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McDonald’s • Low Calorie Guide • Updated June 2026

Under 500 Cal Options at McDonald’s

Quick Answer: McDonald’s has 78 under 500 cal options. The lowest-calorie option at McDonald’s is the Hash Brown with 150 calories. Top pick overall: the McChicken (390 cal, 14g protein, Nom Score B).

78Under 500 Cal Options
155Total Analyzed
BBest Grade
Top rated

Top Under 500 Cal Picks at McDonald’s

1
B
McChicken
Cal
390
Prot
14g
Sod
560
Sug
4g
Contains: WheatSoyEgg
View full ingredients
Regular Bun: Enriched Flour (Bleached Wheat Flour, Malted Barley Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup and/or Sugar, Yeast, Soybean Oil and/or Canola Oil, Contains 2% or Less: Salt, Wheat Gluten, Calcium Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, Ammonium Sulfate, Ammonium Chloride, Dough Conditioners (May Contain One or More of: Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, DATEM, Ascorbic Acid, Azodicarbonamide, Mono and Diglycerides, Ethoxylated Monoglycerides, Monocalcium Phosphate, Enzymes, Guar Gum, Calcium Peroxide), Sorbic Acid, Calcium Propionate and/or Sodium Propionate (Preservatives), Soy Lecithin. CONTAINS: WHEAT, SOY LECITHIN.
McChicken Patty: Chicken, Water, Salt, Sodium Phosphates. Battered and Breaded with: Bleached Wheat Flour, Water, Wheat Flour, Modified Food Starch, Salt, Spices, Wheat Gluten, Paprika, Dextrose, Yeast, Garlic Powder, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil and Cottonseed Oil with Mono and Diglycerides, Leavening (Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Baking Soda, Ammonium Bicarbonate, Monocalcium Phosphate), Natural Flavor (Plant Source) with Extractives of Paprika. CONTAINS: WHEAT. Prepared in Vegetable Oil (Canola Oil, Corn Oil, Soybean Oil, Hydrogenated Soybean Oil with TBHQ and Citric Acid added to preserve freshness). Dimethylpolysiloxane added as an antifoaming agent.
Shredded Lettuce: Lettuce.
Mayonnaise Dressing: Water, Soybean Oil, Distilled Vinegar, Maltodextrin, Modified Food Starch, Enzyme Modified Egg Yolk, Salt, Sugar, Xanthan Gum, Mustard Flour, Potassium Sorbate (Preservative), Lemon Juice Concentrate, Polysorbate 80, Natural Flavor (Animal Source), Calcium Disodium EDTA to Protect Flavor, Beta Carotene (Color). CONTAINS: EGG.
2
B
English Muffin
Cal
160
Prot
5g
Sod
270
Sug
2g
Contains: Wheat
View full ingredients
Ingredients: Enriched Flour (wheat Flour, Malted Barley Flour, Niacin, Iron, Thiamine, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Water, Yeast, Yellow Corn Meal (degermed Yellow Corn Meal And Corn Flour), Contains 2% Or Less: Sugar, Soybean Oil, Salt, Dough Conditioners (mono-, Di- And Tricalcium Phosphate, Datem, Ascorbic Acid, Enzymes, Ethylated Mono And Diglycerides), Wheat Gluten, Cultured Wheat Flour, Citric Acid, Baking Soda, Fumaric Acid. Contains: Wheat. May Contain: Sesame., Salted Butter Ingredients: Cream, Salt.
3
B
Fruit & Maple Oatmeal
Cal
320
Prot
6g
Sod
150
Sug
31g
Contains: Milk
View full ingredients
Fruit & Maple Oatmeal: Whole Grain Rolled Oats, Water, Brown Sugar, Food Starch-Modified, Salt, Cream, Barley Malt Extract, Natural Maple Flavor (Plant Source), Caramel Color. CONTAINS: MILK.
Cranberry Raisin Blend: Sweetened Dried Cranberries (Cranberries, Sugar, Glycerin, Sunflower Oil), California Raisins, Golden Raisins, Sulfur Dioxide as Preservative.
Diced Apples: Apples, Calcium Ascorbate (a blend of Calcium and Vitamin C to maintain freshness and color).
Low Fat Crunchy Granola: Whole Grain Rolled Oats, Brown Sugar, Crisp Rice (Rice Flour, Barley Malt Extract, Salt), Sunflower Oil, Salt, Baking Soda, Citric Acid, Crushed Oranges, Cinnamon, Natural Flavor (Vegetable Source). MAY CONTAIN SOY AND WHEAT.
Item
Grade
Cal
Protein
Carbs
Sodium
1
McChickenNom’s Top Pick
Great portion. Light on fiber. · Contains: Wheat, Soy, Egg
Contains: WheatSoyEgg
