This Is the Healthiest Drive-Thru Breakfast, According to Dietitians ...Saudi Arabia

We’ve all had those rushed mornings when swinging by your favorite fast-food drive-thru feels like the only option. But finding the healthiest drive-thru breakfast is easier than you might think.

While fast food often gets a bad rap, many chains actually offer some surprisingly healthy breakfast choices. “Balance is key when selecting drive-thru breakfast items," Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, LD, a registered dietitian based in Charleston, SC, tells Parade. "Focus on meals that combine protein, whole grains, and nutrient-dense components like fruits or vegetables when possible." 

That said, you may be wondering: What actually is the healthiest drive-thru breakfast to order? The answer depends on your overall health goals, but the good news is, there are plenty of nutritionist-approved options available.

Below, we’ve rounded up some dietitian-recommended healthy drive-thru breakfast items to consider on your next fast-food run, along with expert tips on how to optimize your order to make it even more nutritious.

Related: This Is the Healthiest Fast Food Sandwich, According to Registered Dietitians

What Is the Healthiest Drive-Thru Breakfast? 4 Best Options, According to Dietitians

1. Starbucks Spinach, Feta & Egg White Wrap

Courtesy of Starbucks

Alongside your morning coffee from Starbucks, you can snag one of the healthiest drive-thru breakfast options: the Spinach, Feta and Egg White Wrap.

"This wrap is worth noting for a health-conscious option as it’s packed with whole grains, protein and veggie goodness for a low-calorie yet nutrient-dense meal," says Manaker. "Pair it with a latte with no added sugars for some extra protein and key nutrients from the milk and antioxidants from the coffee."

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Ahead, see nutrition information for the Starbucks wrap:

Related: 12 Best High-Fiber Fast Food Options (with Nutrition Facts)

2. Panera Bread Garden Avo & Egg White Sandwich

Panera Bread

Another healthy drive-thru breakfast pick comes by way of recommendation from Nicole Langone, MS,RD, CDN,a registered dietitian and founder of Langone Wellness.Enter the Garden Avo and Egg White Sandwich from Panera Bread.

"Served on a multigrain bagel flat, this sandwich provides significant fiber from spinach, tomato and multigrain bread, heart-healthy monounsaturated fats from avocado that can help lower cholesterol, and 19 grams of protein from the egg whites and cheese," Langone tells Parade. "This combination of lean protein, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats can help balance blood glucose levels, especially important for your first meal of the day."

Here are the nutritional contents of Panera's sandwich:

Related: 15 Healthiest Fast Food Desserts, According to Registered Dietitians

3. McDonald’s Egg McMuffin (Without Bacon)

McDonald's

Another top contender comes from McDonald's, believe it or not. According to Manaker, the Egg McMuffin (hold the bacon!) is a great option when you're headed to the drive-thru for breakfast.

"It provides protein from the egg and cheese, along with necessary carbs from the English muffin," Manaker says. "Ask to hold the ultra-processed meat in this sandwich, as these additions add saturated fat and sodium that can detract from the meal's overall nutritional value." 

Here are some nutritional insights for the McDonald's Egg McMuffin:

Related: From McDonald's to Chick-fil-A, Nutritionists Say These Are the Healthiest Fast Food Options

4. Dunkin’ Egg & Cheese

Dunkin' Donuts

In the same vein, Amy Brownstein, MS, RDN, a registered dietitian with MyNetDiary, recommends a similar option: The Dunkin' Egg & Cheese. "It contains 14 grams of protein and 650 mg of sodium per sandwich. Pair with a skim milk latte for extra protein to keep you satisfied for longer," she tells Parade.

Here are some nutritional insights for the Dunkin' Egg & Cheese:

Related: These Are the 12 Best High-Fiber Fast Food Orders, According To Registered Dietitians

When it comes to choosing a breakfast at the drive-thru, the dietitians we spoke with shared a few key tips:

If you can help it, then Langone recommends staying away from drive-thru breakfast items that have excessive levels of saturated fats.“Drive-thru foods often contain an abundance of saturated fats from oily griddle eggs, gooey melted cheese, extra bacon and buttered croissant breakfast sandwiches,” she says. “Too much saturated fat can negatively impact your gut microbiome, and when your gut is off-balance, feelings of stress and anxiety increase.”Related: 8 Best Fast Food Oatmeals, According to Registered Dietitians

2. Be mindful of sodium

Even if an item is low in calories and fat, it can still be loaded with sodium, which is harmful when consumed in excess. "High sodium levels can lead to increased blood pressure, putting strain on the heart and raising the risk of cardiovascular diseases,” says Manaker. “It’s important to keep sodium intake in check, especially when eating out, as many processed or fast-food items contain hidden sodium to enhance flavor and preserve freshness.”Related: The 9 Healthiest Fast Food Soups, According to Registered Dietitians

Brownstein recommends looking for options that are more vegetable heavy at breakfast time. “Vegetables are packed with essential vitamins, minerals and fiber to support overall health,” she tells Parade. “Guidelines recommend consuming two to three cups of vegetables daily, but few people meet these goals. Get a head start by including vegetables at breakfast.”

4. Don't beat yourself up

Finally, be sure to remind yourself that eating fast food isn't a health (or moral) "failure." "Remember that indulging in fast food once in a while won't make or break your overall health," Manaker concludes. "The broader pattern of balanced choices and consistent habits that truly matters in the long run.”

Up Next:

Related: ‘I'm a Registered Dietitian—Here Are 12 Processed Foods That Are Actually Good For You'

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