McDONALD'S, FILET-O-FISH
Whole food · Fast Foods
Photo: Wikipedia
The Filet-O-Fish is a classic McDonald's sandwich featuring a square, breaded and fried white fish patty, topped with a half-slice of processed American cheese and creamy tartar sauce, all nestled in a soft, steamed bun. Its texture is a contrast of the crispy, golden coating and the mild, flaky fish inside, with the tangy sauce and melted cheese adding richness. Nutritionally, it provides a moderate protein source but is notably high in fat and refined carbohydrates relative to its protein content.
Calorie split: 16% protein · 37% carbs · 47% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People often love it for its comforting, predictable combination of tangy tartar sauce, creamy cheese, and mild fish, which feels like a nostalgic, oceanic twist on a classic burger. It's a go-to for those who want something different from beef but still within the familiar fast-food framework.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The sandwich is high in sodium, saturated fat, and refined carbs, which can contribute to blood-sugar spikes and may not be ideal for those monitoring heart health or calorie intake. To counteract, consider pairing it with a side salad instead of fries, opting for a smaller portion, or balancing the meal with a piece of fruit to add fiber and slow sugar absorption.
Key benefits
- Provides a quick source of protein (about 16g per sandwich).
- Offers a mild, non-intimidating introduction to fish for some eaters.
- Contains calcium from the cheese slice.
- A familiar, consistent menu item for those seeking a specific taste or texture.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The Filet-O-Fish was the first new sandwich added to the McDonald's menu, created in 1962 by a franchisee in Cincinnati to cater to Catholic customers who abstained from meat on Fridays during Lent.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 45.8 g |
| Energy | 282 kcal |
| Energy | 1182 kj |
| Protein | 11.3 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 14.6 g |
| Ash | 1.9 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 26.4 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 1.4 g |
| Total Sugars | 3.7 g |
| Sucrose | 0.10 g |
| Glucose | 1.0 g |
| Fructose | 1.9 g |
| Lactose | 0.20 g |
| Maltose | 0.43 g |
| Galactose | 0.00 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 120 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 1.6 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 27.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 137 mg |
| Potassium, K | 220 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 434 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.58 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.07 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.26 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 25.5 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.30 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.21 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.13 mg |
| Niacin | 2.2 mg |
| Folate, total | 21.0 ug |
| Vitamin B-12 | 1.1 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 1.2 mg |
| Tocopherol, beta | 0.10 mg |
| Tocopherol, gamma | 6.6 mg |
| Tocopherol, delta | 2.1 mg |
| Tocotrienol, alpha | 0.00 mg |
| Tocotrienol, beta | 0.00 mg |
| Tocotrienol, gamma | 0.00 mg |
| Tocotrienol, delta | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 4.9 ug |
| Vitamin K (Dihydrophylloquinone) | 0.00 ug |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 2.8 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.03 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.04 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.05 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.16 g |
| SFA 15:0 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 1.6 g |
| SFA 17:0 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.75 g |
| SFA 20:0 | 0.05 g |
| SFA 22:0 | 0.04 g |
| SFA 24:0 | 0.02 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 4.0 g |
| MUFA 14:1 | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 15:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.05 g |
| MUFA 16:1 c | 0.04 g |
| MUFA 17:1 | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 3.8 g |
| MUFA 18:1 c | 3.8 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.07 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 22:1 c | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 24:1 c | 0.01 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 6.0 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 5.2 g |
| PUFA 18:2 n-6 c,c | 5.1 g |
| PUFA 18:2 CLAs | 0.02 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.64 g |
| PUFA 18:3 n-3 c,c,c (ALA) | 0.61 g |
| PUFA 18:3 n-6 c,c,c | 0.02 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:2 n-6 c,c | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 20:3 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 20:3 n-3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:3 n-6 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.03 g |
| PUFA 22:4 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.06 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans | 0.13 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans-monoenoic | 0.07 g |
| TFA 16:1 t | 0.01 g |
| TFA 18:1 t | 0.06 g |
| TFA 22:1 t | 0.00 g |
| TFA 18:2 t not further defined | 0.06 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans-polyenoic | 0.06 g |
| Cholesterol | 32.0 mg |
FAQ
What kind of fish is in a Filet-O-Fish?
The patty is typically made from a mild white fish, often Alaska pollock, which is minced, shaped, breaded, and fried.
Is the Filet-O-Fish healthy?
It's a source of protein but is also high in sodium, fat, and refined carbohydrates. It's best enjoyed as an occasional treat within a balanced diet.
Why is there only half a slice of cheese?
This is a classic McDonald's cost-control and flavor-balance measure, ensuring the cheese complements rather than overwhelms the mild fish flavor.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 2.82 kcal/g · 16% calories from protein · 1.4 g fiber · 3.7 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 1.97 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.