Busy Day? Try One of These RD-Approved High-Protein Fast Food Meals

High-protein fast food is totally a thing. Just read the nutrition facts on the menus at your favorite spots, and you may be surprised at what you find. Be sharp; the most loudly promoted menu items are usually not the healthiest (and thus normally not super protein-rich). You may have to take your time and comb through the menu to find more macro-friendly meals. 

RELATED: What Should My Macros Be?

Now, there are places like In-N-Out Burger that have a menu so limited there’s no way to make your order healthy or particularly high in protein. So, I’ve been scouting some of the most common fast food spots and putting together some interesting selections you’ll be intrigued to know may fit nicely into your search for high-protein meals, even when you’re on the go.

Read on to check out our dietitian-evaluated high-protein fast food picks!

RELATED: Best Healthy Fast Food

Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider.

Starbucks

Starbucks, like most coffee shops, doesn’t have a vast selection of high-protein food items relative to the size of their menu. It makes sense, considering it’s customary for coffee shops to offer carb-based snacks such as pastries, muffins, and croissants to enjoy with your coffee, so you’ve got to be sharp when looking for protein. That said, there are a few protein-rich options that are commonly found in most locations.

Sous Vide Egg Bites (12-19 g protein)

The protein content depends on the flavor of egg bite you choose with most of the protein coming from the egg itself along with animal protein and cheese. 

Bacon & Gruyère

• 300 calories
• 19 g protein

Ham, Cheddar & Peppers Sous Vide 

• 250 calories
• 17 g protein

Chicken Chorizo Tortilla and Kale & Mushroom 

• 230 calories
• 15 g protein

Egg White & Roasted Red Pepper 

• 170 calories
• 12 g protein

Spinach, Feta, & Egg White Wrap (20 g protein)

A nice vegetarian offering from Starbucks, the protein comes from the egg white, feta cheese and whole-wheat wrap which also makes it one of the lowest fat options on the menu. 

• 290 calories
• 20 g protein

Editor’s note: These are so good. I’ve tried to make my own at home but just can’t quite get it right. 

Eggs & Cheese Protein Box (22-26 g protein)

Aside from eggs and cheese, these adult Lunchables also contain multigrain muesli bread and Justin’s peanut butter, both of which contribute to the protein content.  

Eggs & Cheddar Protein Box

• 460 calories
• 22 g protein

Eggs & Gouda Protein Box

• 530 calories
• 26 g protein

Smoked Turkey Protein Box (35 g protein)

This is one of the most high-calorie items on the menu, but it makes sense, considering it’s also pretty substantial. Rather than just being an assortment of small snacks, this box contains an entire turkey sandwich cut into four sections, along with apple slices, baby carrots and a cup of ranch dressing. 

• 560 calories
• 35 g protein

Turkey Bacon, Cheddar & Cage-Free Egg White Breakfast Sandwich (17 g protein)

Back when I was a busy personal trainer, I seriously had this sandwich nearly everyday for months. With only 5 measly grams of fat, it fits into my cutting diet very neatly.

• 230 calories
• 17 g protein

Editor’s note: I’m also a huge fan of these when running errands or traveling. It’s tasty and the lowest calorie option of the breakfast sandwiches. 

RELATED: High-Protein Breakfast

Panera Bread

The name is a slight misnomer as Panera has many wonderful offerings that are absolutely not bread. Their sandwiches, salads and soups give a lot of opportunity for variety and customization, especially if you need to hit your protein goals. 

Teriyaki Chicken & Broccoli Bowl (46 g protein)

You aren’t able to customize the protein portion on this menu item, but it still packs a healthy punch of essential amino acids. 

• 610 calories
• 46 g protein

Green Goddess Cobb Salad with Chicken (38-59 g protein)

The main protein sources for this dish include chicken, egg and bacon. Fun fact: their famous Green Goddess dressing is made from Greek yogurt rather than the traditional sour cream, which provides some trace protein grams as well. 

Standard order:

• 500 calories
• 38 g protein

With double protein:

• 610 calories
• 59 g protein

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Mediterranean Bowl with Chicken (26-37 g protein)

The calorie count for this guy is high, considering the amount of protein it contains compared to other Panera offerings on this list. This is because the only substantial protein source is chicken, but the bowl also contains olives, hummus, and tahini. All three of these foods are packed with heart healthy fats, but are fats nonetheless. Thus, this would be a bowl for gains season. 

