McDonald's on a GLP-1: the higher-protein picks that fit
McCrispy Strips are 31 g of protein for 400 calories, the one McDonald's order that scores a best fit. A Quarter Pounder with Cheese is 30 g and a McDouble is 22 g for 390 calories. The McDonald's picks that fit a GLP-1 pattern, and the ones to skip. Scored from McDonald's published US nutrition.
Written for anyone eating on a GLP-1 like Ozempic, Mounjaro, or Wegovy. Every McDonald's order below is scored the same published way, from the restaurant's own published nutrition.
The move
Go for the McCrispy Strips (31 g of protein, no bun) for the one best-fit order, a Quarter Pounder with Cheese or a McDouble among the burgers, or an Egg McMuffin for breakfast. Skip the Big Mac, the biscuit breakfasts, the fries, and the hash browns, and watch the sodium, which runs high across the menu.
Not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by McDonald's. "McDonald's" is a trademark of its owner, used here only to refer to the restaurant. Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy are trademarks of their respective owners, named only to describe the medicines many readers take. Nishi is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by any of them. Values as published by McDonald's in their official US nutrition calculator, per published serving. Menus change; verify in the restaurant (updated October 2026 (McDonald's published US nutrition calculator)).
The quick take
McDonald's is a treat, not a staple, but there's one genuinely strong GLP-1 pick: the McCrispy Strips (3 pieces, 400 calories, 31 g protein) come without a bun, so their protein density clears our bar, the only order here that reaches "best fit." After that it's "good fit" picks, where the buns and breading keep density below the mark. The best of those are the highest protein-per-calorie orders: the Bacon Quarter Pounder with Cheese tops the burgers at 36 g of protein, a regular Quarter Pounder with Cheese is 30 g, and a McDouble is the lightest high-protein option at 390 calories and 22 g. Among chicken, the McCrispy, Deluxe McCrispy, and Spicy McCrispy carry 26 to 27 g; the McChicken (14 g), the Snack Wraps (17 g but over half their calories from fat), and the 10-piece McNuggets read as lower fit. The Big Mac lands lower fit despite 25 g of protein, because its 34 g of fat is more than half its calories. For breakfast the Egg McMuffin is the pick at 310 calories and 17 g of protein, the leanest of the breakfast sandwiches here; the Sausage McMuffin with Egg and the biscuit sandwiches are fattier, and the Sausage Biscuit (11 g protein, 30 g fat) is the one to skip. Sodium is high across the menu, 510 to 1,470 mg on the sandwiches, so skip the fries and hash browns, keep it to a single order, and add water.
Burgers, chicken & breakfast, scored
Scored for whole meals, a gentler bar than single ingredients, since a balanced meal is naturally less protein-dense and fat only counts against it once it tops half the calories. Best fit first; re-sort by what matters today, and tap "Show the math" for the exact rule on any card. How we score.
Nishi's picks
Our best-fit orders for ordering on a GLP-1, from McDonald's published nutrition. Re-sort them by what matters to you today.
McCrispy Strips (3 pc)Best fit
31 g protein · 400 cal · 24 g carbs · 20 g fat · 2 g fiber
watch: 1320 mg sodium
Show the math
Protein31 gstrong at 30 g or morestrong
Protein density7.8 g per 100 kcalstrong at 7.5+, weak under 4strong
Fat45% of caloriesflag over 50% or friedok
Fiber2 greward 5+, flag over 30ok
Added sugarnot published by the restaurantflag over 30 gnot scored
Portion density400 kcalflag if density under 4 and 300 kcal or moreok
Sodium1320 mginformational over 1200 mgshown; does not change the tier
Best fit. Strong protein (30 g or more) and strong density (7.5 g per 100 kcal or more), with nothing flagged among the values the restaurant publishes. These published rules are applied the same way to every item scored on this bar; see how we score.
