McDonald's Filet-O-Fish isn't inherently "healthy" due to its processed components, high sodium, fat (from frying & sauce), and sugar, but it offers protein, Omega-3s from sustainable pollock, and is a leaner fast-food choice than many beef burgers, especially if customized (no cheese/sauce). It provides protein but also hidden sugar in the bun, coating, and sauce, plus low fiber, making moderation key for a balanced diet.
Made with 100% wild-caught Alaska Pollock, the Filet-O-Fish sandwich from McDonald's is packed with protein and always sustainably sourced.
McChicken
The grilled McChicken sandwich has fewer calories and grams of fat than the McDonald's Quarterpounder. Paired with apple slices, this can increase your protein intake while not ingesting as much sodium as when you eat other burger options.
The fish is very light and decently flakey. It's a bit unusual to have a slice of American cheese on fish with tartar sauce but it actually works and tastes good. I like to ask for lettuce on it too. If you have not had one, definitely give it a try.
Double Quarter Pounder With Cheese (750 calories).
It's not surprising that this sandwich is unhealthy. Add large fries and a drink, and the calorie count nearly doubles.
like McDonald's, Subway, KFC, and Dunkin' Donuts. Most fast food is high in unhealthy fats, calories, sugar, and salt. Eating too much fast food can lead to health problems like excess weight gain, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Plan ahead to help limit fast food to a few times a month at most.
The unhealthiest meal at McDonald's is often cited as the Big Breakfast with Hotcakes, packing over 1,300 calories, 60+ grams of fat (often exceeding daily limits), and high sodium, but large burger combos with extra bacon/cheese or high-sugar McFlurries/shakes also rank high for calories, fat, and sugar, with items like the Double Bacon Smokehouse Burger and large shakes being major contenders.
You might be pleasantly surprised to learn that the piece of fish in your Filet-O-Fish is indeed an actual fish filet, rather than the processed minced fish blend used to make fish sticks.
The final verdict
McDonald's bland sandwich just couldn't stand up to Wendy's take on a crispy seafood meal, with its savory, seasoned patty doused in a liberal smear of tartar sauce and zesty tang from pickles. Wendy's sandwich also dominated in the texture game. The mushy Filet-O-Fish had no crunch whatsoever.
Of the foods scrutinized, the Filet-O-Fish was the least healthy per se, at 78 calories per ounce. The Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese and the Bacon Clubhouse Burger came in at 75.5 and 76.6 calories per ounce, respectively. The healthiest per bite was the hamburger at just 68.6 calories per ounce.
The traditional McDonald's hamburger can be a lower-calorie option. It's smaller and simpler than the double or quarter pounder burgers, making it a good option to keep your calories low. Ideally look to remove the Ketchup and Mustard. McDonald's wraps are often a good choice for a low-calorie and nutritious meal.
The TRUTH is that you sure CAN eat fast food and lose weight. It may not be optimal, but if you just can't get yourself to cook at home or select easily made meals from the grocery store, then maybe it is an option.
McDonald's promote their food as 'nutritious', but the reality is that it is processed junk food - high in fat, sugar and salt, and low in fibre and vitamins. A diet of this type is linked with a greater risk of heart disease, cancer,diabetes and other diseases.
The Filet-O-Fish from McDonald's is a relatively healthy option compared to other fast foods, thanks to its nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids and protein. Although frying reduces some of its nutritional value, it can be customized to reduce calories and sodium, despite the cheese and tartar sauce.
With the NEW Double Filet-O-Fish® making waves, we wanted to share some Filet-O-Facts 👇 Did you know that the 100% Alaskan Pollock in our Filet-O-Fish® is sustainably sourced from MSC-certified fisheries?
Six of those chemicals – dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, diisobutyl phthalate, dibutyl phthalate, benzylbutyl phthalate and didecyl phthalate – were detected in the Filet-O-Fish box tested by Symbio Laboratories. All six chemicals have been linked to an increased risk of impaired male reproductive development.
Five Guys has the unhealthiest cheeseburger, with a 50-point unhealthiness score. This chain also offers the least healthy fries (28 points). The unhealthiest chicken burger is the Chicken Sandwich Classic at Popeyes (39 points), and McDonald's Chicken McNuggets are the least unhealthy chicken nuggets (18 points).
The Best Fast Food Fish Sandwiches, Ranked
From a health perspective, the Filet-O-Fish and McChicken sit within a similar nutritional range. However, the McChicken's higher fat content may be a consideration for those mindful of their intake. The Filet-O-Fish offers a leaner alternative, albeit by a slim margin.
It played to my Chinese palate: While other McDonald's buns were toasted, the Filet-O-Fish's was steamed, much like the baozi. From its honeyed starch to its tangy tartar and savory fillet, the taste of the Filet-O-Fish carries an ineffable umami-ness.
Fish Filet Portion
Prepared in the restaurants using non-hydrogenated vegetable oil.
The healthiest options at McDonald's focus on grilled chicken, lean beef, and strategic modifications like skipping sauces, with good choices including the Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich, a 6-piece Chicken McNuggets (with lighter sauce), a Plain Hamburger, or the Fruit & Maple Oatmeal, often paired with sides like apple slices and water instead of fries and soda, says Healthline and myorthrive.com.
World Atlas has released a ranking of the top 10 most unhealthy fast food chains in the U.S., with Wendy's taking the top spot!
1. Processed Meats Like Bacon, Hot Dogs, and Cold Cuts. Processed meats like bologna, ham, and bacon are high in calories and salt and are linked to increased risk of heart disease due to their impact on cholesterol and blood pressure, says Julia Zumpano, RD, registered dietitian at Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.