Standard order:

• 570 calories
• 26 g protein

With double protein:

• 620 calories
• 37 g protein

Baja Bowl (17-28 g protein)

The Baja Bowl is an excellent vegetarian source of protein for those who eat plant-based meals, with the protein coming from black beans, Greek yogurt and feta. If you’re okay with meat, however, the Baja Bowl with chicken is also an option, offering 11 more grams of protein for only 60 more calories.

Standard order:

• 630 calories
• 17 g protein

Baja Bowl with Chicken:

• 690 calories
• 28 g protein

RELATED: High-Protein Vegetables

Chipotle 

Here, we’ll look at Chipotle’s burrito bowls, as the protein portions tend to be larger for this option compared with their burritos and tacos. For each bowl, let’s assume you’re ordering brown rice, fajita veggies, cheese, mild salsa, and lettuce. Furthermore, I included the data for extra beans (which you can order for no extra charge!) to illustrate how you can boost the protein content even further.

Double Chicken Burrito Bowl (85 g protein)

Extra chicken options range from $2 to $4, depending on where you live, but they’re well worth it for an extra 32 grams of protein.

• 885 calories
• 85 g protein

Steak Burrito Bowl (46-67 g protein)

Believe it or not, the steak at Chipotle is even leaner than the chicken. So, if you want that healthy dose of protein that’s a tad more calorie controlled, opt for steak instead. 

Standard order:

• 675 calories
• 46 g protein

Double steak:

• 825 calories
• 67 g protein

Black Bean Burrito Bowl (17-25 g protein)

Even if you aren’t a fan of sofritas—Chipotle’s ground tofu seasoned with Chipotle’s chipotle-adobo sauce—the black bean bowl can still get the job done. 

With cheese:

• 525 calories
• 25 g protein

No cheese (for vegans):

• 395 calories
• 17 g protein

Chick-fil-A

If you’re looking for a high-protein option low on calories here, you’ll have to steer clear of the fried chicken options. Luckily, Chick-fil-A has plenty of tasty, non-breaded treats to choose from. A 30-piece of their grilled chicken nuggets is one of the highest protein fast food items out there, with nearly 100 grams of protein!

Cool Wrap (43 g protein)

• 660 calories
• 43 g protein

Grilled Nuggets (16-98 g protein)

If you’ve ever wanted to enjoy chicken nuggets on a keto diet, this is the order for you. Without the carbohydrates from the breading, these make a great low-carb snack or meal. 

5 piece

• 80 calories
• 16 g protein

8 piece

• 130 calories
• 25 g protein

12 piece

• 200 calories
• 38 g protein

30 piece

• 510 calories
• 98 g protein

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Original Chicken Sandwich (28 g protein)

• 390 calories
• 28 g protein

Wendy’s

Wendy’s is known for using rib meat for their chicken options, which is a part of the chicken breast that is actually brown instead of white. So, it’s still a good source of protein and has more flavor, but it isn’t as lean as the breast meat. This is why, as you’ll see, the calories are higher (mainly from fat) even in the grilled chicken items compared to other fast food options on this list.  

Cobb Salad With Chicken (36-37 g protein)

The main protein sources here are grilled chicken breast, cheddar cheese, eggs and bacon. 

With dressing:

• 680 calories
• 37 g protein

Without dressing:

• 430 calories
• 36 g protein

Grilled Chicken Wrap (27 g protein)

• 420 calories
• 27 g protein

Subway

These values are for the 6-inch sub options. Not that there’s anything wrong with eating an entire loaf of bread in one sitting—at least according to Subway—but we wanted to keep the macros focused on protein rather than carbohydrates. To boost the protein even more, you can spend an extra $1.25 to $3 for double the meat. 

Rotisserie Chicken Sub (25-42 g protein)

Standard order:

• 310 calories
• 25 g protein

Double meat:

• 410 calories
• 42 g protein

Supreme Meats Sub (25-51 g protein)

The calorie count on this particular sub is so high due to most of the meats being Italian meats including ham, salami, pepperoni, and capicola along with provolone cheese, which are all notoriously high in saturated fat. 

