Healthy Fast Food Without MSG Options

Lily Lassiter
13 min readMar 19, 2024

Fast food chains have been responding to the growing demand for healthier options without the use of MSG. These chains understand the importance of offering high-quality ingredients and providing transparency to their customers. By prioritizing simple and fresh ingredients, avoiding artificial additives, and providing clear information about their food, these fast food chains are changing the perception of what fast food can be.

Key Takeaways:

  • Fast food chains are now offering healthier options without MSG
  • These chains prioritize high-quality ingredients
  • Transparency is key, with clear information about the food provided
  • Simple and fresh ingredients are used, avoiding artificial additives
  • Consumers can now enjoy flavorful and healthy fast food options

Key insights

  • 🥣 Starbucks offers a cost-effective breakfast option with egg white and roasted red pepper egg bite combo with rolled oats and steel-cut oatmeal.
  • 🥪 The spinach feta and cage-free egg white breakfast wrap at Starbucks has 290 calories, 8g of fat, 3.5g of saturated fats, 34g of carbs, 3g of fiber, 5g of sugar, 840mg of sodium, and 20g of protein.
  • 🍳 The egg white grill contains 26g of protein, making it a great option for a filling and nutritious meal.
  • 🚫 High sodium intake can lead to water retention, dehydration, and increased risk of heart disease, making it important to pay attention to sodium levels in fast food options.
  • 🍱 Panda Express beef and broccoli is a surprisingly low-calorie and low-fat option, making it a healthier choice for fast food.
  • 🐔 The grilled spicy deluxe sandwich at Chick-fil-A is a healthier option compared to the classic fried one.
  • 📱 Use apps like MyFitnessPal to track nutrition facts and make informed choices when eating out, especially when trying to reach fitness goals.
  • 🍔 “Healthy fast food options under 500 calories” — a concept that challenges the traditional view of fast food.

Integrative Health Journal Preferred Snack Options

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  • CLEAN NUTRITION: Zero added sugar, no artificial sweeteners, no artificial flavors or colors
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  • PALEO & KETO DIET FRIENDLY: Designer Smoothies are made with paleo-friendly pure whey protein isolate free of gluten, hormones, & antibiotics; plus mct oil to help support a ketogenic lifestyle

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Evolve Plant Based Protein Shake, Vanilla Bean, 20g Vegan Protein, Dairy Free, No Artificial Sweeteners, Non-GMO, 10g Fiber, 11 Fl Oz

Evolve Plant Based Protein Shake, Vanilla Bean, 20g Vegan Protein, Dairy Free, No Artificial Sweeteners, Non-GMO, 10g Fiber, 11 Fl Oz

Ingredients

WATER, PEA PROTEIN, SOLUBLE VEGETABLE FIBER, LESS THAN 1% OF: ORGANIC CANE SUGAR, NATURAL FLAVORS, GELLAN GUM, CALCIUM PHOSPHATE, POTASSIUM CHLORIDE, ORGANIC STEVIA EXTRACT, SODIUM PHOSPHATE

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Healthy Options when you Must Eat Fast Food

In-N-Out: Simple and High-Quality Ingredients

In-N-Out is a popular West Coast burger spot known for its commitment to using simple and high-quality ingredients. With a focus on delivering delicious burgers and fresh French fries, In-N-Out has become a favorite among burger enthusiasts.

When it comes to their burgers, In-N-Out follows the old-fashioned way, using only the best ingredients. Their patties are made from fresh, 100% USDA ground chuck, ensuring a flavorful and juicy bite with every bite. The use of simple ingredients allows the natural flavors of the beef to shine through.

But In-N-Out’s dedication to quality doesn’t stop at their burgers. Their French fries are hand-cut from quality potatoes and cooked fresh throughout the day. This ensures that each fry is crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, providing the perfect accompaniment to their burgers.

“At In-N-Out, we believe in keeping things simple and using only the freshest and highest quality ingredients. No additives, fillers, or preservatives. Just great-tasting food.”

In-N-Out takes pride in their commitment to using no additives, fillers, or preservatives in their food. This means that customers can enjoy their burgers and fries without any extra unwanted ingredients. The simplicity of their menu allows the quality and freshness of their ingredients to take center stage.

So, if you’re craving a burger made with simple and high-quality ingredients, look no further than In-N-Out. Their commitment to using only the best has made them a beloved burger chain on the West Coast.