Regular Bun: Enriched Flour (Bleached Wheat Flour, Malted Barley Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup and/or Sugar, Yeast, Soybean Oil and/or Canola Oil, Contains 2% or Less: Salt, Wheat Gluten, Calcium Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, Ammonium Sulfate, Ammonium Chloride, Dough Conditioners (May Contain One or More of: Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, DATEM, Ascorbic Acid, Azodicarbonamide, Mono and Diglycerides, Ethoxylated Monoglycerides, Monocalcium Phosphate, Enzymes, Guar Gum, Calcium Peroxide), Sorbic Acid, Calcium Propionate and/or Sodium Propionate (Preservatives), Soy Lecithin. CONTAINS: WHEAT, SOY LECITHIN.. McChicken Patty: Chicken, Water, Salt, Sodium Phosphates. Battered and Breaded with: Bleached Wheat Flour, Water, Wheat Flour, Modified Food Starch, Salt, Spices, Wheat Gluten, Paprika, Dextrose, Yeast, Garlic Powder, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil and Cottonseed Oil with Mono and Diglycerides, Leavening (Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Baking Soda, Ammonium Bicarbonate, Monocalcium Phosphate), Natural Flavor (Plant Source) with Extractives of Paprika. CONTAINS: WHEAT. Prepared in Vegetable Oil (Canola Oil, Corn Oil, Soybean Oil, Hydrogenated Soybean Oil with TBHQ and Citric Acid added to preserve freshness). Dimethylpolysiloxane added as an antifoaming agent.. Shredded Lettuce: Lettuce.. Mayonnaise Dressing: Water, Soybean Oil, Distilled Vinegar, Maltodextrin, Modified Food Starch, Enzyme Modified Egg Yolk, Salt, Sugar, Xanthan Gum, Mustard Flour, Potassium Sorbate (Preservative), Lemon Juice Concentrate, Polysorbate 80, Natural Flavor (Animal Source), Calcium Disodium EDTA to Protect Flavor, Beta Carotene (Color). CONTAINS: EGG.
B
390
14g
38g
560mg
2
English Muffin
Great portion. Watch the sodium. · Contains: Wheat
Contains: Wheat
Ingredients: Enriched Flour (wheat Flour, Malted Barley Flour, Niacin, Iron, Thiamine, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Water, Yeast, Yellow Corn Meal (degermed Yellow Corn Meal And Corn Flour), Contains 2% Or Less: Sugar, Soybean Oil, Salt, Dough Conditioners (mono-, Di- And Tricalcium Phosphate, Datem, Ascorbic Acid, Enzymes, Ethylated Mono And Diglycerides), Wheat Gluten, Cultured Wheat Flour, Citric Acid, Baking Soda, Fumaric Acid. Contains: Wheat. May Contain: Sesame., Salted Butter Ingredients: Cream, Salt.
B
160
5g
27g
270mg
3
Fruit & Maple Oatmeal
Great sodium & sat fat. Watch the sugar. Light on protein. · Contains: Milk
Contains: Milk
Fruit & Maple Oatmeal: Whole Grain Rolled Oats, Water, Brown Sugar, Food Starch-Modified, Salt, Cream, Barley Malt Extract, Natural Maple Flavor (Plant Source), Caramel Color. CONTAINS: MILK.. Cranberry Raisin Blend: Sweetened Dried Cranberries (Cranberries, Sugar, Glycerin, Sunflower Oil), California Raisins, Golden Raisins, Sulfur Dioxide as Preservative.. Diced Apples: Apples, Calcium Ascorbate (a blend of Calcium and Vitamin C to maintain freshness and color).. Low Fat Crunchy Granola: Whole Grain Rolled Oats, Brown Sugar, Crisp Rice (Rice Flour, Barley Malt Extract, Salt), Sunflower Oil, Salt, Baking Soda, Citric Acid, Crushed Oranges, Cinnamon, Natural Flavor (Vegetable Source). MAY CONTAIN SOY AND WHEAT.
B
320
6g
64g
150mg
4
Hash Brown
Great sugar & portion. Watch the sodium. Light on protein. · Contains: Wheat, Milk
Contains: WheatMilk
Hash Browns: Potatoes, Vegetable Oil (Canola Oil, Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Natural Beef Flavor [Wheat and Milk Derivatives]*, Citric Acid [Preservative]), Salt, Corn Flour, Dehydrated Potato, Dextrose, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate (Maintain Color), Extractives of Black Pepper. CONTAINS: WHEAT AND MILK. *Natural beef flavor contains hydrolyzed wheat and hydrolyzed milk as starting ingredients. Prepared in Vegetable Oil (Canola Oil, Corn Oil, Soybean Oil, Hydrogenated Soybean Oil with TBHQ and Citric Acid Added to Preserve Freshness). Dimethylpolysiloxane Added as an Antifoaming Agent.
