Many of us in the foodservice industry remember when only a few national chains featured nutritional menus. Today, though, customers are developing an appetite for a wide variety of healthy options, and the most successful chains are adapting to these changing needs.
From smart menu development to consumer-friendly strategies, the fastest growing healthy fast food chains are the ones that turn trends into customer preferences. They establish their brands as go-to spots for world-class salads, deliciously nutritious sides, plant-based menus and more.
We've compiled a list of the best healthy fast food chains in the United States. Each of these nationally branded restaurants does it a little differently. They all get it right by offering healthy choices.
American Fast Casual
1. Panera
When customers can choose fruits over chips, they know they’re going to enjoy a healthy meal. When their options include fresh soups prepared daily and sandwiches cradled in housemade bread, they fill their plates with the nutritional fare on Panera’s menus. The chain’s commitment to responsibly raised food is a big plus.
2. Freshii
Before plant-based dining appeared on the fast food landscape, Freshii was the place to enjoy Brussels sprouts, kale, and quinoa. Almost 20 years since its origins, the New York franchise still holds true to its nutritious, affordable roots. It’s quickly growing to become one of the trendiest healthy fast food chains in the United States.
3. Mendocino Farms
Mendocino Farms offers a delicious variety of sandwiches, burgers, salads, and soups. Their menu changes seasonally, so if you see something you like now, you'd better try it before it's gone.
The seasonal changes allow Mendocino Farms to commit to using fresh ingredients that are sourced from local farms whenever possible. They also offer a wide variety of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free menu options, so you can find a great meal regardless of your dietary restrictions.
Burgers and Sandwiches
4. LocoL
This California chain brands its mission with its name. LocoL is committed to serving customers with locally sourced, healthy alternatives to traditional fast food fare, and it pledges to do so without pinching consumer wallets. The successful concept is quickly expanding across Los Angeles and Oakland.
5. Elevation Burger
You can satisfy your fast food burger cravings without sacrificing your health. Elevation Burger uses high-quality, organic ingredients to prepare mouthwatering burgers, sandwiches, chicken, and sides. The chain also offers a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan burgers.
6. Au Bon Pain
Au Bon Pain translates to "from good bread," and this cafe chain never wavers from that commitment. The bakery offers healthy breakfast sandwiches, salads, wraps, and subs with simple and quality ingredients. It's a great grab-and-go option for breakfast or lunch on a busy day.
Salads
7. Salad and Go
The idea of world-class salads available at a drive-through window is proving to be very profitable for the aptly named Salad and Go franchise. It’s one of the newest industry entries, and it’s also one of the country’s fastest growing healthy fast food chains.
8. Sweetgreen
When you think of healthy fast food restaurants, Sweetgreen may be the first one that comes to mind. They're one of the most well established and widely recognized health-focused chains with a presence in over 20 states.
Sweetgreen's salads and bowls can be built from a base of kale, spinach, arugula, quinoa, or wild rice. Add your protein of choice and some colorful veggies, and you've created a healthy and filling meal.
9. Tender Greens
No matter what you're in the mood for, you can find something to satisfy your cravings at Tender Greens. Tender Greens' salads and bowls are packed with protein and veggies. Their classic plates feature a protein, a green, and a side dish, so you also have the option to customize your perfect meal. All their nutritional information is available on their website, making it the perfect lunch or dinner spot if you're counting calories or macros.
Plant-Based Focus
10. Veggie Grill
The VG Beyond Burger earns its billing on this chain’s menu by satisfying consumer appetites for burgers without meat on the bun. The veggie burger is a big hit for the successful California franchise that makes its name with fresh alternatives to traditional protein dishes.
11. Lyfe Kitchen
Fast casual meets healthy lifestyle at this eatery, and it all comes with an impressive pedigree. Backed by a former personal chef to the stars including Oprah, Lyfe Kitchen puts real nutrition in comfort food. Chef Art Smith’s national chain offers dine-in, take-out, catering and even weekend brunch.
Mexican and Tex-Mex
12. Chipotle
Technology and healthy menus come together with Chipotle’s user-friendly online nutrition calculator. Health-conscious consumers can design a dish, size up calorie, fat, and fiber numbers and edit at will. It’s clever, convenient, and designed with maximum customer appeal. Parents especially enjoy kid-meal selections and nutritional info.
13. Taco Bell
Yes, you can eat healthy at Taco Bell! Although the classic menu items stuffed with beef and sour cream may not fit the bill, Taco Bell also offers a variety of healthy, balanced meals.
For example, their Power Menu Bowls contain a protein of your choice, beans, rice, and veggies. You can also order most menu items "Fresco style," which replaces the dairy ingredients with diced tomatoes.
Asian-Inspired
14. BIBIBOP
BIBIBOP serves customizable, Asian-inspired bowls with simple and healthy ingredients. You can choose a base of greens, rice, or sweet potato noodles and top your bowl with a mix of protein and vegetables.
Because you build the bowl to your liking, you can make a BIBIBOP meal fit any macro profile, allergen restrictions, or other nutritional needs.
15. Honeygrow
Honeygrow is the place to go for a fast yet delicious stir fry. They also serve a variety of curries and salads inspired by traditional and modern Asian cuisines. Founded in Philadelphia in 2012, Honeygrow's original goal was to provide simple, wholesome meals in a fast dining format. Today, they fulfill this mission with over 40 locations along the East Coast.
Mediterranean
16. True Food Kitchen
True Food Kitchen was founded by Dr. Andrew Weil to promote health and wellness. The restaurant's recipes are based on the anti-inflammatory food pyramid, so every ingredient is hand-selected based on its nutritional profile.
True Food Kitchen serves a wide variety of cuisines, but some favorites include the Mediterranean hummus, the ancient grains bowl, and the grilled salmon.
17. DIG
Formerly known as Dig Inn, DIG brands itself as a home cooking restaurant that uses seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. DIG's menu includes a number of heart-healthy dishes inspired by the Mediterranean diet.
Pasta
18. Noodles & Company
Pasta may not be touted as a health food, but that doesn't mean it can't have a place in a nutritious diet. Noodles & Company has mastered the art of building balanced meals with delicious noodles and sauces. Look for their menu items that feature added veggies and proteins.
Their LEANguini series is also perfect for diners trying to reduce carbs and boost their protein intake.
Some Things Never Change
Consumers will always want their fried favorites and comfort food desserts to-go. Still, they show their appreciation for healthy fast food with their wallets. It’s an industry shift that clearly tracks customer preferences for choices that include nutritious, guilt-free options.
We’re proud to supply this new wave of demand and give you options, too. As one of California’s leading growers and shippers, we offer a full selection of premium products for all types of foodservice operations. Hitchcock Farms is your source for the finest available produce year-round, and that’s something that never changes.
