Discover the Hidden Gems of Low Carb Eating at McDonald’s
Are There Low-Carb Options at McDonald’s?
✅ YES! – McDonald’s give you freedom to customize your orders to leave out ingredients for your dietary restrictions. You can order their breakfast sandwiches, burgers, and chicken and fish sandwiches for your low-carb diet by skipping the muffins, griddles cakes, buns, and potato rolls.
Searching for a keto-friendly meal at fast food restaurants may seem like an unachievable mission, yet with the right tricks and knowledge, you can find tasty options even from McDonald’s.
By being mindful of what your body needs and doing some prep work ahead of time, you’ll discover that following a low-carb diet doesn’t mean depriving yourself.
Achieving your low-carb goals is simple with this list of 38 low carbs at McDonalds menu! Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all covered in our selection to ensure you’ll continue eating delicious meals without derailing your ketogenic diet.
With this guide, you’ll be able to stay on track with your keto lifestyle, whether it’s for a quick meal or something more substantial, McDonald’s can provide delicious low-carb options. So without further ado, let us explore some scrumptious selections at McDonald’s!
Table of Contents
- Is McDonald’s Keto-Friendly?
- Low Carbs at McDonalds: 38 Options for You to Try
- McDonald’s Low-Carb Breakfast
- 1. Bacon, Egg, & Cheese Biscuit or McGriddles (no biscuit or griddle cakes)
- 2. Egg McMuffin (no English muffin)
- 3. Sausage McMuffin or McGriddles (no English muffin or griddle cakes)
- 4. Sausage McMuffin w/ Egg (no English muffin)
- 5. Sausage Biscuit or McGriddles (no biscuit or griddle cakes)
- 6. Sausage Biscuit w/ Egg (no biscuit)
- 7. Sausage, Egg, & Cheese McGriddles (no griddle cakes)
- 8. Sausage Burrito (no flour tortilla)
- 9. Hash Browns
- McDonald’s Low-Carb Burgers
- 10. Big Mac (no Big Mac bun)
- 11. Quarter Pounder w/ Cheese (no Quarter Pound bun)
- 12. Double Quarter Pounder w/ Cheese (no Quarter Pound bun)
- 13. Quarter Pounder w/ Cheese Deluxe (no Quarter Pound bun)
- 14. McDouble (no regular bun)
- 15. Quarter Pounder w/ Cheese Bacon (no Quarter Pound bun)
- 16. Cheeseburger (no regular bun)
- 17. Double Cheeseburger (no regular bun)
- 18. Hamburger (no regular bun)
- McDonald’s Chicken and Fish Sandwiches
- McDonald’s Low-Carb McNuggets, Sides, and Treats
- McDonald’s Low-Carb McCafe Coffees
- McDonald’s Low-Carb Beverages
- McDonald’s Low-Carb Breakfast
- How to Eat Low Carbs at McDonalds: Ordering Tips to Keep McDonald’s Keto-Friendly
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
Is McDonald’s Keto-Friendly?
When you contemplate dining on a keto-friendly diet, McDonald’s may not be the first place that comes to mind.
Nonetheless, with some knowledge of their menu items and how to customize your order accordingly, this fast food restaurant can still provide an excellent option for those adhering to a ketogenic lifestyle.
The beauty of McDonald’s is its multitude of low-carb dishes offered, enabling diners to savor meals according to individual dietary needs!
This keto restaurant provides a helpful nutrition calculator on their website for customers to utilize when making informed decisions about what ingredients are included in their order.
This tool also allows you to see the nutritional content of selected ingredients so that you can strike out any items which don’t fit within your dietary requirements, like sugary sauces.
By tapping into the customization options available and spending a little time researching, you can relish a good low-carb meal without having to forgo taste or convenience.
Low Carbs at McDonalds: 38 Options for You to Try
This guide to low carbs at McDonalds contains 38 carefully chosen menu items that stay within the optimal daily net carb limit for keto. Every item on our list has 25 grams or less of net carbs, so you can be sure that your progress won’t suffer from any detours!
Plus, to help make an informed decision tailored just for you and your dietary needs, we’ve included all nutritional information associated with each item.
McDonald’s Low-Carb Breakfast
A low-carb breakfast at McDonald’s is easier than you may imagine! By skipping out on the biscuit, English muffin, flour tortilla, or griddle cakes, you can savor a mouthwatering and fulfilling meal that won’t disrupt your keto diet.
