McDonald’s has a menu full of delights, but not all of them are good for a balanced diet. Some dishes come with a hefty dose of calories, sodium, or sugar, making them less ideal for everyday meals.
However, amidst the indulgent options, there are a few surprises that are relatively healthier.
This list will guide you through 10 meals to skip when considering health and 5 better alternatives that are worth trying.
1. Big Breakfast With Hotcakes
A full tray of scrambled eggs, sausage, hotcakes, hash browns, and a biscuit piles on over 1,300 calories and 2,000 mg of sodium. Add syrup and butter, and you’re hitting dessert-level sugar before 9 a.m.
It’s hearty but overwhelming, better suited to a holiday brunch than a regular morning meal.
2. Double Quarter Pounder With Cheese
Two beef patties and two slices of cheese bring this burger to over 740 calories—without fries or a drink. Sodium tops 1,400 mg, and saturated fat hits nearly 20 grams.
It’s a salt bomb that satisfies fast but leaves you sluggish and thirsty all day.
3. Large Fries And Milkshake Combo
Who doesn’t love McDonald’s fries? Pair them with a milkshake, and you’ve got a combo that’s both irresistible and calorie-laden.
The fries are golden and crispy, while the milkshake is creamy and sweet, creating a tantalizing taste sensation. However, this combo is high in sugars and fats, which might not align with healthy eating habits.
For a snack that feels indulgent yet won’t weigh you down, you might want to skip the milkshake or opt for a smaller portion of fries.
4. McFlurry With M&M’s (Regular Size)
This frozen treat blends soft serve and candy, stacking nearly 640 calories into a small cup. Sugar hits 85 grams—more than twice the daily limit.
The cold sweetness fades fast, but the sugar spike lingers far longer.
5. Deluxe Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Breaded and deep-fried chicken paired with mayo, pickles, and a soft bun adds up to 810 calories and 1,340 mg of sodium. The lettuce and tomato may look fresh, but they’re barely holding up the weight.
A single sandwich that feels like a full meal—and not in a good way.
6. Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit
What looks like a compact breakfast delivers nearly 460 calories, 25 grams of fat, and over 1,100 mg of sodium. The biscuit crumbles, but the richness sticks around.
Tasty? Sure. Balanced? Not even close.
7. Sausage McMuffin With Egg + Hash Browns
The Sausage McMuffin with Egg paired with hash browns is a breakfast favorite, offering a savory start to the day. Yet, this combo is loaded with calories.
The sandwich includes a warm muffin, sausage, egg, and cheese, providing a fulfilling taste. However, the added hash browns increase the fat and calorie content significantly.
8. Buttermilk Crispy Tenders (4-Piece With Sauce)
These look leaner than nuggets but are breaded and fried, hitting over 500 calories even without dipping sauce. Ranch or BBQ sauce adds salt and sugar fast.
This meal is high in fats and calories, especially when you add a sauce for dipping. The breading process adds extra fats that can impact your health goals.
9. Frappe Mocha (Medium)
Whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, and a sugary coffee base create a drink with more calories than a Big Mac. You’ll find 500+ calories and nearly 60 grams of sugar.
It’s cool, sweet, and better saved for dessert.
10. Big Mac Meal (Large Size)
A Big Mac, large fries, and soda pack 1,350+ calories and 50 grams of fat into one sitting. The special sauce pushes sugar and sodium up even higher.
You get nostalgia and flavor, but not much energy to carry you through the day.
11. Egg McMuffin
Made with real egg, lean Canadian bacon, and an English muffin, this sandwich holds steady at 310 calories and 17 grams of protein. It’s warm, balanced, and satisfying.
A smart breakfast that delivers staying power without dragging you down.
12. Hamburger (Regular Size)
At just 250 calories, the basic burger keeps it simple—beef, bun, pickles, onions, ketchup, and mustard. No cheese, no overload.
It offers portion control and classic flavor without tipping into greasy territory.
13. Fruit & Maple Oatmeal
This warm bowl of oats features diced apples, raisins, and light cream. Skip the extra sugar packet to keep it under 300 calories.
Hearty, comforting, and full of fiber, it’s one of the few sweet options that feels good after.
14. 4-Piece Chicken McNuggets With Apple Slices
Nuggets in a kid-size portion stay under 200 calories and offer a bit of protein. Apples add crunch and a naturally sweet touch.
Dip in mustard instead of creamy sauces for an even lighter bite.
15. Iced Coffee (No Syrup) Or Unsweetened Iced Tea
Both drinks come with zero added sugar when ordered plain and still offer flavor and caffeine. They pair well with nearly any meal.
Cool, crisp, and hydrating, they’re your best bet when skipping soda or shakes.