Steak, Egg & Cheese McMuffinGood fit
28 g protein · 450 cal · 30 g carbs · 24 g fat · 3 g fiber
28 g protein · lower fat
Show the math
Protein28 gstrong at 30 g or morebelow 30 g
Protein density6.2 g per 100 kcalstrong at 7.5+, weak under 4moderate
Fat48% of caloriesflag over 50% or friedok
Fiber3 greward 5+, flag over 30ok
Added sugarnot published by the restaurantflag over 30 gnot scored
Portion density450 kcalflag if density under 4 and 300 kcal or moreok
Sodium960 mginformational over 1200 mgok
Good fit. Solid, but not the full combination of strong protein, strong density, and no flags, so it sits in the middle. These published rules are applied the same way to every item scored on this bar; see how we score.
Quarter Pounder with CheeseGood fit
30 g protein · 520 cal · 42 g carbs · 26 g fat · 2 g fiber
30 g protein · lower fat
Show the math
Protein30 gstrong at 30 g or morestrong
Protein density5.8 g per 100 kcalstrong at 7.5+, weak under 4moderate
Fat45% of caloriesflag over 50% or friedok
Fiber2 greward 5+, flag over 30ok
Added sugarnot published by the restaurantflag over 30 gnot scored
Portion density520 kcalflag if density under 4 and 300 kcal or moreok
Sodium1140 mginformational over 1200 mgok
Good fit. Solid, but not the full combination of strong protein, strong density, and no flags, so it sits in the middle. These published rules are applied the same way to every item scored on this bar; see how we score.
Double CheeseburgerGood fit
25 g protein · 440 cal · 34 g carbs · 24 g fat · 2 g fiber
25 g protein · lower fat
Show the math
Protein25 gstrong at 30 g or morebelow 30 g
Protein density5.7 g per 100 kcalstrong at 7.5+, weak under 4moderate
Fat49.1% of caloriesflag over 50% or friedok
Fiber2 greward 5+, flag over 30ok
Added sugarnot published by the restaurantflag over 30 gnot scored
Portion density440 kcalflag if density under 4 and 300 kcal or moreok
Sodium1120 mginformational over 1200 mgok
Good fit. Solid, but not the full combination of strong protein, strong density, and no flags, so it sits in the middle. These published rules are applied the same way to every item scored on this bar; see how we score.
Bacon Quarter Pounder with CheeseGood fit
36 g protein · 630 cal · 43 g carbs · 35 g fat · 3 g fiber
watch: 1470 mg sodium
Show the math
Protein36 gstrong at 30 g or morestrong
Protein density5.7 g per 100 kcalstrong at 7.5+, weak under 4moderate
Fat50% of caloriesflag over 50% or friedok
Fiber3 greward 5+, flag over 30ok
Added sugarnot published by the restaurantflag over 30 gnot scored
Portion density630 kcalflag if density under 4 and 300 kcal or moreok
Sodium1470 mginformational over 1200 mgshown; does not change the tier
Good fit. Solid, but not the full combination of strong protein, strong density, and no flags, so it sits in the middle. These published rules are applied the same way to every item scored on this bar; see how we score.
McDoubleGood fit
22 g protein · 390 cal · 32 g carbs · 20 g fat · 2 g fiber
22 g protein · lower fat
Show the math
Protein22 gstrong at 30 g or morebelow 30 g
Protein density5.6 g per 100 kcalstrong at 7.5+, weak under 4moderate
Fat46.2% of caloriesflag over 50% or friedok
Fiber2 greward 5+, flag over 30ok
Added sugarnot published by the restaurantflag over 30 gnot scored
Portion density390 kcalflag if density under 4 and 300 kcal or moreok
Sodium920 mginformational over 1200 mgok
Good fit. Solid, but not the full combination of strong protein, strong density, and no flags, so it sits in the middle. These published rules are applied the same way to every item scored on this bar; see how we score.
Egg McMuffinGood fit
17 g protein · 310 cal · 30 g carbs · 13 g fat · 2 g fiber
17 g protein · lower fat
Show the math
Protein17 gstrong at 30 g or morebelow 30 g
Protein density5.5 g per 100 kcalstrong at 7.5+, weak under 4moderate
Fat37.7% of caloriesflag over 50% or friedok
Fiber2 greward 5+, flag over 30ok
Added sugarnot published by the restaurantflag over 30 gnot scored
Portion density310 kcalflag if density under 4 and 300 kcal or moreok
Sodium770 mginformational over 1200 mgok
Good fit. Solid, but not the full combination of strong protein, strong density, and no flags, so it sits in the middle. These published rules are applied the same way to every item scored on this bar; see how we score.