B
150
1g
16g
320mg
5
Daily Double
Contains trans fat. Watch the sodium. Light on fiber. · Contains: Wheat, Soy, Milk, Egg
Contains: WheatSoyMilkEgg
Regular Bun: Enriched Flour (Bleached Wheat Flour, Malted Barley Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup and/or Sugar, Yeast, Soybean Oil and/or Canola Oil, Contains 2% or Less: Salt, Wheat Gluten, Calcium Sulfate, Calcium Carbonate, Ammonium Sulfate, Ammonium Chloride, Dough Conditioners (May Contain One or More of: Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, DATEM, Ascorbic Acid, Azodicarbonamide, Mono and Diglycerides, Ethoxylated Monoglycerides, Monocalcium Phosphate, Enzymes, Guar Gum, Calcium Peroxide), Sorbic Acid, Calcium Propionate and/or Sodium Propionate (Preservatives), Soy Lecithin. CONTAINS: WHEAT, SOY LECITHIN.. 100% Beef Patty (2): 100% Pure USDA Inspected Beef; No Fillers, No Extenders. Prepared with Grill Seasoning (Salt, Black Pepper).. Pasteurized Process American Cheese: Milk, Cream, Water, Cheese Culture, Sodium Citrate, Contains 2% or Less of: Salt, Citric Acid, Sodium Phosphate, Sorbic Acid (Preservative), Lactic Acid, Acetic Acid, Enzymes, Sodium Pyrophosphate, Natural Flavor (Dairy Source), Color Added, Soy Lecithin (Added for Slice Separation). CONTAINS: MILK AND SOY LECITHIN.. Shredded Lettuce: Lettuce.. Tomato Slice: Tomato.. Mayonnaise Dressing: Water, Soybean Oil, Distilled Vinegar, Maltodextrin, Modified Food Starch, Enzyme Modified Egg Yolk, Salt, Sugar, Xanthan Gum, Mustard Flour, Potassium Sorbate (Preservative), Lemon Juice Concentrate, Polysorbate 80, Natural Flavor (Animal Source), Calcium Disodium EDTA to Protect Flavor, Beta Carotene (Color). CONTAINS: EGG.. Slivered Onions: Onions.
B
490
22g
30g
810mg
6
Egg McMuffin
Great sugar & portion. Watch the sodium. · Contains: Wheat, Soy, Milk, Egg
Contains: WheatSoyMilkEgg
English Muffin: Enriched Flour (Wheat Flour, Malted Barley Flour, Niacin, Iron, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Water, Yeast, Yellow Corn Meal (Degermed Yellow Corn Meal, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Contains 2% or Less: Sugar, Wheat Gluten, Soybean Oil and/or Canola Oil, Salt, Dough Conditioners (May Contain One or More of: Mono-Diglycerides, DATEM, Ascorbic Acid, Enzymes, Azodicarbonamide), Vinegar, Cultured Wheat Flour, Calcium Sulfate, Soy Lecithin, Calcium Propionate (Preservative), Citric Acid. CONTAINS: WHEAT AND SOY LECITHIN.. Egg (Round): USDA Grade A Eggs. Prepared with Liquid Margarine: Liquid Soybean Oil and Hydrogenated Cottonseed and Soybean Oils, Water, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Salt, Soy Lecithin, Mono and Diglycerides, Sodium Benzoate and Potassium Sorbate (Preservatives), Artificial Flavor, Citric Acid, Vitamin A Palmitate, Beta Carotene (Color). CONTAINS: EGG, SOY LECITHIN.. Pasteurized Process American Cheese: Milk, Cream, Water, Cheese Culture, Sodium Citrate, Contains 2% or Less of: Salt, Citric Acid, Sodium Phosphate, Sorbic Acid (Preservative), Lactic Acid, Acetic Acid, Enzymes, Sodium Pyrophosphate, Natural Flavor (Dairy Source), Color Added, Soy Lecithin (Added for Slice Separation). CONTAINS: MILK AND SOY LECITHIN.. Canadian Bacon: Pork, Water, Sugar, Salt, Sodium Lactate, Sodium Phosphate, Natural Flavor, Sodium Diacetate, Sodium Nitrite.
B
310
17g
30g
770mg
7
Sausage McMuffin with Egg
Great sugar. Watch the sodium. Light on fiber. · Contains: Wheat, Soy, Milk, Egg
Contains: WheatSoyMilkEgg
