Introduction
Fast-food restaurants are often associated with cheap and unhealthy options. However, many establishments now offer nutritious alternatives, including wraps, salads, and burritos. This article explores ten fast-food restaurants that provide healthy options on their menus. In this guide, we will answer the question, “Which is the healthiest bread at Subway?” and discuss various other restaurants that offer nutritious choices.
1. Chipotle
Overview
Chipotle Mexican Grill is a renowned restaurant chain specializing in foods like tacos and burritos. The company focuses on using organic, local ingredients and sources meats from naturally raised animals.
Healthy Options
- Burritos, tacos, and salads with a variety of meats, veggies, rice, beans, and guacamole.
Locations
Chipotle operates throughout the United States, as well as in Canada, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. You can find their menu here.
2. Chick-fil-A
Overview
Chick-fil-A is a fast-food restaurant primarily known for its chicken sandwiches. It was the first fast-food chain in the United States to offer a menu completely free of trans fat.
Healthy Options
- Grilled chicken nuggets, chicken salads, grilled market salad, and multi-grain breakfast oatmeal.
Locations
Chick-fil-A is located throughout the United States. You can find their menu here.
3. Wendy’s
Overview
Wendy’s is the third-largest hamburger fast-food chain globally, following McDonald’s and Burger King. Although they primarily offer hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, and French fries, they also provide healthier alternatives.
Healthy Options
- Chicken salads and chicken wraps.
Locations
Wendy’s has locations in 30 countries worldwide, mainly in North and South America, Asia, and the Caribbean. Check out their healthy salads here.
4. McDonald’s
Overview
McDonald’s is the world’s largest fast-food chain, widely known for its signature burgers like the Big Mac. While most of their offerings are highly processed and unhealthy, the company has made efforts to include healthy options on their menu.
Healthy Options
- Several healthy salads primarily made with chicken, vegetables, and fruit.
Locations
McDonald’s can be found worldwide in a total of 119 countries. Explore their salad menu here.
5. Ruby Tuesday
Overview
Ruby Tuesday operates numerous restaurants globally, offering a wide range of menu items from steaks and seafood to pasta and salads. They mark healthier options on their menu with the label “Fit & Trim,” indicating dishes with fewer than 700 calories per serving.
Healthy Options
- A variety of meat, fish, and salads with side dishes like baked potatoes and fresh vegetables.
Locations
Ruby Tuesday has locations in North America and Europe. Find their menu here.
6. The Cheesecake Factory
Overview
The Cheesecake Factory is known for its generous portion sizes and high-calorie content. However, due to increased pressure, they have introduced a “SkinnyLicious” menu with smaller portion sizes and healthier ingredients.
Healthy Options
- Steaks, fish, seafood, salads, and various appetizers.
Locations
The Cheesecake Factory has restaurants primarily in the United States, with several locations in the Middle East. View their SkinnyLicious menu here.
7. KFC
Overview
Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) is an international fast-food restaurant famous for its signature deep-fried chicken. Although their menu mostly consists of unhealthy foods, some KFC restaurants offer grilled chicken for more health-conscious customers.
Healthy Options
- Grilled chicken pieces and sides like green beans or corn on the cob.
Locations
KFC has locations worldwide. You can explore their menu here.
8. Subway
Overview
Subway is a fast-food restaurant known for its build-it-yourself submarine sandwiches (subs) and salads. For a healthier option, you can choose to skip the bread entirely and opt for a salad with chicken breast and plenty of fresh vegetables.
Healthy Options
- Whole-grain bread and plenty of vegetables.
Locations
With 44,000 restaurants in 110 countries, Subway has an extensive global presence. Check out their menu here.
9. Panera Bread
Overview
Panera Bread is a bakery, café, and restaurant offering baked goods, soups, salads, and sandwiches.
Healthy Options
- A variety of healthy soups and salads.
Locations
Panera Bread is primarily located in North America. Visit their website here for more information.
10. Almost Every Fast-Food Restaurant
Overview
Nowadays, almost every fast-food restaurant offers healthy options. If not, you can often modify meals to suit your dietary preferences.
Healthy Options
- Various options, such as whole and protein-rich foods like steak or fish, along with side dishes of veggies or baked potatoes. Vegetarian options are also usually available.
Conclusion
While these restaurants are famous for their wide selection of unhealthy foods, it’s good to know that they also serve healthier alternatives. Some even cater to specific dietary needs, offering gluten-free and vegetarian meals. Whether you find yourself in the United States or abroad, you can choose a healthy option even when dining at fast-food restaurants.