McCrispyGood fit
26 g protein · 470 cal · 46 g carbs · 20 g fat · 1 g fiber
26 g protein · lower fat
Show the math
Protein26 gstrong at 30 g or morebelow 30 g
Protein density5.5 g per 100 kcalstrong at 7.5+, weak under 4moderate
Fat38.3% of caloriesflag over 50% or friedok
Fiber1 greward 5+, flag over 30ok
Added sugarnot published by the restaurantflag over 30 gnot scored
Portion density470 kcalflag if density under 4 and 300 kcal or moreok
Sodium1140 mginformational over 1200 mgok
Good fit. Solid, but not the full combination of strong protein, strong density, and no flags, so it sits in the middle. These published rules are applied the same way to every item scored on this bar; see how we score.
Deluxe McCrispyGood fit
27 g protein · 530 cal · 48 g carbs · 26 g fat · 2 g fiber
27 g protein · lower fat
Show the math
Protein27 gstrong at 30 g or morebelow 30 g
Protein density5.1 g per 100 kcalstrong at 7.5+, weak under 4moderate
Fat44.2% of caloriesflag over 50% or friedok
Fiber2 greward 5+, flag over 30ok
Added sugarnot published by the restaurantflag over 30 gnot scored
Portion density530 kcalflag if density under 4 and 300 kcal or moreok
Sodium1050 mginformational over 1200 mgok
Good fit. Solid, but not the full combination of strong protein, strong density, and no flags, so it sits in the middle. These published rules are applied the same way to every item scored on this bar; see how we score.
Spicy Deluxe McCrispyGood fit
27 g protein · 530 cal · 49 g carbs · 26 g fat · 2 g fiber
27 g protein · lower fat
Show the math
Protein27 gstrong at 30 g or morebelow 30 g
Protein density5.1 g per 100 kcalstrong at 7.5+, weak under 4moderate
Fat44.2% of caloriesflag over 50% or friedok
Fiber2 greward 5+, flag over 30ok
Added sugarnot published by the restaurantflag over 30 gnot scored
Portion density530 kcalflag if density under 4 and 300 kcal or moreok
Sodium1200 mginformational over 1200 mgok
Good fit. Solid, but not the full combination of strong protein, strong density, and no flags, so it sits in the middle. These published rules are applied the same way to every item scored on this bar; see how we score.
Spicy McCrispyGood fit
27 g protein · 530 cal · 48 g carbs · 26 g fat · 2 g fiber
watch: 1320 mg sodium
Show the math
Protein27 gstrong at 30 g or morebelow 30 g
Protein density5.1 g per 100 kcalstrong at 7.5+, weak under 4moderate
Fat44.2% of caloriesflag over 50% or friedok
Fiber2 greward 5+, flag over 30ok
Added sugarnot published by the restaurantflag over 30 gnot scored
Portion density530 kcalflag if density under 4 and 300 kcal or moreok
Sodium1320 mginformational over 1200 mgshown; does not change the tier
Good fit. Solid, but not the full combination of strong protein, strong density, and no flags, so it sits in the middle. These published rules are applied the same way to every item scored on this bar; see how we score.
CheeseburgerGood fit
15 g protein · 300 cal · 31 g carbs · 13 g fat · 2 g fiber
15 g protein · lower fat
Show the math
Protein15 gstrong at 30 g or morebelow 30 g
Protein density5 g per 100 kcalstrong at 7.5+, weak under 4moderate
Fat39% of caloriesflag over 50% or friedok
Fiber2 greward 5+, flag over 30ok
Added sugarnot published by the restaurantflag over 30 gnot scored
Portion density300 kcalflag if density under 4 and 300 kcal or moreok
Sodium720 mginformational over 1200 mgok
Good fit. Solid, but not the full combination of strong protein, strong density, and no flags, so it sits in the middle. These published rules are applied the same way to every item scored on this bar; see how we score.
