Fast food has long been synonymous with high calories, excessive fats, and unhealthy eating habits. However, in 2025, many fast food chains have taken significant steps toward offering healthier options. Whether you are trying to lose weight, improve your overall health, or simply want to make better food choices on the go, there are now several fast food restaurants that serve nutritious meals. Here’s a guide to the eight healthiest fast food restaurants you can visit in 2025.
1. Chipotle Mexican Grill
Healthy Options:
Chipotle has revolutionized the fast food industry by offering healthier, customizable meal options. Known for its fresh ingredients, Chipotle provides an array of nutritious choices such as grilled chicken, brown rice, and black beans. You can easily create a balanced meal with lean proteins, healthy fats, and fiber-rich vegetables.
Notable Items:
Bowl with brown rice, black beans, grilled chicken, pico de gallo, and lettuce.
Barbacoa Salad with guacamole (a great source of healthy fats).
Chipotle’s commitment to clean eating includes sourcing hormone-free and antibiotic-free meat, making it a top choice for anyone mindful of what they’re consuming.
2. Panera Bread
Healthy Options:
Panera Bread offers a wide variety of wholesome meals that are perfect for those seeking healthier fast food alternatives.
Known for its fresh salads, whole-grain breads, and nutritious soups, Panera Bread focuses on creating meals with real ingredients and fewer preservatives.
Notable Items:
Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich (on whole-grain bread).
Turkey Chili (low in fat and packed with lean protein).
Power Bowls, which combine vegetables, grains, and proteins for a balanced meal.
Panera’s menu also includes a “clean” section, where ingredients are listed clearly, and the dishes are free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
3. Subway
Healthy Options:
Subway has long been considered a go-to for healthier fast food choices, mainly due to its ability to customize sandwiches and wraps.
Opt for whole-grain bread, lean proteins like turkey or chicken, and a variety of vegetables to create a nutrient-packed meal.
Notable Items:
Veggie Delight Sub (on whole-grain bread).
Chicken Teriyaki Wrap (low in calories and packed with protein).
Footlong Black Forest Ham and Veggies Sub with mustard instead of mayo.
Subway also offers a variety of salads for those who prefer to avoid bread altogether, and their portion control allows you to manage calorie intake easily.
4. Sweetgreen
Healthy Options:
Sweetgreen is dedicated to offering delicious salads that are both nutrient-dense and satisfying. The chain uses locally sourced, organic ingredients and focuses on providing meals with fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and superfoods.
Notable Items:
Harvest Bowl (with roasted chicken, sweet potatoes, and kale).
Shroomami (a vegetarian bowl with mushrooms, avocado, and tofu).
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Salad (a protein-packed, low-calorie option).
Sweetgreen’s menu is designed to cater to various dietary needs, including gluten-free, vegan, and low-carb options, making it an excellent choice for anyone pursuing a healthy lifestyle.
5. Chick-fil-A
Healthy Options:
Chick-fil-A has evolved over the years to offer healthier options that go beyond their classic fried chicken sandwiches. With grilled chicken and nutrient-packed salads, Chick-fil-A is an excellent choice for those seeking to eat healthier while enjoying fast food.
Notable Items:
Grilled Chicken Sandwich (with a whole-grain bun).
Grilled Chicken Salad (loaded with vegetables and lean protein).
Superfood Side (a mix of kale and broccolini, providing fiber and antioxidants).
Chick-fil-A also offers a range of healthy dipping sauces, including zesty buffalo and light vinaigrette, to keep your meal flavorful without added calories.
6. Shake Shack
Healthy Options:
While Shake Shack is famous for its burgers and milkshakes, it also offers healthier alternatives. The chain has introduced options like lettuce-wrapped burgers, veggie burgers, and even healthier sides.
Notable Items:
Shroom Burger (a portobello mushroom filled with melted cheese, perfect for vegetarians).
Chicken Shack (grilled chicken breast with fresh veggies).
Crinkle-Cut Fries (in moderation, they’re a good balance of taste and calories).
Shake Shack emphasizes fresh ingredients, using hormone-free beef and chicken, which makes it a great choice for fast food lovers who want a healthier take on classic favorites.
7. Taco Bell
Healthy Options:
Taco Bell has made strides in the fast food world by introducing a variety of healthier options under its “Fresco” menu. The chain focuses on offering customizable meals with fresh ingredients like beans, grilled chicken, and vegetables, providing a solid balance of protein and fiber.
Notable Items:
Fresco Chicken Soft Taco (replaces cheese with fresh salsa for fewer calories).
Power Bowl (a hearty, filling meal with grilled chicken, rice, beans, and veggies).
Vegetarian Taco Supreme (packed with beans, lettuce, and tomatoes).
Taco Bell also offers a range of low-calorie and low-fat options, allowing you to indulge in your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes while keeping your meals nutritious.
8. Jersey Mike’s Subs
Healthy Options:
Jersey Mike’s is known for its deli-style sandwiches, but it also offers healthier options, especially for those looking for lower-calorie, nutrient-dense meals. By choosing whole-grain bread and lean meats, you can create a healthy, satisfying meal at Jersey Mike’s.
Notable Items:
#7 Turkey Breast and Provolone Sub (on whole-grain bread).
Grilled Chicken Salad (with fresh veggies and a light dressing).
The #56 Chicken Caesar Wrap (low in calories and full of protein).
Jersey Mike’s focuses on fresh, high-quality ingredients, making it a top choice for healthier subs and wraps that don’t compromise on taste.
Conclusion
Fast food doesn’t have to be unhealthy in 2025. As awareness about nutrition continues to grow, many fast food chains have adapted their menus to meet the demand for healthier options. From grilled chicken to hearty salads and whole grains, these eight fast food restaurants offer meals that are both delicious and nutritious. Whether you’re looking for fresh veggies, lean protein, or whole grains, these restaurants provide everything you need to enjoy fast food while staying on track with your health goals.
Related topics:
- What Is The Best Meal Plan to Lose Weight?
- What Are The Health Benefits of Cauliflower?
- What Are The Health Benefits of Eating Tomatoes?