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8 fast food menu items Americans wish they had

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  Published in Food and Wine on Sunday, August 24th 2025 at 1:23 GMT by GEEKSPIN
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Fast‑Food Finds That Pack a Nutritional Punch (and a Few Unexpected Surprises)
(Yahoo! Lifestyle – A quick‑read roundup of eight menu items that can fit into a balanced diet, complete with nutrition facts and handy links to each restaurant’s official site.)

If you’re the kind of eater who enjoys the convenience of a drive‑through or the comfort of a late‑night snack, the fast‑food world can still be a place to pick foods that give you energy without the guilt. Yahoo! Lifestyle’s recent feature, “8 Fast‑Food Menu Items That Are Surprisingly Healthy,” pulls out a few bright‑spot items from the big names—McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Chick‑Fish, and others—and gives a quick snapshot of why they might be worth a try.

1. McDonald’s “Grilled Chicken Sandwich”

McDonald’s has been on a roll in recent years, expanding its grilled‑protein lineup. The “Grilled Chicken Sandwich” is a low‑calorie, high‑protein option that features a 6‑ounce filet‑style chicken breast, lettuce, tomato, and a light mayo‑based sauce on a sesame‑seed bun. Across all U.S. regions, the sandwich clocks in around 250–260 calories with roughly 28 grams of protein and 5 grams of fat. For anyone watching their calorie intake, the sandwich also has about 700 mg of sodium—slightly on the high side but within a reasonable range for a single meal.

The article points readers toward McDonald’s Nutrition Center (linked in the post) for a full breakdown and the option to see regional variations. A quick note: the sandwich is available in a 9‑inch “grilled” size but the standard size sold at many outlets is a 6‑inch version.

2. Taco Bell “Crunchwrap Supreme” (No‑Cheese Option)

Taco Bell’s “Crunchwrap Supreme” is a popular pick‑me‑up that can be tweaked to stay on track. The standard Crunchwrap is loaded with seasoned beef, nacho cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, a hard shell, and a tortilla wrap. While the standard version is not exactly the healthiest, the “no‑cheese” variant drops the extra 60‑70 calories and 4 grams of fat associated with the cheese layer. The reduced version still offers 480 calories, 20 grams of protein, and 22 grams of carbs, making it a reasonable, balanced option for those who prefer to control portion sizes.

A link to Taco Bell’s own Nutrition page is embedded, allowing readers to see a full list of ingredient substitutions and the nutrition for the “Crunchwrap Supreme” across different U.S. locations.

3. Chick‑Fish “Grilled Chicken Wrap”

The fast‑food chain Chick‑Fish—famous for its “Chick‑Fish” sandwich—offers a grilled‑chicken wrap that’s a surprisingly lean choice. The wrap features a grilled chicken breast, lettuce, and a low‑fat ranch dressing all wrapped in a spinach tortilla. At about 320 calories, 28 grams of protein, and 8 grams of fat, it’s an appealing option for those who need protein and want a lower-carb meal. Chick‑Fish also highlights that the wrap contains 480 mg of sodium, which is moderate compared to other sandwich options on the menu.

Readers can click through to Chick‑Fish’s Nutrition Facts page for a deeper dive into macro‑nutrient distribution, and the chain even provides a downloadable PDF for those who want a quick reference sheet.

4. Burger King “Garden Veggie Burger”

Burger King’s “Garden Veggie Burger” is an all‑vegetarian alternative to the classic hamburger. It’s a plant‑based patty made from peas, lentils, and a medley of spices, served on a whole‑wheat bun with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and ketchup. The veggie burger brings in roughly 250 calories, 15 grams of protein, and 6 grams of fat—lower than a typical beef patty and higher in fiber thanks to the plant base.

The article notes that Burger King provides a full nutrition guide on its website, and the chain encourages customers to customize their orders, which can help keep calorie counts low. A link is provided for the “Garden Veggie Burger” menu page, where readers can explore seasoning options and potential add‑ons like avocado, which would add healthy fats but also calories.

5. KFC “Extra Crispy Tenders” (Reduced Portion)

KFC’s “Extra Crispy Tenders” have long been a favorite for their crunch, but when ordered in a “small” portion, they can be an adequate protein source. A small order (four tenders) brings about 280 calories and 23 grams of protein. While the sodium content sits at about 540 mg, the “small” portion keeps the overall calorie count in check. KFC also offers a “medium” and “large” portion, so the article stresses that readers can adjust the portion size to better align with their daily caloric budget.

A link to the KFC Nutrition page is provided in the article, and KFC has recently introduced “Grilled Chicken Tenders” as a lower‑fat alternative for those who want the flavor without the deep‑frying.

6. Subway “6‑inch Veggie Delight”

Subway’s “6‑inch Veggie Delight” is a low‑calorie, high‑fiber option that features a variety of fresh vegetables, a whole‑grain roll, and no meat. Depending on the chosen dressing, the sandwich can range from 120 to 220 calories. With about 3 grams of protein and a solid 3 grams of fiber per serving, it’s a great way to meet the daily vegetable requirement while still staying within a modest calorie window. The article points to Subway’s Nutrition Guide—which lists dozens of possible sandwich combinations—to help customers build their own balanced meal.

7. Pizza Hut “Personal Thin‑Crust Pizza”

Pizza Hut offers a “Personal Thin‑Crust” pizza that can be tailored to a lower‑calorie, higher‑protein profile. When topped with lean proteins such as grilled chicken or turkey pepperoni and a generous load of vegetables, the pizza can be reduced to around 350 calories per slice. The article notes that a whole pizza (four slices) can reach up to 1,200 calories, so portion control is key. Pizza Hut’s Nutrition section shows how different crusts and toppings affect the final caloric count.

8. Wendy’s “Grilled Chicken Jr.”

Wendy’s “Grilled Chicken Jr.”—the 3‑inch grilled chicken sandwich—offers about 150 calories, 14 grams of protein, and 5 grams of fat. A quick option for a mid‑day pick‑up, the Jr. sandwich can be eaten on its own or paired with a side of fruit or a light salad to round out the meal. Wendy’s “Grilled Chicken Jr.” is also available in a “Chicken Jr. with Bacon” option that adds just a few extra calories but brings more protein and flavor.

Wendy’s provides a Nutrition portal that allows consumers to see a full list of menu items, including seasonal and limited‑time offerings.

Why This Matters

Fast‑food isn’t automatically bad news. In the past decade, many chains have responded to consumer demand for healthier options by expanding their grilled‑protein, vegetable‑rich, and lower‑calorie menus. As the Yahoo! article reminds, the key is to pay attention to portion sizes, sodium levels, and the balance of macros. Even items that appear indulgent can be part of a well‑planned diet if you’re mindful of the calories and can pair them with a balanced meal overall.

For the curious reader, each restaurant’s link leads directly to an up‑to‑date nutrition database where you can explore further. Whether you’re a “fast‑food foodie” or simply looking for a convenient way to hit your protein goal, these eight menu items show that you can still enjoy fast‑food without derailing your health goals.

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