English Muffin: Enriched Flour (Wheat Flour, Malted Barley Flour, Niacin, Iron, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Water, Yeast, Yellow Corn Meal (Degermed Yellow Corn Meal, Niacin, Ferrous Sulfate, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Contains 2% or Less: Sugar, Wheat Gluten, Soybean Oil and/or Canola Oil, Salt, Dough Conditioners (May Contain One or More of: Mono-Diglycerides, DATEM, Ascorbic Acid, Enzymes, Azodicarbonamide), Vinegar, Cultured Wheat Flour, Calcium Sulfate, Soy Lecithin, Calcium Propionate (Preservative), Citric Acid. CONTAINS: WHEAT AND SOY LECITHIN.. Sausage Patty: Pork, Water, Seasoning (Salt, Corn Syrup Solids, Spices, Dextrose, Sugar, Spice Extractives), Preservatives (BHA, Citric Acid and Propyl Gallate).. Egg (Round): USDA Grade A Eggs. Prepared with Liquid Margarine: Liquid Soybean Oil and Hydrogenated Cottonseed and Soybean Oils, Water, Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Salt, Soy Lecithin, Mono and Diglycerides, Sodium Benzoate and Potassium Sorbate (Preservatives), Artificial Flavor, Citric Acid, Vitamin A Palmitate, Beta Carotene (Color). CONTAINS: EGG, SOY LECITHIN.. Pasteurized Process American Cheese: Milk, Cream, Water, Cheese Culture, Sodium Citrate, Contains 2% or Less of: Salt, Citric Acid, Sodium Phosphate, Sorbic Acid (Preservative), Lactic Acid, Acetic Acid, Enzymes, Sodium Pyrophosphate, Natural Flavor (Dairy Source), Color Added, Soy Lecithin (Added for Slice Separation). CONTAINS: MILK AND SOY LECITHIN.
C
480
20g
30g
830mg
8
Chicken McNuggets (10 piece)
Processed meat. Great sat fat & sugar. Watch the sodium. Light on fiber. · Contains: Wheat
Contains: Wheat
Chicken McNuggets: White Boneless Chicken, Water, Vegetable Oil (Canola Oil, Corn Oil, Soybean Oil, Hydrogenated Soybean Oil), Enriched Flour (Bleached Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Bleached Wheat Flour, Yellow Corn Flour, Vegetable Starch (Modified Corn, Wheat, Rice, Pea, Corn), Salt, Leavening (Baking Soda, Sodium Aluminum Phosphate, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Calcium Lactate, Monocalcium Phosphate), Spices, Yeast Extract, Lemon Juice Solids, Dextrose, Natural Flavors. Prepared in Vegetable Oil (Canola Oil, Corn Oil, Soybean Oil, Hydrogenated Soybean Oil with TBHQ and Citric Acid Added to Preserve Freshness). Dimethylpolysiloxane Added as an Antifoaming Agent. CONTAINS: WHEAT.
C
410
23g
26g
850mg
9
Chicken McNuggets (4 piece)
Processed meat. Great sat fat & sugar. Watch the sodium. Light on fiber. · Contains: Wheat
Contains: Wheat
Chicken McNuggets: White Boneless Chicken, Water, Vegetable Oil (Canola Oil, Corn Oil, Soybean Oil, Hydrogenated Soybean Oil), Enriched Flour (Bleached Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Bleached Wheat Flour, Yellow Corn Flour, Vegetable Starch (Modified Corn, Wheat, Rice, Pea, Corn), Salt, Leavening (Baking Soda, Sodium Aluminum Phosphate, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Calcium Lactate, Monocalcium Phosphate), Spices, Yeast Extract, Lemon Juice Solids, Dextrose, Natural Flavors. Prepared in Vegetable Oil (Canola Oil, Corn Oil, Soybean Oil, Hydrogenated Soybean Oil with TBHQ and Citric Acid Added to Preserve Freshness). Dimethylpolysiloxane Added as an Antifoaming Agent. CONTAINS: WHEAT.
C
170
9g
10g
340mg
10
Chicken McNuggets (6 piece)
Processed meat. Great sat fat & sugar. Watch the sodium. Light on fiber. · Contains: Wheat
Contains: Wheat
Chicken McNuggets: White Boneless Chicken, Water, Vegetable Oil (Canola Oil, Corn Oil, Soybean Oil, Hydrogenated Soybean Oil), Enriched Flour (Bleached Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Bleached Wheat Flour, Yellow Corn Flour, Vegetable Starch (Modified Corn, Wheat, Rice, Pea, Corn), Salt, Leavening (Baking Soda, Sodium Aluminum Phosphate, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Calcium Lactate, Monocalcium Phosphate), Spices, Yeast Extract, Lemon Juice Solids, Dextrose, Natural Flavors. Prepared in Vegetable Oil (Canola Oil, Corn Oil, Soybean Oil, Hydrogenated Soybean Oil with TBHQ and Citric Acid Added to Preserve Freshness). Dimethylpolysiloxane Added as an Antifoaming Agent. CONTAINS: WHEAT.
C
250
14g
15g
500mg
See all 78 under 500 cal options at McDonald’s
The Nom Score read