Standard order:

• 510 calories
• 25 g protein

Double meat:

• 895 calories
• 51 g protein

Teriyaki Chicken Sub (23-38 g protein)

Standard order:

• 360 calories
• 23 g protein

Double meat:

• 445 calories
• 38 g protein

Meatball Marinara Sub (24-39 g protein)

Standard order:

• 450 calories
• 24 g protein

Double meat:

• 690 calories
• 39 g protein

McDonald’s

You’re more likely to go for a McDonald’s McDouble than a source of lean protein when visiting this American classic restaurant. That said, there are still some high-protein options to be had.

Egg McMuffin (16 g protein)

Contrary to what the name says, this sandwich’s protein comes from one single egg along with Canadian bacon and “a slice of tasty processed cheddar cheese,” according to the McDonald’s website. Due to the carbohydrates coming from an English muffin rather than a biscuit, it’s also surprisingly low-calorie. 

• 290 calories
• 16 g protein

McCrispy Chicken Sandwich (26 g protein)

One of the few fried chicken options on our list, this sandwich still contains more protein than a McDonald’s McDouble, McChicken, and even the Filet-O-Fish, making it one of the highest protein fast food options on their menu. 

• 470 calories
• 26 g protein

Burger King

BK prides itself on having beef patties with no fillers, no preservatives, and no additives cooked on a flame grill, which is why they taste different from beef patties from other fast food restaurants. They also offer plant-based burgers, which taste like your typical cheeseburger and have a similar protein content. 

Double Whopper (50 g protein)

With half pound of beef patties, this is the cheeseburger for those huge appetites. As you’ll see the calorie count is bulky. 

• 940 calories
• 50 g protein

Impossible Whopper (24 g protein)

• 625 calories
• 24 g protein

Bacon and Swiss Royal Crispy Chicken Sandwich (39 g protein)

• 740 calories
• 39 g protein

Arby’s

Famous for their roast beef and cheddar cheese sauce, you probably didn’t even know Arby’s had chicken nuggets, sandwiches or wraps. Some locations even have gyros! In any case, below are our favorite high-protein offerings with the option to update the size of your beef sandwich depending on your protein needs.  

Classic Beef ‘n’ Cheddar Sandwich (23 g protein)

• 450 calories
• 23 g protein

Crispy Chicken Club Wrap (48 g protein)

• 880 calories
• 48 g protein

Dunkin’

Don’t fall into the trap of gathering your protein from one of the bagel or croissant sandwiches offered by Dunkin’ Donuts. As tasty as they can be, their breakfast sandwiches made from sourdough bread or English muffins are far more efficient. 

Sourdough Breakfast Sandwich (31 g protein)

The two eggs, five half slices of bacon, and white cheddar make up the protein here, with the bacon sending the calories up on the high end. 

• 650 calories
• 31 g protein

Egg White Turkey Sausage Wake-Up Wrap (11 g protein)

Not the most impressive protein content in the world, but it’s pretty low-calorie for a coffee shop wrap.

• 240 calories
• 11 g protein

Taco Bell

Taco Bell has gotten closer to the likes of Chipotle in that it allows you to make quite a few customizations to help you meet your macros. To maximize your protein for the calories, it’s best to stick to their grilled chicken offerings. Here are our favorite selections.

Chicken Quesadilla (26-35 g protein)

Standard order:

• 520 calories
• 26 g protein

Extra chicken:

• 560 calories
• 35 g protein

Chicken Power Bowl (26-37 g protein)

This is the ultimate fast food item for some healthy bulking. Not just because of the lean protein from both chicken and black beans, but you get some seasoned rice and guacamole to boost the calorie count from healthy fats and carbs. 

Standard order:

• 460 calories
• 26 g protein

Extra chicken:

• 510 calories
• 37 g protein

Popeyes

Known for their Southern-comfort chicken, there are a lot of options, but you have to look sharp if you want to use Popeye’s as your stop for a protein fix. Stick to their tenders or chicken sandwiches for the highest protein yield.

Handcrafted Blackened Chicken Tenders (26-43 g protein)

True to its roots in Louisiana chicken, these Cajun-seasoned tenders have no breading, so that means more protein per ounce for you. 

3-piece:

• 170 calories
• 26 g protein

5-piece:

• 280 calories
• 43 g protein

Bonafide Chicken Combo (35 g protein)

Though you can choose any piece of chicken for this combo, I went with the chicken breast, which has the highest grams of protein. 

• 380 calories
• 35 g protein

KFC

One thing I wasn’t a huge fan of is that KFC doesn’t offer a grilled chicken sandwich or even a chicken salad. So, you’ll have to tread lightly with your finger lickin’ as you navigate this menu, but there is some grilled chicken in their combo options, as you’ll see below.