Filet-O-FishGood fit
16 g protein · 380 cal · 38 g carbs · 19 g fat · 1 g fiber
16 g protein · lower fat
Show the math
Protein16 gstrong at 30 g or morebelow 30 g
Protein density4.2 g per 100 kcalstrong at 7.5+, weak under 4moderate
Fat45% of caloriesflag over 50% or friedok
Fiber1 greward 5+, flag over 30ok
Added sugarnot published by the restaurantflag over 30 gnot scored
Portion density380 kcalflag if density under 4 and 300 kcal or moreok
Sodium580 mginformational over 1200 mgok
Good fit. Solid, but not the full combination of strong protein, strong density, and no flags, so it sits in the middle. These published rules are applied the same way to every item scored on this bar; see how we score.
HamburgerGood fit
12 g protein · 250 cal · 30 g carbs · 9 g fat · 1 g fiber
12 g protein · lower fat
Show the math
Protein12 gstrong at 30 g or morebelow 30 g
Protein density4.8 g per 100 kcalstrong at 7.5+, weak under 4moderate
Fat32.4% of caloriesflag over 50% or friedok
Fiber1 greward 5+, flag over 30ok
Added sugarnot published by the restaurantflag over 30 gnot scored
Portion density250 kcalflag if density under 4 and 300 kcal or moreok
Sodium510 mginformational over 1200 mgok
Good fit. Solid, but not the full combination of strong protein, strong density, and no flags, so it sits in the middle. These published rules are applied the same way to every item scored on this bar; see how we score.
Intelligent weight managementGet your personal targets
Your protein and calorie numbers, and what clears them at any chain, not just this one. About 2 minutes, free.
Deciding what to order at McDonald's?Nishi scores your exact order against your goals, builds it with you, and remembers what works, at any restaurant.
Tell Nishi what you're after and get one pick, with the honest tradeoff. How we score.
Given you want a burger, I'd go with Quarter Pounder with Cheese (30 g protein, 520 cal). If you're flexible, McCrispy Strips (3 pc) is Nishi's stronger overall pick here. See the full breakdown
Given you want breakfast, I'd go with Steak, Egg & Cheese McMuffin (28 g protein, 450 cal). If you're flexible, McCrispy Strips (3 pc) is Nishi's stronger overall pick here. See the full breakdown
Given you want seafood, I'd go with Filet-O-Fish (16 g protein, 380 cal). If you're flexible, McCrispy Strips (3 pc) is Nishi's stronger overall pick here. See the full breakdown
A lighter order that still fits: Cheeseburger (15 g protein, 300 cal). See the full breakdown
More protein, still a solid fit: Bacon Quarter Pounder with Cheese (36 g protein, 630 cal). See the full breakdown
Want this for your own targets?Nishi scores any order at McDonald's against your protein goal, and remembers what you like.
Scored a lower fit for a GLP-1 pattern, whether for higher fat, a denser portion, or less protein per calorie. Some carry a lot of protein but enough fat or calories that our rubric still rates them a lower fit, so the number is not the whole story. Each shows the specific reason. For a better fit, see the orders above. How we score.
Chicken McNuggets (10 pc)Lower fit
23 g protein · 410 cal · 26 g carbs · 24 g fat · 1 g fiber
watch: higher fat (52.7% of calories)
Show the math
Protein23 gstrong at 30 g or morebelow 30 g
Protein density5.6 g per 100 kcalstrong at 7.5+, weak under 4moderate
Fat52.7% of caloriesflag over 50% or friedflagged
Fiber1 greward 5+, flag over 30ok
Added sugarnot published by the restaurantflag over 30 gnot scored
Portion density410 kcalflag if density under 4 and 300 kcal or moreok
Sodium850 mginformational over 1200 mgok
Lower fit. Flagged on fat without both strong protein and strong density. These published rules are applied the same way to every item scored on this bar; see how we score.
Spicy Snack WrapLower fit
17 g protein · 390 cal · 32 g carbs · 22 g fat · 2 g fiber
watch: higher fat (50.8% of calories)
Show the math
Protein17 gstrong at 30 g or morebelow 30 g
Protein density4.4 g per 100 kcalstrong at 7.5+, weak under 4moderate
Fat50.8% of caloriesflag over 50% or friedflagged
Fiber2 greward 5+, flag over 30ok
Added sugarnot published by the restaurantflag over 30 gnot scored
Portion density390 kcalflag if density under 4 and 300 kcal or moreok
Sodium1000 mginformational over 1200 mgok
Lower fit. Flagged on fat without both strong protein and strong density. These published rules are applied the same way to every item scored on this bar; see how we score.
