For a diabetic breakfast at McDonald's, aim for options with protein and fiber to manage blood sugar, like a Sausage Burrito (lower carb, protein-rich) or plain Oatmeal (high fiber, skip sugary mix-ins). You can also customize McMuffins by adding an extra egg or removing cheese/sauce, and pair with Apple Slices as a sensible side.
McDonald's is a classic stop for a quick breakfast and their 'Sausage Burrito' is a smart option for people with diabetes. It's relatively low in calories-310, it has 26 g of carbohydrates, and it has 12 g of protein to slow carb digestion and balance blood sugar levels.
"Many of these meals contain more calories than some small females need in their entire day,” Lakatos said, pointing out that 155 grams of carbohydrates is more than five times the carbs some people with diabetes should consume at a meal. Instead, she recommends the Egg McMuffin sandwich with a small cappuccino.
The following ingredients on our menu do not contain white flour or sugar: Scrambled Egg, Bacon, Whole Egg, Oatso Simple - plain, Fruit Bag, Carrot Sticks, Shaker Side Salad®, Beef patty, Cheese Slice.
All the burgers and grilled chicken sandwich without the bun are great high-protein McDonald's options. For breakfast, the egg and sausage mcmuffins without the muffins; thebacon, egg and cheese biscuit without the biscuit;and breakfast platters without the hash browns and biscuit are all excellent choices.
The Big Breakfast (no hash browns or biscuit, add bacon and cheese): 4g net carbs, 34.5g of fat, and 28g of protein. If you're not a bacon fan, you can always add in another sausage patty, scrambled eggs, or a beef patty instead. Egg McMuffin (no English muffin): 3g of net carbs, 11g of fat, and 12g of protein.
They're also a brilliant way to help your kids get 5 A Day!
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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.
Customization makes any order healthier:
All these breakfasts include protein, fiber, fat, and carbohydrates.
Sausage McMuffin
Otherwise, the Sausage McMuffin is definitely one of the healthiest breakfast foods at McDonald's. It is under 500 calories, is relatively low in sodium for a fast food item and has minimal sugar. Remove the butter to reduce saturated fat. Eat alongside a high fiber food.
Both research and health experts indicate that individuals living with type 2 diabetes, or at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, can include between 6 - 12 eggs per week as part of an overall healthy diet. So you can enjoy up to 2 eggs, 6 times a week.
For example, avocados, berries, dark leafy greens, eggs, fish, whole grains, nuts, and seeds will not raise blood sugar as much as starchy vegetables, fruit juice, and refined carbohydrates, said Balls.
Best Fast-Food Breakfasts for People With Diabetes
If you're looking for a fast food breakfast option, try the McDonald's Sausage Burrito. At 310 calories, it won't overwhelm your daily calorie budget, and with 25 grams of carbs, it's a lower carb option than breakfast items like McDonald's Hotcakes.
The unhealthiest item at McDonald's is often cited as the Big Breakfast with Hotcakes, packing over 1,300 calories, nearly a full day's sodium, and significant saturated fat, making it a calorie and nutrient bomb, with other contenders including large shakes, certain Angus burgers, and large fries.
Sausage, egg, and cheese McGriddle
Of all the McGriddles on McDonald's breakfast menu, the sausage, egg, and cheese McGriddle easily reigns supreme. The maple notes in the sausage patty pair beautifully with the syrup-infused griddle cakes, creating a sweet-and-savory balance that feels indulgent in the best way.
Healthiest: McDonalds Chicken Snack Wrap (490 calories). You can guarantee that anything with “big” or “whopper” in the title is going to be calorific. A McDonald's Big Tasty burger alone has more than 1.5 times a woman's guideline daily amount of saturated fat.
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.
Sugar-free syrup is a type of syrup that, instead of sugar, contains artificial sweeteners such as sucralose or aspartame. Sugar-free syrup is available in various flavors, including chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla. You can use it to top pancakes, waffles, and ice cream or to sweeten coffee and tea.
A regular hamburger without ketchup or sauce contains no added sugar. Side items like a small order of fries may contain very low or no sugar.
Yes! When made with wholesome ingredients like fresh eggs and wholegrain bread, toast and scrambled eggs are a well-balanced breakfast. Packed with protein, satisfying fats, and plenty of nutrients, it keeps you fuller for longer while supporting steady energy throughout the morning.
Try the rule of three! You'll choose three vegetables, three fruits, three grains, three proteins and two to three snack foods, which can include a fun food.