In-N-Out Ingredients

Burger Ingredients Classic Cheeseburger 100% USDA ground chuck, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, spread, onions Double-Double Burger Two 100% USDA ground chuck patties, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, spread, onions Animal Style Burger 100% USDA ground chuck, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, spread, grilled onions, pickles, mustard

Panera: Clean and Transparent Menu

Panera is dedicated to providing its customers with clean and healthy food options. Their commitment to quality is evident in their menu, which is free from artificial ingredients. Panera has a renowned “No No List” that prohibits the use of artificial additives in their dishes, ensuring that customers can enjoy their meals without any worries.

What sets Panera apart is their transparency. They display the whole grain contents of their bread, allowing customers to make informed choices about their food. This transparency extends throughout their menu, providing customers with clear and detailed information about the ingredients used in each dish. Panera believes that being open and honest about their offerings is essential for building trust with their customers.

In addition to their commitment to clean and transparent food, Panera focuses on seasonal offerings. They change their menu based on the availability of the best ingredients each season has to offer. This ensures that customers can enjoy fresh and flavorful dishes made with the highest quality ingredients. From warm and hearty soups in the colder months to vibrant salads and sandwiches in the summer, Panera’s seasonal menu always has something to satisfy every palate.

To further enhance their commitment to clean eating, Panera has also removed MSG from their menu. By avoiding this common additive, Panera ensures that their customers can indulge in delicious meals without worrying about any potential health concerns.

Experience the Freshness of Panera’s Clean Menu

If you’re looking for a fast-casual restaurant that prioritizes clean and healthy eating, look no further than Panera. With their transparent menu, seasonal offerings, and dedication to using real, unprocessed ingredients, Panera provides a dining experience that is both satisfying and guilt-free.

“At Panera, we believe that good food can bring out the best in all of us.”

So visit your nearest Panera location today and experience the goodness of their clean and transparent menu for yourself!

Chipotle: Real Ingredients and Transparency

When it comes to serving customers with real ingredients and maintaining transparency in their menu, Chipotle is a standout fast-food chain. With a commitment to simplicity, Chipotle uses only 53 real ingredients across their entire menu. They prioritize classic cooking techniques and avoid industrial additives, resulting in delicious dishes without MSG, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.

Chipotle’s dedication to providing a transparent menu means that customers can trust the quality and integrity of their food. By offering limited ingredients, Chipotle ensures that every item on their menu is carefully crafted using high-quality ingredients.

As the first national restaurant brand to use no added colors, flavors, or preservatives in their food, Chipotle leads the way in prioritizing real and wholesome ingredients. Their commitment to transparency and minimalism allows customers to enjoy flavorful and nourishing meals without any hidden surprises.

“Our focus has always been on using real ingredients and cooking techniques that bring out the best flavors in our food. We believe that transparency is essential, and we want our customers to know exactly what they’re getting when they choose Chipotle.”

With their dedication to real ingredients, limited additives, and a transparent menu, Chipotle continues to redefine the fast-food industry by providing customers with flavorful, high-quality meals that are made with care.

An Example of Chipotle’s Ingredients

Protein Carbohydrates Vegetables Salsa Grilled Chicken Brown Rice Leafy Greens Fresh Tomato Salsa Barbacoa Black Beans Red Onions Roasted Chili-Corn Salsa Sofritas White Rice Bell Peppers Tomatillo-Green Chili Salsa Carnitas Fajita Veggies Guacamole Tomatillo-Red Chili Salsa

Chipotle’s commitment to using real ingredients can be seen in the table above, with a wide range of protein options, carbohydrates, vegetables, and salsas. Each ingredient is carefully selected to provide customers with a variety of flavors and options while maintaining the highest standards of quality.

Shake Shack: Real and Natural Ingredients

When it comes to quality burgers made with real and natural ingredients, Shake Shack is a standout. This popular fast-food chain is dedicated to delivering a delicious and wholesome dining experience.

Shake Shack takes pride in sourcing their ingredients from reliable suppliers who prioritize sustainability and animal welfare. They have a firm commitment to using real, high-quality ingredients, and it shows in the taste and freshness of their burgers.

One of Shake Shack’s core values is the exclusion of hormones, antibiotics, and artificial growth hormones from their beef, chicken, pork, and hot dogs. This ensures that you’re enjoying a burger that is not only flavorful but also free from harmful additives.