Ranch Snack WrapLower fit
17 g protein · 400 cal · 32 g carbs · 23 g fat · 1 g fiber
watch: higher fat (51.7% of calories)
Show the math
Protein17 gstrong at 30 g or morebelow 30 g
Protein density4.3 g per 100 kcalstrong at 7.5+, weak under 4moderate
Fat51.7% of caloriesflag over 50% or friedflagged
Fiber1 greward 5+, flag over 30ok
Added sugarnot published by the restaurantflag over 30 gnot scored
Portion density400 kcalflag if density under 4 and 300 kcal or moreok
Sodium970 mginformational over 1200 mgok
Lower fit. Flagged on fat without both strong protein and strong density. These published rules are applied the same way to every item scored on this bar; see how we score.
Big MacLower fit
25 g protein · 580 cal · 45 g carbs · 34 g fat · 3 g fiber
watch: higher fat (52.8% of calories)
Show the math
Protein25 gstrong at 30 g or morebelow 30 g
Protein density4.3 g per 100 kcalstrong at 7.5+, weak under 4moderate
Fat52.8% of caloriesflag over 50% or friedflagged
Fiber3 greward 5+, flag over 30ok
Added sugarnot published by the restaurantflag over 30 gnot scored
Portion density580 kcalflag if density under 4 and 300 kcal or moreok
Sodium1060 mginformational over 1200 mgok
Lower fit. Flagged on fat without both strong protein and strong density. These published rules are applied the same way to every item scored on this bar; see how we score.
Sausage McMuffin with EggLower fit
20 g protein · 480 cal · 30 g carbs · 31 g fat · 2 g fiber
watch: higher fat (58.1% of calories)
Show the math
Protein20 gstrong at 30 g or morebelow 30 g
Protein density4.2 g per 100 kcalstrong at 7.5+, weak under 4moderate
Fat58.1% of caloriesflag over 50% or friedflagged
Fiber2 greward 5+, flag over 30ok
Added sugarnot published by the restaurantflag over 30 gnot scored
Portion density480 kcalflag if density under 4 and 300 kcal or moreok
Sodium830 mginformational over 1200 mgok
Lower fit. Flagged on fat without both strong protein and strong density. These published rules are applied the same way to every item scored on this bar; see how we score.
Bacon, Egg & Cheese BiscuitLower fit
17 g protein · 460 cal · 39 g carbs · 26 g fat · 2 g fiber
Protein density3.7 g per 100 kcalstrong at 7.5+, weak under 4low density
Fat50.9% of caloriesflag over 50% or friedflagged
Fiber2 greward 5+, flag over 30ok
Added sugarnot published by the restaurantflag over 30 gnot scored
Portion density460 kcalflag if density under 4 and 300 kcal or moreflagged
Sodium1330 mginformational over 1200 mgshown; does not change the tier
Lower fit. Protein density is under 4 g per 100 kcal, which is fundamentally low when appetite is limited. These published rules are applied the same way to every item scored on this bar; see how we score.
McChickenLower fit
14 g protein · 390 cal · 38 g carbs · 21 g fat · 1 g fiber
watch: energy-dense, low protein
Show the math
Protein14 gstrong at 30 g or morebelow 30 g
Protein density3.6 g per 100 kcalstrong at 7.5+, weak under 4low density
Fat48.5% of caloriesflag over 50% or friedok
Fiber1 greward 5+, flag over 30ok
Added sugarnot published by the restaurantflag over 30 gnot scored
Portion density390 kcalflag if density under 4 and 300 kcal or moreflagged
Sodium560 mginformational over 1200 mgok
Lower fit. Protein density is under 4 g per 100 kcal, which is fundamentally low when appetite is limited. These published rules are applied the same way to every item scored on this bar; see how we score.