With options like eggs, sausage, or bacon, there are plenty of custom solutions to pick from.
1. Bacon, Egg, & Cheese Biscuit or McGriddles (no biscuit or griddle cakes)
Jumpstart your day with the classic, tasty punch of a McDonald’s Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Biscuit or McGriddles with no biscuit or griddle cakes! This delicious meal comes complete with thick Applewood smoked bacon slices, fluffy folded egg, and melty American cheese.
The nutrition facts for the Bacon, Egg, and Cheese Biscuit or McGriddles with no biscuit or griddle cakes include:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 15 grams
- Net carbs: 4 grams
- Protein: 12 grams
2. Egg McMuffin (no English muffin)
Forgo the traditional English muffin and allow the spotlight to shine on three delectable ingredients of Egg McMuffin instead: Grade A egg, lean and savory Canadian bacon, plus irresistible oozy American cheese.
The nutrition facts for the Egg McMuffin with no English muffin include:
- Calories: 170
- Fat: 12 grams
- Net carbs: 3 grams
- Protein: 12 grams
3. Sausage McMuffin or McGriddles (no English muffin or griddle cakes)
Let your taste buds savor the delectable experience of the Sausage McMuffin or McGriddles with lesser carbs! Enjoy a juicy hot sausage patty accompanied by melty American cheese, and skip any English muffins or griddle cakes.
The nutrition facts for the Sausage McMuffin or McGriddles with no English muffin or griddle cakes include:
- Calories: 260
- Fat: 24 grams
- Net carbs: 1 gram
- Protein: 9 grams
4. Sausage McMuffin w/ Egg (no English muffin)
A rich hot sausage patty, a slice of melty American cheese, and an expertly cooked egg all come together for a meal that is packed full of flavor and goodness.
The nutrition facts for the Sausage McMuffin with egg and no English muffin include:
- Calories: 340
- Fat: 30 grams
- Net carbs: 2 grams
- Protein: 15 grams
5. Sausage Biscuit or McGriddles (no biscuit or griddle cakes)
This scrumptious sizzling sausage is the star of your meal and it’s sure to please your taste buds with its savory flavor. It’s also a great way to fuel up for the day ahead, a perfect combination of protein and pleasure all in one!
The nutrition facts for the Sausage Biscuit or McGriddles with no biscuit or griddle cakes include:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 19 grams
- Net carbs: 1 gram
- Protein: 6 grams
6. Sausage Biscuit w/ Egg (no biscuit)
Enjoy the succulent pork sausage patty and McDonald’s folded egg, freshly cooked just for you! Filled with protein that won’t leave you feeling sluggish or bloated, this delicious breakfast sandwich will surely provide energy to sustain you throughout your entire day.
The nutrition facts for the Sausage Biscuit with egg and no biscuit include:
- Calories: 270
- Fat: 24 grams
- Net carbs: 2 grams
- Protein: 12 grams
7. Sausage, Egg, & Cheese McGriddles (no griddle cakes)
This sumptuous sandwich includes a sausage patty, thick-cut Applewood smoked bacon, an airy folded egg, and melty American cheese for maximum flavor!
The nutrition facts for the Sausage, Egg, and Cheese McGriddles with no griddle cakes include:
- Calories: 310
- Fat: 27 grams
- Net carbs: 3 grams
- Protein: 14 grams
8. Sausage Burrito (no flour tortilla)
For a lively and tasty keto breakfast, try the Sausage Burrito with no flour tortilla. Enjoy this delectable fusion of fluffy scrambled eggs, pork sausage, gooey cheese, zesty green chiles, and diced onions!
The nutrition facts for the Sausage Burrito with no flour tortilla include:
- Calories: 160
- Fat: 13 grams
- Net carbs: 2 grams
- Protein: 9 grams
9. Hash Browns
Soft and fluffy on the inside, while deliciously crispy and toasted on the outside, Hash Browns are cooked with shredded potato patties for an unbeatable flavor.
Although they aren’t exactly keto-friendly, they still fall within recommended carb intake, just be sure to consume them in moderation!