Shake Shack goes the extra mile to provide their customers with top-notch ingredients. They use cage-free eggs and milk sourced from farmers who do not use artificial growth hormones. Additionally, they serve their burgers on a non-GMO potato bun, ensuring a wholesome and natural dining experience.

With a focus on quality ingredients, Shake Shack offers a range of mouthwatering burgers made with real beef and other delectable options. Each burger is carefully crafted to deliver a burst of flavor that will leave you craving for more.

Burger Ingredients ShackBurger 100% all-natural Angus beef, lettuce, tomato, ShackSauce SmokeShack 100% all-natural Angus beef, Niman Ranch smoked bacon, cherry pepper, ShackSauce Mushroom Swiss 100% all-natural Angus beef, cheese, mushrooms

Sweetgreen: Wholesome and Fresh Salads

Sweetgreen is a restaurant known for its innovative vegan dishes that are both delicious and nutritious. With a focus on fresh ingredients and simple recipes, Sweetgreen offers a variety of wholesome salads that are perfect for health-conscious individuals.

At Sweetgreen, they believe that food should be made with care and intention. That’s why they source organic and fresh ingredients to create their flavorful sauces, marinades, and salad dressings. By using high-quality produce, they ensure that each dish is packed with nutrients and bursting with natural flavors.

One of the key features of Sweetgreen’s menu is its commitment to limited ingredients. They avoid artificial sweeteners, flavors, and high fructose syrup, allowing the natural tastes of the ingredients to shine through. This dedication to simplicity ensures that every salad is a wholesome and healthy choice.

Whether you’re a vegan, a vegetarian, or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, Sweetgreen offers an array of options to suit your tastes. From their colorful Kale Caesar Salad to their refreshing Watermelon + Feta Salad, there’s something for everyone.

With their innovative vegan dishes, fresh ingredients, and simple recipes, Sweetgreen is redefining fast food and proving that healthy eating can be both convenient and delicious.

“At Sweetgreen, we believe that food should be real, made with ingredients sourced from farmers we know and trust. We’re committed to transparency, so you know exactly what you’re eating. Our goal is to make healthy, wholesome meals accessible to everyone.”

- Sweetgreen Team

BurgerFi: Quality and Fresh Burgers

When it comes to quality and freshness, BurgerFi is a burger chain that stands out from the rest. With a commitment to providing delicious and satisfying meals made with the finest ingredients, BurgerFi has become a popular choice for burger enthusiasts seeking a healthier fast food option.

BurgerFi takes pride in using 100% natural American Angus Beef in their burgers. This beef is completely free from steroids, antibiotics, and artificial growth hormones, ensuring a clean and natural dining experience. With every bite, you can taste the exceptional quality and flavor that comes from using the best ingredients.

But BurgerFi doesn’t stop at just traditional beef burgers. They also offer a range of plant-based options, catering to the growing demand for vegetarian and vegan choices. The VegeFi® Burger is a delicious plant-based patty made with fresh vegetables and grains. For those looking for an alternative protein source, the Beyond Meat Burger is a fantastic option, providing the taste and texture of real beef without any animal products.

At BurgerFi, freshness is paramount. Their commitment to avoiding added chemicals and artificial additives sets them apart from other fast food chains. They believe in delivering a truly satisfying meal without compromising on quality or flavor. With their focus on using real and simple ingredients, BurgerFi ensures that their food is free from MSG and other unwanted additives.

Whether you’re a carnivore, vegetarian, or vegan, BurgerFi has something for everyone. Their dedication to quality and freshness shines through in every bite. So next time you’re craving a delicious burger made with the best ingredients, head to BurgerFi and experience their mouthwatering offerings for yourself.

Noodles & Company: Clean and Fresh Ingredients

Noodles & Company is committed to providing customers with delicious meals made from high-quality and clean ingredients. They prioritize sourcing ingredients that meet their strict standards, ensuring that each dish is made with care and attention to detail.

One of the key aspects of Noodles & Company’s commitment to clean eating is their prohibited ingredients list. This list bans the use of artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, and preservatives in their dishes. By eliminating these additives, Noodles & Company ensures that their menu is free from artificial additives and provides a healthier dining experience.

When it comes to their ingredients, Noodles & Company chooses fresh and wholesome options. Their dishes are prepared using a variety of fresh vegetables, allowing customers to enjoy the vibrant flavors and nutritional benefits of these ingredients. Additionally, Noodles & Company uses cage-free eggs, antibiotic-free bacon, and organic milk and tea in their recipes, further enhancing the quality of their offerings.

