10 of the most unhealthy things you can order at McDonald's (2024)

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INSIDER

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2019-04-02T20:53:00Z

10 of the most unhealthy things you can order at McDonald's (1)

  • INSIDER rounded up 10 of the least healthy menu items on the current US McDonald's menu.
  • The worst drinkor dessert you can buy is the strawberry or chocolate shake.
  • The unhealthiest food overall is the Big Breakfast with Hotcakes.

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10 of the most unhealthy things you can order at McDonald's (4)

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We know that McDonald's is the poster child of unhealthy eating in America, butsome menu items are admittedly more sinful than others.

INSIDER has rounded 10 of the unhealthiest foods, drinks, and desserts that you can find on a McDonald's menu right now, based on calorie count, fat content, sodium, and sugar (where applicable).

From classic Chicken McNuggets to indulgent breakfast platters, read on tolearn the worst McDonald's menu items you can order (for your health, anyway).

Joanna Fantozzi contributed to a 2017 version of this post.

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10. Six-Piece Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Tenders

10 of the most unhealthy things you can order at McDonald's (5)

Chicken tenders battered and fried in buttermilk can really pack a punch when it comes to sodium.

730 calories

40 gramsof fat

2,040 mg of sodium

9. Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese

10 of the most unhealthy things you can order at McDonald's (6)

Double the beef, double the cheese, and Big Mac sauce means double the calories.

740 calories

45 grams of fat

1,290 mg of sodium

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8. Bacon Clubhouse Burger

10 of the most unhealthy things you can order at McDonald's (7)

This1/4-pound burger topped with lettuce, tomato, bacon, melted cheddar, and Big Mac sauce has a whopping 41 grams of fat.

750 calories

41 grams of fat

1,420 mg of sodium

7. Big Breakfast

10 of the most unhealthy things you can order at McDonald's (8)

This breakfast combo with scrambled eggs, a biscuit, hash browns, and a sausage patty is the equivalent of eating two and a half Egg McMuffins in terms of calories.

750 calories

49 grams of fat

1,490 mg of sodium

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6. Bacon Smokehouse Burger

10 of the most unhealthy things you can order at McDonald's (9)

This 1/4-pound burger topped with bacon-onion sauce, Applewood smoked bacon, fried onions, and melted cheddar has more calories than two regular McDonald's cheeseburgers.

840 calories

45 grams of fat

1,580mg of sodium

5. McDonald's Chocolate Shake (Large)

10 of the most unhealthy things you can order at McDonald's (10)

This shake comes in chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry, as well as seasonal variations. Chocolate, as you might guess, is the worst offender. You can have four soft serve cones for that amount of calories and fat.

850 calories

23 grams fat

120 grams sugar

2

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4. 20-piece Chicken McNuggets

10 of the most unhealthy things you can order at McDonald's (11)

You can get McNuggets in four, six, 10, or 40-piecemeals. The 20-piece Chicken McNugget meal is worth the same as four small French fries.

890 calories

53 grams of fat

1,680 mg of sodium

3. Bacon Smokehouse Buttermilk Crispy Chicken

10 of the most unhealthy things you can order at McDonald's (12)

This fried buttermilk chicken sandwich topped with bacon-onion sauce, smoked bacon, fried onions, and melted cheddar cheese has 1,980 mg of sodium — the American Heart Association recommends no more than 1,500 mg per day for adults.

920 calories

45 grams of fat

1,980 mg of sodium

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2. Double Bacon Smokehouse Burger

10 of the most unhealthy things you can order at McDonald's (13)

Two beef patties topped with bacon, bacon-onion sauce, two slices of cheddar, and fried onion strings add up to a whopping 1,130 calories.

1,130 calories

67 grams of fat

1,920 mg of sodium

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1. Big Breakfast with Hotcakes

10 of the most unhealthy things you can order at McDonald's (14)

The Big Breakfast platter with an additional two hotcakes (McDonald's version of pancakes) has a whopping 65 grams of fat.

1,350 calories

65 grams fat

2,100 mg of sodium

48 mg of sugar

  • Read more:
  • 11 foods you think are healthy but actually aren't
  • The 20 healthiest and unhealthiest drinks you can order at Starbucks
  • 8 myths about restaurant food you need to stop believing

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10 of the most unhealthy things you can order at McDonald's (2024)

FAQs

10 of the most unhealthy things you can order at McDonald's? ›

Highlights: Mcdonalds Unhealthy Statistics

McDonald's uses over 1,210 calories of fat per day in their food. 28% of McDonald's customers believe the food is not healthy. In a study, about 34% of teenagers perceived McDonald's as “unhealthy.” McDonald's most unhealthy burger option contains 1,090 calories.

