McDONALD'S, FILET-O-FISH (without tartar sauce)
Whole food · Fast Foods
Photo: Wikipedia
The Filet-O-Fish without tartar sauce is a classic McDonald's sandwich featuring a square, breaded, and fried white fish patty on a soft, steamed bun with a slice of American cheese. Its texture is a contrast between the crispy coating and the mild, flaky fish inside, with the cheese adding a creamy, salty note. Nutritionally, it's a lighter fast-food option, providing a solid protein base with moderate carbs and fat.
Calorie split: 21% protein · 51% carbs · 28% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love it for its unique, mild seafood flavor that stands out from the standard beef or chicken options, offering a lighter yet savory fast-food experience. It's a nostalgic choice for many, representing a simple, comforting, and consistent meal.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The breading and bun can cause a noticeable blood-sugar spike, and the fish patty is a common allergen (fish, wheat). To counteract this, pair it with a side salad or apple slices instead of fries to add fiber and slow digestion. Those watching sodium intake should be mindful, as the cheese and seasoned patty contribute significantly.
Key benefits
- Good source of lean protein from white fish.
- Lower in fat than many other fast-food burgers.
- Provides a quick, satisfying meal with a familiar flavor profile.
- The steamed bun is softer and less greasy than toasted versions.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The Filet-O-Fish was the first new sandwich added to McDonald's original menu, created in 1962 to cater to Catholic customers in Cincinnati who abstained from meat on Fridays during Lent.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 46.9 g |
| Energy | 243 kcal |
| Energy | 1016 kj |
| Protein | 12.5 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 7.6 g |
| Ash | 1.9 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 31.1 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 1.0 g |
| Total Sugars | 4.3 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 128 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 1.6 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 23.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 131 mg |
| Potassium, K | 194 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 464 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.54 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.07 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.23 mg |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.10 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.28 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.20 mg |
| Niacin | 2.7 mg |
| Folate, total | 57.0 ug |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.81 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 93.0 iu |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 1.8 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 2.8 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 2.3 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans | 0.16 g |
| Cholesterol | 25.0 mg |
FAQ
What kind of fish is in a Filet-O-Fish?
It's typically made from Alaska pollock, a mild, white, and flaky fish.
Is the Filet-O-Fish healthier than a Big Mac?
Generally, yes. It has fewer calories, less fat, and less sodium than a Big Mac, though it still contains processed ingredients.
Why is the bun steamed?
Steaming gives the bun a uniquely soft, pillowy texture that contrasts with the crispy fish patty and is a signature part of the sandwich's identity.
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 2.43 kcal/g · 21% calories from protein · 1.0 g fiber · 4.3 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: 2.39 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.