The nutrition facts for the Hash Browns include:
- Calories: 140
- Fat: 8 grams
- Net carbs: 16 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
McDonald’s Low-Carb Burgers
Enjoy the guilt-free, keto burger options at McDonald’s! Forgo the bun and savor the juicy flavor of their burger patties and fillings. You can also opt out of sauces, ketchup, or mustard to keep those carb counts even lower.
10. Big Mac (no Big Mac bun)
This item features two 100% pure all-beef patties smothered in the classic Big Mac sauce, perfectly complemented by pickles for tanginess, shredded lettuce, and finely chopped onion for a refreshing crunch, and topped off with melty American cheese.
The nutrition facts for the Big Mac with no Big Mac bun include:
- Calories: 340
- Fat: 27 grams
- Net carbs: 5 grams
- Protein: 18 grams
11. Quarter Pounder w/ Cheese (no Quarter Pound bun)
Delight in the succulent and exquisitely spiced ¼ pound of 100% fresh beef freshly grilled. Topped off with crisp slivered onions, tantalizing pickles, and two slices of melted cheese that’ll make your taste buds dance.
The nutrition facts for the Quarter Pounder with Cheese and no Quarter Pound bun include:
- Calories: 340
- Fat: 24 grams
- Net carbs: 7 grams
- Protein: 24 grams
12. Double Quarter Pounder w/ Cheese (no Quarter Pound bun)
The two juicy ¼ pound of 100% fresh beef patties, delicately seasoned to perfection using just a hint of salt and pepper, are topped off nicely with slivered onions, zesty pickles, and two slices of oozing cheese.
The nutrition facts for the Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese and no Quarter Pound bun include:
- Calories: 560
- Fat: 40 grams
- Net carbs: 8 grams
- Protein: 42 grams
13. Quarter Pounder w/ Cheese Deluxe (no Quarter Pound bun)
The 100% McDonald’s fresh beef patty is expertly seasoned with salt and pepper and cooked to order, then topped off with crisp lettuce, Roma tomatoes, two slices of American cheese, creamy mayo, slivered onions, and tangy pickles for an unforgettable flavor experience.
The nutrition facts for the Quarter Pounder with Cheese Deluxe and no Quarter Pound bun include:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 35 grams
- Net carbs: 9 grams
- Protein: 24 grams
14. McDouble (no regular bun)
Get a taste of two succulent patties that are sprinkled with delectable salt and pepper, topped off with tangy pickles, fresh onions, classic ketchup, and mustard plus one slice of melted American cheese for the ultimate McDouble experience without the bun.
The nutrition facts for the McDouble with no regular bun include:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 18 grams
- Net carbs: 5 grams
- Protein: 17 grams
15. Quarter Pounder w/ Cheese Bacon (no Quarter Pound bun)
With two slices of melty American cheese, slivered onions, and tangy pickles sitting atop a 100% McDonald’s fresh beef patty that has been seasoned to perfection with salt and pepper, this burger is irresistibly delicious!
The nutrition facts for the Quarter Pounder with Cheese Bacon and no regular bun include:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 33 grams
- Net carbs: 8 grams
- Protein: 30 grams
16. Cheeseburger (no regular bun)
A luscious 100% pure beef patty seasoned with salt and pepper, this burger is topped off with a zingy pickle, chopped onions, ketchup, mustard, and America’s favorite melty cheese slice.
The nutrition facts for the Cheeseburger with no regular bun include:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 11 grams
- Net carbs: 4 grams
- Protein: 10 grams
17. Double Cheeseburger (no regular bun)
This scrumptious burger is packed with two perfectly seasoned 100% pure all-beef patties, topped off with tart pickles, chopped onions, ketchup mustard, and two slices of melty American cheese.
The nutrition facts for the Double Cheeseburger with no regular bun include:
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 22 grams
- Net carbs: 5 grams
- Protein: 20 grams
18. Hamburger (no regular bun)
The 100% pure beef patty is seasoned to perfection and topped off with a tangy pickle, chopped onions, ketchup, and mustard for that extra special zing!
The nutrition facts for the Hamburger with no regular bun include:
- Calories: 100
- Fat: 7 grams
- Net carbs: 3 grams
- Protein: 7 grams
McDonald’s Chicken and Fish Sandwiches
Satisfy your cravings with McDonald’s delicious fried chicken and fish sandwiches. As they don’t serve Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich anymore, you can only savor their breaded or fried options.
