Craving Chick-fil-A? You’re certainly not alone. This popular fast food joint is a favorite for many, but if you’re aiming to maintain a healthy diet, it can be challenging to satisfy your cravings while sticking to your goals. Despite the availability of healthier fast food choices, the unfortunate reality is that most meals can be detrimental to your health when consumed in large quantities, and Chick-fil-A’s offerings are no exception.
Besides knowing the best items to choose, it’s equally important to be aware of what to steer clear of. Below, we highlight some of the least nutritious Chick-fil-A options and suggest healthier alternatives, based on advice from health experts, to guide you the next time you find yourself at the drive-thru.
Health Experts Name 6 Chick-fil-A Orders To Skip In 2025 For Better Health
1. Fried Chicken Sandwich
Health professionals warn that regularly eating Chick-fil-A's famous fried chicken sandwich can negatively impact your well-being. "This seemingly harmless sandwich has 440 calories, 19 grams of fat, and a whopping 1370 milligrams of sodium," Krutika Nanavati tells us.
"The recommended daily sodium intake is 2300 milligrams." Eating all of that sodium on a regular basis can set you up for many complications. As Nanavati notes, "Consuming too much sodium can lead to hypertension and increase the risk of developing heart disease," among other risks.
2. Hash Brown Scramble Burrito with Nuggets
Next time you're craving a Chick-fil-A breakfast burrito, you may want to consider the health risks at hand. According to Dr. Su-Nui Escobar, DCN, RDN, FAND, "The amazing taste of the Hash Brown Scramble Burrito comes at a cost."
If you get this burrito with the standard chicken nuggets inside, she tells us that this can add up to a total of 700 calories and 1,770 milligrams of sodium. You're better off whipping up a healthier copycat recipe at home.
3. Peach Milkshake
Chick-fil-A sure knows how to make a tasty milkshake, and the Peach Milkshake is a fan favorite—but it's not going to be your body's favorite. "Chick-fil-A's Peach Milkshake is an unhealthy choice due to its high calorie, sugar, and fat content," Wan Na Chun, MPH, RD, CPT told Eat This, Not That.
This creamy treat contains 13 grams of saturated fat and 98 grams of added sugar. That's nearly double the amount of sugar you should have in one day! As Chun warns, "Consuming excessive amounts of sugar can lead to health concerns such as weight gain, diabetes, and heart disease." While it's okay to treat yourself every now and then, you definitely shouldn't make a habit out of ordering this dessert.
4. Sausage, Egg and Cheese Biscuit
Nothing satisfies morning cravings like a Chick-fil-A breakfast. However, Joanna Ayalloore, MS, RD, LDN, informed Eat This, Not That! that the sausage, egg, and cheese biscuit ranks among the most unhealthy choices available.
This option contains 18 grams of fat per serving, which is an astonishing 82% of the recommended daily intake. Plus, processed meats like sausage come with a plethora of health risks. They're best to be avoided whenever possible.
5. Chick-Fil-A Sauce
Let's face the facts: as tasty as that Chick-fil-A sauce may be, it's not good for you. Despite its creamy allure, the nutritional information tells the real story. As nutritionist Lisa Richards, creator of The Candida Diet tells us, "This sauce contains high amounts of fat, at 13 grams per serving, due to it being made with soybean oil and egg yolks." And the calorie content is no joke, either.
Richards points out that "the sauce also contains 140 calories per serving and 270mg of sodium." Yikes! When you add in the fact that it contains 9 grams of sugar per serving—a quarter of the daily recommended intake—it's safe to say you should avoid consuming this sauce in excess.
6. Southwest Salad with Spicy Grilled Fillet
Do you believe a salad is always nutritious? You might want to reconsider. "If this main course salad is served as listed on the menu–you are getting more than you bargained for," Michelle Rauch, MS, RDN told Eat This, Not That.
The ingredients in this salad pack in 10 grams of saturated fat and 1,220 milligrams of sodium. Luckily, there are healthier salads on the Chick-fil-A menu to choose from. With that said, we also rounded up three expert-approved Chick-fil-A orders.
3 Nutritionist-Approved Healthier Chick-fil-A Options
1. Chick-fil-A Grilled Chicken Sandwich
When you're in the mood for a tasty Chick-fil-A sandwich but prefer to avoid the pitfalls of fried chicken, the Grilled Chicken Sandwich is an excellent choice. The succulent, marinated grilled chicken breast is absolutely delectable and boasts 28 grams of protein along with 4 grams of fiber, ensuring you feel satisfied and full.
As Richards tells us, grilled chicken is typically the "healthiest method of eating chicken, but you must be mindful to avoid adding fats and high calorie toppings," when it comes to your weight loss journey. "You will be more nourished because you are opting for lean animal protein rather than meat high in fat," she notes.
Richards also points out that eating chicken on a regular basis can "replace meats high in saturated fat that can lead to heart disease and other chronic illnesses." In addition, she shares that "you may feel more satisfied because of the protein content in grilled chicken."
2. Egg White Grill Without Mayonnaise
One of the best options at Chick-fil-A is the Egg White Grill. This sandwich packs 18 grams of protein, keeping you full and energized, all while staying under 300 calories.
Valerie Maclin, a certified nutritionist and weight loss coach, suggests ordering it without mayonnaise and offers an easy swap: "Ask for an English muffin and mustard instead," she tells us, which cuts down on unhealthy fats and calories while maintaining flavor and texture.
The benefits of this sandwich come from the lean grilled chicken, which provides high-quality protein, and the egg whites, a low-calorie source of protein that’s rich in vitamins like B12 and D. All in all, it's ideal for those looking to support muscle growth or stay full until lunch without overindulging.
3. Grilled Chicken Biscuit Without Butter
For those who are fans of Chick-fil-A and are seeking a nutritious breakfast alternative, the Grilled Chicken Biscuit stands out as an excellent choice, particularly when tailored to be healthier. According to Maclin, "This option has reasonable calories and fat, especially without butter."
She advises opting for the sandwich without butter and suggests pairing it with a side of yogurt. This not only boosts the protein content but also provides beneficial probiotics to promote gut health. By making these simple adjustments, you can enjoy a delicious and balanced meal to start your day right.
The Bottom Line
It’s a common understanding that fast food is typically not the best choice for your health. However, in the whirlwind of a busy life, convenience often takes precedence.
Yet, choosing the drive-thru doesn’t have to derail your health and weight loss aspirations. By opting for protein-rich selections and leaner alternatives from the menu, you can stay on track with your goals and still indulge in an occasional treat.
