8 Fast Food Dishes That Are Lower in Sodium

Taco Bell offers several tacos that are lower in sodium, but we suggest the crunchy beef tacos “fresco style,” which means without cheese and added tomatoes. One taco has 140 calories and 270mg sodium, so you can double up if you prefer. Be mindful of the salsas, though — they’re higher in sodium than you might think, so use them sparingly.

If you prefer chicken nuggets to burgers, try a four-piece McNugget with a side of apple slices. The meal clocks in at 235 calories and 460mg sodium, but be wary of the dipping sauces offered, which can be sneaky sources of sodium and sugar. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to squeeze in a side of fries — even a small serving has 180mg sodium!

One McDonald’s hamburger checks in at 250 calories and 510 mg sodium. If you think you can add cheese to that, think again — cheese adds more than 200 additional milligrams of sodium.

If you’re looking for a filling snack on the go, Wendy’s baked potato with sour cream and chives is a great, satisfying option — and can even add in a few nutrients, like Vitamin C, potassium, and more! At 270 calories and only 55mg sodium, you’ll be satiated without tons of extra salt.

Grilled nuggets are your best bet at Chick-fil-A. Low in calories, you could order an eight-count grilled nuggets with a fruit cup on the side for 180 calories and 440mg sodium in total. If you love fries, you’re in luck! Order a five-count of grilled nuggets with a small order of waffle fries for 400 calories and 460mg sodium. Again, be mindful of the sauces here — one packet of Chick-Fil-A sauce will add 180 extra milligrams of sodium, so dip sparingly.

If you’re looking for a filling lunch on the go, you can’t beat Starbucks’ Eggs & Cheddar Protein Box. With two hard-boiled eggs, sliced apples, grapes, white Cheddar slices, multigrain bread, and honey peanut butter, you’ll fill up on protein without tons of excess sodium. The entire box checks in at 470 calories and 470mg sodium, so pair the box with water or black coffee.

At 242 calories and 495mg sodium, four chicken nuggets with a side of applesauce is a great way to satisfy your fast food cravings without racking up excess calories and salt.

Like McDonald’s, you’re better off skipping the cheeseburgers and fries at Burger King. Instead, order a Whopper Jr. with a side of applesauce, which comes out to 387 calories and 570mg sodium.