The McChicken tops McDonald’s’ 78 under 500 cal options — Nom Score B (77/100) on 390 calories, 14g protein, and 560mg sodium. The Chicken McNuggets (10 piece) carries the most protein at 23g. The lightest is the Hash Brown, at 150 calories. Most come from the Breakfast menu (5 of 10). Calories run 150–490 across the picks.

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Watch-outs

What to Avoid

These items at McDonald’s don’t meet under 500 cal criteria:

!
Big Breakfast
1060 cal (max 500)
!
Chocolate Shake (Medium)
520 cal (max 500)
!
Coca-Cola (Medium)
drink, not a meal
!
Sprite (Medium)
drink, not a meal
!
Dr Pepper (Medium)
drink, not a meal
Order smarter

Pro Tips: How to Order Under 500 Cal at McDonald’s

Hamburger (250 cal) or Cheeseburger (300 cal) are the lightest burgers
Apple Slices (15 cal) and Side Salad (15 cal) are the lowest calorie sides
Egg McMuffin (310 cal) is one of the lighter breakfast options
Heading out or stuck without options? Keep under 500 cal snacks on hand  so a under 500 cal choice is always within reach.
FAQ

Common questions about under 500 cal at McDonald’s

Is McDonald’s good for under 500 cal diets?

Yes — McDonald’s has 78 under 500 cal options, topped by the McChicken (Nom Score B).

What’s the best under 500 cal option at McDonald’s?

The McChicken is the best choice with 390 calories, 14g protein, and a Nom Score of B.

What is the lowest-calorie item at McDonald’s?

The lowest-calorie option at McDonald’s is the Hash Brown with 150 calories.

How we ranked these: Every item is scored by the Nom Score, which weighs sodium, saturated fat, sugar, portion size, fiber, and protein per calorie against FDA daily-value guidance. Data comes from McDonald’s’ published nutrition information.

Nutrition data verified. Calorie counts and macros are taken from McDonald’s’ official published nutrition data. How the Nom Score works →

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Nom. (2026). McDonald's Low Calorie Menu: Options Under 500 Calories (2026). Retrieved from https://nom.now/guides/mcdonalds-low-calorie
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