What is the most unhealthy thing at McDonald's? ›

The Worst McDonald's Menu Items Health Experts Say You Should Never Order
  1. Big Mac. The Big Mac is perhaps the most iconic item on the McDonald's menu. ...
  2. Caramel Frappe. ...
  3. Sausage Egg & Cheese McGriddle. ...
  4. Breakfast With Hot Cakes.
Nov 3, 2023

How unhealthy is McDonald's food? ›

Highlights: Mcdonalds Unhealthy Statistics

McDonald's uses over 1,210 calories of fat per day in their food. 28% of McDonald's customers believe the food is not healthy. In a study, about 34% of teenagers perceived McDonald's as “unhealthy.” McDonald's most unhealthy burger option contains 1,090 calories.

Why not to buy from McDonald's? ›

Here are some of the common criticisms that have been raised against the fast-food chain over the years: Health effects: Some people claim that McDonald's food is unhealthy, high in calories, fat, sugar, and salt, and contributes to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and other health problems.

How unhealthy is a Mcflurry? ›

Full of sugar, fat, and probably trans-fats, especially in the toppings. They have virtually no nutritional value at all aside from a bit of protein and calcium, but the unhealthy factors definitely outweigh any goodness that's in there. They are a big serving and very high in calories.

Is McDonald's healthier than KFC? ›

What are the healthier options? If you only consider the number of calories for a healthier food item, McDonald's burgers are better than KFC ones. But this conception goes wrong when you compare McDonald's fries and KFC fries as KFC fries are healthier than McDonald's ones.

Is McDonald's healthy yes or no? ›

Overall, it's okay to indulge in a McDonald's meal every once in a while. One burger or order of chicken nuggets won't make or break your health goals. That being said, eating to support your health goals is ultimately all about portion control and knowing exactly what you are consuming.

Is it OK to have McDonalds once a week? ›

"Eating fast food once a week should not affect anyone as long as they have a balanced diet rich in whole foods besides that one time," he says. "Fast food should be limited as much as possible but one time a week is usually the recommendation since many people are eating fast-food at least three times per week."

Is Panda Express bad for you? ›

Not only is their food quick, convenient, and tasty, but Panda Express also offers a ton of healthier options that are lower in calories and fat than many other fast food places. However, even with their more healthful choices, you'll still find a handful of unhealthy orders on their menu as well.

Why did Walmart get rid of McDonald's? ›

As the pandemic has changed shopping habits, customers are increasingly shopping online and opting for a drive-thru window. As a result, McDonald's planned to close hundreds of its outlets inside Walmart stores.

What is the number 1 unhealthiest food? ›

1. Bacon
  • Fried food. ...
  • Potato chips. ...
  • Added sugars. ...
  • Processed oils. Advertisem*nt. ...
  • Hydrogenated fats. This category of fats lurks in many packaged foods and fast food products. ...
  • Refined carbohydrates. Advertisem*nt. ...
  • Breakfast sausages. Advertisem*nt. ...
  • Processed meat. Advertisem*nt.
Jan 30, 2022

Is 5 guys bad for you? ›

Like those at many burger-and-fry establishments, Five Guys' menu items quickly add up in terms of calories, saturated fat, sodium, and cholesterol. If you follow a specific diet plan, you may struggle to find compliant items on the menu. However, in moderation, Five Guys is perfectly suitable for many eating patterns.

Is Chick Fil A junk food? ›

As a lean-meat protein, Chick-Fil-A's nutrition profile can offer great choices for a healthy meal-all depending on the cooking method. Breading and deep frying both add unnecessary fats and calories to the meal, taking away from some of its nutritional value.

Is McDonald's the unhealthiest fast food? ›

And while Burger King does offer largely just fried options, McDonald's narrowly avoids taking the cake as the unhealthiest chain due to its apple slices and some better-for-you breakfast items, according to Goodson.

What is the most unhealthiest thing in the world? ›

According to the American Heart Association, the most unhealthy food includes highly processed foods, just as processed snacks or junk food. These are replete with empty calories and low in nutrition. The refined flours, sodium and sugar in these foods make them the most unhealthy food in the world.

What's actually healthy at McDonald's? ›

It's not surprising that McDonald's Apple Slices pouch comes in first place for the healthiest item on the McDonald's menu. They're nothing but pure apples–no additives found here–and are the perfect substitute for your side of fries, especially for the kids, as they can be ordered with any Happy Meal.

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