Although they are not exactly keto-friendly, leaving out the bun will still make you feel satisfied while keeping carbs to a minimum. Just keep in mind that when it comes to enjoying indulgences, moderation is key!
19. Crispy Chicken Sandwich (no potato roll)
Enjoy the Southern-style crispy chicken sandwich, perfectly fried to a golden crisp and delightfully juicy. The crinkle-cut pickles are the perfect addition, while the absence of a potato roll allows the delicious flavors of the chicken to truly shine.
The nutrition facts for the Crispy Chicken Sandwich with no potato roll include:
- Calories: 290
- Fat: 17 grams
- Net carbs: 15 grams
- Protein: 20 grams
20. Deluxe Crispy Chicken Sandwich (no potato roll)
The juicy chicken pairs perfectly with the special toppings of shredded lettuce, Roma tomatoes, and mayo to give you an elevated flavor experience.
The nutrition facts for the Deluxe Crispy Chicken Sandwich with no potato roll include:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 23 grams
- Net carbs: 16 grams
- Protein: 20 grams
21. Spicy Crispy Chicken Sandwich (no potato roll)
This scrumptious creation brings together a southern-style fried chicken fillet, smothered in a zesty spicy pepper sauce.
The nutrition facts for the Spicy Crispy Chicken Sandwich with no potato roll include:
- Calories: 360
- Fat: 24 grams
- Net carbs: 16 grams
- Protein: 20 grams
22. Spicy Deluxe Crispy Chicken Sandwich (no potato roll)
The generous southern-style chicken fillet is paired perfectly with crunchy lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and zingy Spicy Pepper Sauce to create an irresistible balance of heat and juicy tenderness.
The nutrition facts for the Spicy Deluxe Crispy Chicken Sandwich with no potato roll include:
- Calories: 360
- Fat: 24 grams
- Net carbs: 16 grams
- Protein: 20 grams
23. Filet-O-Fish (no regular bun)
This classic menu item takes you on an unforgettable journey to the seaside as it features a golden and crispy wild-caught fish patty, with melty American cheese and creamy tartar sauce.
The nutrition facts for the Filet-O-Fish with no regular bun include:
- Calories: 240
- Fat: 17 grams
- Net carbs: 11 grams
- Protein: 11 grams
24. McChicken (no regular bun)
Revel in the crunchy chicken patty of the classic McChicken with no regular bun, adorned with crisp lettuce shreds and creamy mayonnaise for an added flavor punch.
The nutrition facts for the McChicken with no regular bun include:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 19 grams
- Net carbs: 11 grams
- Protein: 9 grams
McDonald’s Low-Carb McNuggets, Sides, and Treats
Step away from the classic burgers and dip your toes into a delectable meal of chicken nuggets or select from an array of low-carb desserts and sides without deviating from reaching your dietary goals.
25. Chicken McNuggets w/ Creamy Ranch Sauce – 4 pcs.
Made with all-white meat chicken and free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, these nuggets provide a delicious guilt-free indulgence. Dip them in the creamy ranch dipping sauce for an extra tangy kick of flavor or savor them as is for a much lower carb count.
The nutrition facts for the 4-piece Chicken McNuggets with Creamy Ranch Sauce include:
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 21 grams
- Net carbs: 11 grams
- Protein: 9 grams
26. Apple Slices
Made from actual apples, these slices are a crisp and delightful accompaniment to your meal that will satisfy your cravings while also providing nourishment.
The nutrition facts for the Apple Slices include:
- Calories: 15
- Fat: 0 gram
- Net carbs: 4 grams
- Protein: 0 gram
27. Chocolate Chip Cookie
A chocoholic’s dream, this heavenly dessert contains an incredibly soft and chewy cookie that melts in your mouth, generously layered with rich chocolate chips for extra goodness.
The nutrition facts for the Chocolate Chip Cookie include:
- Calories: 170
- Fat: 8 grams
- Net carbs: 21 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
McDonald’s Low-Carb McCafe Coffees
Kickstart your day with the low-carb goodness of McDonald’s McCafe coffees. With a variety of sizes to choose from, we suggest opting for the small size to keep your carb intake to a minimum.
Whether it’s hot or iced coffee that suits your fancy, McDonald’s has got just what you need to get charged up and ready for action!