Transparency is also a priority for Noodles & Company. They provide clear information about their menu on their website and in their restaurants, allowing customers to make informed choices about the food they consume. By prioritizing transparency, Noodles & Company fosters trust with their customers and ensures that their commitment to clean ingredients remains evident.

At Noodles & Company, you can enjoy a variety of delicious noodle dishes, salads, and soups that are made with clean and fresh ingredients. Whether you have a craving for classic mac and cheese, a refreshing Asian noodle salad, or a comforting bowl of chicken noodle soup, Noodles & Company has options that cater to different tastes and dietary preferences.

When you choose Noodles & Company, you can feel confident that you’re enjoying a meal made with clean ingredients and free from artificial additives. Explore their menu and savor the flavors of their delicious dishes while knowing that you’re making a healthy choice.

Conclusion

Fast food chains have recognized the growing demand for healthier options without MSG, and they are stepping up to meet these needs. In-N-Out, Panera, Chipotle, Shake Shack, Sweetgreen, BurgerFi, Noodles & Company, and other popular chains are leading the way by using high-quality ingredients, prioritizing transparency, and offering a range of healthy choices.

These fast food establishments understand the importance of providing food that is not only flavorful but also good for their customers’ health. They use fresh and simple ingredients, avoiding artificial additives and preservatives that are commonly found in fast food. The commitment to using quality ingredients can be seen in the use of real beef without hormones, organic vegetables, and cage-free eggs.

Transparency is also a key focus for these chains. They provide clear information about their food on their websites and menus, allowing customers to make informed choices about what they eat. Whether it’s displaying the whole grain contents of their bread, avoiding industrial additives, or utilizing limited ingredients, these chains prioritize transparency to build trust with their customers.

With the availability of these healthier options, it’s now easier for fast food lovers to enjoy a meal without compromising their health. The fast food industry is evolving, recognizing the importance of offering fast food without MSG and providing customers with high-quality, nutritious, and delicious choices.

FAQ

What are some fast food chains that offer healthier options without MSG?

Some fast food chains that prioritize high-quality ingredients and offer healthier options without MSG include In-N-Out, Panera, Chipotle, Shake Shack, Sweetgreen, BurgerFi, Noodles & Company, and others.

What makes In-N-Out a good option for those looking for simple and high-quality ingredients?

In-N-Out uses only fresh, 100% USDA ground chuck for their burgers and hand-cuts their French fries from quality potatoes. They pride themselves on using no additives, fillers, or preservatives in their food.

What sets Panera apart in terms of a clean and transparent menu?

Panera has a “No No List” that prohibits the use of artificial ingredients. They change their menu seasonally to utilize the best ingredients and provide clear information about their food. They also display the whole grain contents of their bread.

How does Chipotle maintain transparency and use real ingredients in their menu?

Chipotle uses only 53 real ingredients throughout their entire menu and avoids added flavors, colors, and preservatives. They prioritize classic cooking techniques and avoid industrial additives.

What makes Shake Shack’s ingredients real and natural?

Shake Shack excludes hormones, antibiotics, and artificial growth hormones from their beef, chicken, pork, and hot dogs. They also use cage-free eggs, milk from farmers who don’t use artificial growth hormones, and a non-GMO potato bun.

How does Sweetgreen ensure their vegan dishes are wholesome and fresh?

Sweetgreen uses organic and fresh ingredients to create their sauces, marinades, and salad dressings. They focus on simplicity and avoid artificial sweeteners, flavors, and high fructose syrup in their limited ingredient menu.

What quality and freshness standards does BurgerFi uphold?

BurgerFi uses 100% natural American Angus Beef without steroids, antibiotics, or artificial growth hormones. They also offer plant-based options using simple and real ingredients.

How does Noodles & Company prioritize clean and fresh ingredients in their menu?

Noodles & Company has a prohibited ingredients list that bans the use of artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, and preservatives. They prepare their dishes with fresh vegetables and use high-quality ingredients like cage-free eggs, antibiotic-free bacon, organic milk, and tea.

Where can I find fast food options without MSG?

Many fast food chains, including In-N-Out, Panera, Chipotle, Shake Shack, Sweetgreen, BurgerFi, Noodles & Company, and others, offer healthier options without MSG. These establishments prioritize high-quality ingredients and maintain transparency in their menus.

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