseburger

If a trip to McDonald’s just isn’t the same without a burger, the Double Cheeseburger is a protein-packed win! This sandwich serves up 25 grams of protein from its two beef patties plus cheese. All that cheesy goodness has another bonus, too. Namely, as much calcium as half a glass of milk! This burger is a little high in saturated fat, though. So try to balance it with leaner choices later in the day.

Filet-O-Fish

If heart health is on your mind, the Filet-O-Fish is a great way to score some protein and healthy fats without as much saturated fat as other McDonald’s options. If you’d like to lighten things up even more, skip the tartar sauce and swap in ketchup.

6-Piece Chicken McNuggets

When you’re craving protein without all the carbs of a sandwich, a small order of Chicken McNuggets is a great choice. “Compared to other options on the menu, this is lower in carbohydrates and total fat, making it a good option for those mindful of their nutrient intake,” says Patricia Kolesa, M.S., RDN, founder of Dietitian Dish. The result: 14 grams of protein, yet only 15 grams of carbs and zero sugars. It’s also lower in sodium than many options. To round out your meal and score some filling fiber, add an order of apple slices.

Quarter Pounder with Cheese

A Quarter Pounder with Cheese delivers an impressive 30 grams of protein, making it a satisfying choice. If you’re looking to lighten up this meal, skip the cheese to reduce saturated fat and sodium. You’ll still walk away with 25 grams of protein, says Lisa Andrews, M.Ed., RD, LD, owner of Sound Bites Nutrition. 

The McCrispy

Next time you’re craving a high-protein sandwich without all the saturated fat of a burger, the McCrispy’s got you covered. This crunchy Southern fried chicken sandwich packs a hefty 26 grams of protein yet only 5 grams of saturated fat. 

How to Choose a Healthy High-Protein Meal at McDonald’s

• Focus on lean and grilled options: Choose grilled chicken rather than fried to reduce calories and unhealthy fats while keeping protein high.
• Skip the extras: Consider skipping cheese, mayo or high-fat sauces and dressings to cut back on saturated fat.
• Add fiber: Pair your high-protein meal with an order of apple slices instead of fries for extra fiber and volume.
• Watch portion sizes: Stick with smaller menu sizes to avoid excess calories while still providing protein.
• Skip the sugary beverages: Opt for water, unsweetened coffee or tea instead of soda to avoid added sugars and empty calories.

The Bottom Line

When you’re looking for a quick, convenient, high-protein lunch, McDonald’s has options that can fit into a balanced diet. Next time you’re swinging through the drive-thru, consider one of these dietitian-approved high-protein picks. Of course, fast food can be high in saturated fat, calories and sodium. Choosing smaller portion sizes can reduce all of these, as can ditching the cheese, mayo and creamy sauces. Finally, don’t forget to add a healthy side of apple slices. In return, you’ll score vitamins, minerals and filling fiber to help you stay energized all afternoon long!