28. Cappuccino – small
The nutrition facts for the small Capuccino include:
- Calories: 110
- Fat: 5 grams
- Net carbs: 10 grams
- Protein: 6 grams
29. Americano – small
The nutrition facts for the small Americano include:
- Calories: 0
- Fat: 0 gram
- Net carbs: 1 gram
- Protein: 0 gram
30. Premium Roast Coffee – small
The nutrition facts for the small Premium Roast Coffee include:
- Calories: 5
- Fat: 0 gram
- Net carbs: 1 gram
- Protein: 0 gram
31. Iced Coffee w/ Sugar-Free French Vanilla Syrup – small
The nutrition facts for the small Iced Coffee with Sugar-Free French Vanilla Syrup include:
- Calories: 80
- Fat: 5 grams
- Net carbs: 8 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
32. Latte – small
The nutrition facts for the small Latte include:
- Calories: 140
- Fat: 8 grams
- Net carbs: 12 grams
- Protein: 7 grams
33. Iced Latte – small
The nutrition facts for the small Iced Latte include:
- Calories: 90
- Fat: 4.5 grams
- Net carbs: 7 grams
- Protein: 4 grams
McDonald’s Low-Carb Beverages
McDonald’s understands the importance of staying fit and healthy, so they offer a variety of low-carb beverage options to suit their customers’ dietary needs like keto soda. These drinks are an ideal way for health-conscious individuals looking for hydration that won’t derail from their fitness goals!
34. Diet Coke – small
The nutrition facts for the small Diet Coke include:
- Calories: 0
- Fat: 0 gram
- Net carbs: 0 gram
- Protein: 0 gram
35. Unsweetened Iced Tea – small
The nutrition facts for the small Unsweetened Tea include:
- Calories: 0
- Fat: 0 gram
- Net carbs: 0 gram
- Protein: 1 gram
36. Hot Tea – small
The nutrition facts for the small Hot Tea include:
- Calories: 10
- Fat: 0 gram
- Net carbs: 0 gram
- Protein: 2 gram
37. Honest Kids Appley Ever After
The nutrition facts for the Honest Kids Appley Ever After include:
- Calories: 35
- Fat: 0 gram
- Net carbs: 8 grams
- Protein: 0 gram
38. DASANI Water
The nutrition facts for the DASANI Water include:
- Calories: 0
- Fat: 0 gram
- Net carbs: 0 gram
- Protein: 0 gram
How to Eat Low Carbs at McDonalds: Ordering Tips to Keep McDonald’s Keto-Friendly
Here are some helpful tips to bear in mind when ordering low carbs at McDonalds:
- Choose burgers and sandwiches without the bun for a healthier option.
- Make a healthier dining decision and switch out high-carb sides for some nutritious apple slices
- Satisfy your hunger with naturally low-carb items like bacon, sausage patty, or burger patty.
- Stay vigilant when selecting condiments and steer clear of sugary sauces, as they contain high carbohydrates.
- Don’t be intimidated to put your own spin on things and customize the order according to what works best for your keto diet.
If you want to remain true to your health goals, these ordering tips will help you eat keto and feast on a wholesome low-carb meal at McDonald’s.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Food Has the Least Amount of Carbs at McDonald’s?
With only 1 gram of net carbs per serving, the sausage patty is the lowest carb item on the entire McDonald’s menu.
Can I Have McDonald’s French Fries on Keto?
McDonald’s fries should be avoided if you are on the keto diet, as they contain far too many carbs. A small order alone is packed with 28 grams of carbs, which is more than the recommended daily carb intake.
Are Low Carbs at McDonald’s Healthy?
Unless you’re located in a place where McDonald’s restaurant serves Bacon Ranch Grilled Chicken Salad and other healthy menu items, their low-carb foods are not typically nutritious choices.
Some of their low-carb selections can be high in sodium and calories, so keep in mind that fast food meals should only be an occasional indulgence rather than a staple part of your eating plan.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining a keto diet doesn’t mean you can never enjoy fast food. With some forethought and mindful decisions, it’s possible to indulge in McDonald’s without compromising your diet plan!
This post has collected an extensive list of 38 low-carb dishes for keto enthusiasts—from breakfast sandwiches to burgers and drinks.
Although these options are lower in carbs than the usual items on the menu, they may still be high in calories, sodium, and unhealthy fats. So, it is important to make informed decisions and mind your portion sizes.
If this blog has been useful to you in any way, feel free to explore our other informative articles!