Sausage BiscuitLower fit
11 g protein · 460 cal · 37 g carbs · 30 g fat · 2 g fiber
watch: higher fat (58.7% of calories), energy-dense, low protein
Show the math
Protein11 gstrong at 30 g or morebelow 30 g
Protein density2.4 g per 100 kcalstrong at 7.5+, weak under 4low density
Fat58.7% of caloriesflag over 50% or friedflagged
Fiber2 greward 5+, flag over 30ok
Added sugarnot published by the restaurantflag over 30 gnot scored
Portion density460 kcalflag if density under 4 and 300 kcal or moreflagged
Sodium1090 mginformational over 1200 mgok
Lower fit. Protein density is under 4 g per 100 kcal, which is fundamentally low when appetite is limited. These published rules are applied the same way to every item scored on this bar; see how we score.
Hash BrownsLower fit
2 g protein · 140 cal · 18 g carbs · 8 g fat · 2 g fiber
watch: higher fat (51.4% of calories)
Show the math
Protein2 gstrong at 30 g or morebelow 30 g
Protein density1.4 g per 100 kcalstrong at 7.5+, weak under 4low density
Fat51.4% of caloriesflag over 50% or friedflagged
Fiber2 greward 5+, flag over 30ok
Added sugarnot published by the restaurantflag over 30 gnot scored
Portion density140 kcalflag if density under 4 and 300 kcal or moreok
Sodium310 mginformational over 1200 mgok
Lower fit. Protein density is under 4 g per 100 kcal, which is fundamentally low when appetite is limited. These published rules are applied the same way to every item scored on this bar; see how we score.
Go easy on
The Big Mac and the fattier breakfasts, the Big Mac's 34 g of fat is more than half its calories, and the Sausage McMuffin with Egg and the biscuit sandwiches run 26 to 31 g of fat, so they land as lower fit.
The Snack Wraps and McNuggets, the Spicy and Ranch Snack Wraps (17 g protein) and the 10-piece McNuggets (23 g) are over half fat, so they read as lower fit despite the protein.
Sodium, the sandwiches run 510 to 1,470 mg; the Bacon Quarter Pounder with Cheese is 1,470 mg and the Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit 1,330 mg.
Fries, hash browns, and sugary drinks, they add calories with little protein, and a hash brown alone is 140 calories and 310 mg of sodium.
Common questions
What's the highest-protein order at McDonald's on a GLP-1?
The one "best fit" order is the McCrispy Strips (3 pieces), 31 g of protein for 400 calories with no bun. Among burgers, the Bacon Quarter Pounder with Cheese has the most protein (36 g), and a regular Quarter Pounder with Cheese has 30 g and the best protein-per-calorie of the burgers; the McDouble is the lightest high-protein pick at 22 g for 390 calories. The McCrispy, Deluxe McCrispy, and Spicy McCrispy sandwiches each carry 26 to 27 g.
What's the best McDonald's breakfast on a GLP-1?
The Egg McMuffin is the pick at 310 calories and 17 g of protein, the leanest of the breakfast sandwiches we scored. The Sausage McMuffin with Egg has a bit more protein (20 g) but over 50% more calories and 31 g of fat, so it reads as lower fit, as do the biscuit sandwiches. The Sausage Biscuit (11 g protein, 30 g of fat) is the one to skip.
Is the Big Mac a good option on a GLP-1?
Not really. It has a respectable 25 g of protein, but its 34 g of fat is more than half its 580 calories, which is why it lands as lower fit on our lens. A Quarter Pounder with Cheese (30 g protein) or the McCrispy Strips (31 g, and the menu's one best fit) is a better-scoring pick.
What should I go easy on at McDonald's?
The Big Mac and the fattier breakfast sandwiches (the Sausage McMuffin with Egg and the biscuits), plus the Snack Wraps, the fries, hash browns, and sugary drinks. Sodium is high across the menu, 510 to 1,470 mg on the sandwiches. Keep it to a single order and add water.
What is the lowest-calorie McDonald's order with at least 15 g of protein?
Among the orders listed in this guide, the lowest-calorie McDonald's order that still reaches at least 15 g of protein is the Cheeseburger: about 300 calories and 15 g protein.
How each score is calculated. Deterministic rules published in full in our methodology (v1.1), with one published bar for single ingredients and one for whole meals. Every row above lists the exact factors behind its label.
What the score does and does not consider. See the limitations. It scores one item, not your whole day, and it is not medical advice.
How to challenge or correct it.Tell us if a value is stale or a call looks wrong. Corrections are recorded in the methodology version history.
