Need a protein boost to crush your fitness goals without spending hours in the kitchen? Fast food might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but surprise—some menu items are secretly stacked with 30+ grams of protein. Whether you're post-workout or just trying to hit your macros, these drive-thru heroes can save the day (and your gains).
This isn’t your average sad fast-food chicken sandwich. The Grilled Chicken Club packs 40 grams of protein, thanks to a juicy grilled filet, bacon, and Monterey Jack cheese. Skip the fries (or don’t—we’re not judging) and pair it with a side of grilled nuggets for an extra 25 grams. Pro tip: The multigrain bun adds fiber, making it a smarter pick than white bread.
Wendy’s doesn’t play around when it comes to beef. Their Bourbon Bacon Cheeseburger delivers 38 grams of protein, with a thick quarter-pound patty, bourbon-infused sauce, and crispy applewood-smoked bacon. If you’re cutting carbs, ditch the bun and wrap it in lettuce—Wendy’s is cool with custom orders. Add a small chili for another 15 grams of muscle-friendly fuel.
Don’t sleep on the humble McDouble. At just $2.50 (prices may vary, but it’s still cheap), this double-decker gives you 22 grams of protein—but order two, and suddenly you’re at 44 grams for under five bucks. It’s the ultimate budget bodybuilding hack. For fewer carbs, ask for no ketchup or mustard and scrape off one bun.
Chipotle’s steak bowl is a protein powerhouse, clocking in at around 42 grams when loaded with steak, black beans, and fajita veggies. Skip the rice if you’re watching carbs, and double up on meat for an extra 20 grams. The best part? You control the portions, so there’s no mystery meat or sketchy additives.
Subway’s rotisserie-style chicken is lean and mean, with a footlong packing 48 grams of protein. Opt for whole-grain bread, load up on veggies, and go easy on the mayo to keep it clean. Pro move: Add a double portion of chicken for an insane 70+ grams. Yeah, it costs extra, but your muscles will thank you.
Wait—Taco Bell has protein? Absolutely. The Power Menu Bowl with grilled chicken hits 30 grams, thanks to a base of rice, beans, chicken, and cheese. Ditch the sour cream to save calories, or swap chicken for steak to bump it up to 34 grams. It’s proof that late-night drive-thru runs can still be kinda smart.
Five Guys burgers are famously hefty, and their Little Cheeseburger (which isn’t actually that little) delivers 30 grams of protein. The beef is fresh, never frozen, and you can pile on free toppings like grilled mushrooms or jalapeños for extra flavor. Warning: The Cajun fries are irresistible, but they’ll turn this into a cheat meal real quick.
Panera’s Turkey Chili is a sneaky-good protein source, with 33 grams per bowl. It’s loaded with lean turkey, black beans, and veggies, making it a solid pick for clean eaters. Pair it with a whole-grain baguette for carbs, or keep it light with a side of Greek yogurt (yes, Panera has that too).
The Double Whopper is a beast, with two flame-grilled patties and 48 grams of protein. Hold the mayo to cut unnecessary fat, and if you’re really hungry, add bacon for an extra 6 grams. Just know this one’s a calorie bomb, so save it for days when you’ve earned it.
Arby’s roast beef is legendary, and the Classic sandwich serves up 34 grams of protein. The meat is thinly sliced but piled high, so it’s surprisingly lean. For a next-level protein boost, order the Half Pound Beef ’n Cheddar—it’s got a whopping 51 grams. Yeah, we’re impressed too.
Fast food doesn’t have to derail your fitness goals—it’s all about picking the right menu hacks. Whether you’re bulking, cutting, or just need a quick post-gym refuel, these options prove that convenience and gains can coexist. Now go forth and conquer the drive-thru like a macro-savvy champ.