Spicy Classic Chicken Sandwich (34 g protein)

• 650 calories
• 34 g protein

Kentucky Grilled Chicken Combo (53 g protein)

KFC’s combos traditionally come with a chicken piece, a side, and a biscuit. To make this combo as protein-packed as possible, I made my combo with a chicken breast and a side of BBQ baked beans. Calories do not include a drink. 

• 580 calories
• 53 g protein

Panda Express

As a general rule with Chinese food, you can optimize the protein content in your meal by forgoing fried options, as there are almost always alternative choices. Panda Express is no different. Look for their “Wok Smart” label, as most menu items under this category tend to be higher in protein. 

Grilled Teriyaki Chicken (36 g protein)

Important note: this dish is chicken only. No rice, no noodles, no vegetables. Just chicken and teriyaki sauce. 

• 300 calories
• 36 g protein

Kung Pao Chicken (16 g protein)

Even though both this dish and the grilled teriyaki chicken are 6 ounces per serving, this one has less than half the protein content as the weight includes the peanuts, peppers, and zucchini sauteed along with the chicken. 

• 290 calories
• 16 g protein

Quick High-Protein Meals You Can Make 

Don’t have the budget or time to rely on fast food items for your protein needs? We get it. The restaurants above should definitely be kept in mind if you’re ever traveling or in a position where you don’t have access to a kitchen to prepare your own high-protein foods. 

However, as a dietitian, I’m always going to vote for home-cooked meals due to the ability to more accurately track your macros and have control over your ingredient sources and quality. Below are some quick ideas:

Homemade Egg McMuffin

Who needs a drive thru? Fry an egg and assemble some Canadian bacon or turkey sausage patties on a whole wheat English muffin topped with a slice of American cheese. Put in a small pan and cover on heat until the cheese is nice and melty. 

Seriously, you can make days ahead of time and wrap them in foil or plastic wrap. Then all you have to do throughout the week is warm them up in the oven or the microwave at work. 

Chicken and Cheese Quesadilla

Generously season some canned chicken with taco seasoning for more affordable, already shredded chicken. I also recommend using plain Greek yogurt for sour cream for even more protein.

Tilapia and Black Bean Lettuce Wraps

Pull off some romaine lettuce leaves to make little boats, then fill them with some sheet pan-baked tilapia topped with black beans for a relatively low-carb meal.

Tuna Melt

For the lovers of carbs, mix some canned tuna with some light mayo and Greek yogurt. Spread it onto a couple of thick pieces of sourdough topped with American or cheddar cheese and heat in a pan until the cheese melts. You’ll get a super fast lunch that’s ready in minutes. 

Chicken Caesar Salad

Want to learn a dietitian’s favorite hack? Buy a cooked rotisserie chicken from the grocery store and use a fork to get the meat off the bone. Then you have yourself several cups of seasoned, juicy chicken. Get a lettuce mix or, better yet, a Caesar salad kit, and then…just add chicken. 

Add a store bought, Greek yogurt-based Caesar dressing (or make your own!) if you really wanna get crazy. You’re welcome.

RELATED: High-Protein Meal Delivery

High-Protein Fast Food: Final Thoughts 

There are more high-protein options to be found in fast food nowadays than ever before. You just have to know where to look…and where to customize. Ordering fast food online or via an app usually gives you more flexibility in selecting ingredients you like and eliminating others you don’t. This is a game changer in allowing active individuals to compose a meal to help them meet their macros.

If you have very high protein goals, such as during a cutting cycle or an injury, it’s recommended that you give in to the upcharge of double protein or extra meat. Not only can this help you meet your needs, but can help make your meal more satisfying in general. 

Finally, no matter what your selections may be or what your health goals are, try to read the nutrition facts wherever you can. Stick closer to items that have a high protein content to justify their high number of calories. This way, you can free up more of your day’s calories for carbs and healthy fats.

High-Protein Fast Food: FAQs

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.

Destini Moody, RD, CSSD, LD

Destini Moody, RD, CSSD, LD is a sports dietitian and the head of performance nutrition for the NBA G League Ignite. In addition to working with pro athletes, Destini has ghostwritten four weight loss and wellness cookbooks. She also authors online content covering fitness and nutrition topics.

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