The great fast food fight: McDonald's versus KFC (2024)

We find out which is the 'healthier' option. You may be surprised by the result

By Mens Health
The great fast food fight: McDonald's versus KFC (1)

Ronald and the Colonel may seem out of place on MH's site, but we appreciate that dietary deviation is inevitable. So we've chewed the facts to determine which fast-food chain you should choose when your bending (not breaking) yours and our healthy-eating rules.

(Related: Fast food workers reveal the meals you should never order)

The numbers

McDonald's: 400k - McDonald’s estimates this many cows are used each year in the UK to provide the beef for all its products. That’s around 46 animals an hour.

KFC: 23m - The number of chickens that found their way into KFC’s buckets last year, with 400 pieces sold every minute across the country.

(Related: Stop eating chicken breasts that have white stripes. ASAP)

Healthy option

McDonald's: Grilled chicken salad - With only 133kcal and 20g of protein, this has true post-workout potential. Although resisting extra fries is another story.

KFC: Original recipe ricebox - Despite a hefty serving of protein and carbs, this alternative still comes laden with 17g of fat and weighs in at 500kcal.

(Related: KFC is testing vegetarian fried chicken)

Superfoods

McDonald's: Gherkins are a great source of probiotic bacteria, and an Egg McMuffin contains plenty of Vitamin D. Have meals with cheese for your bones, McDonald's hash browns are great for energy

KFC: Eat corn on the cob for your heart health and baked beans for digestion. KFC's wings contain plenty of B vitamins, while Krushems are ideal for recovery.

(Related: 6 of the healthiest high-street breakfasts)

Macro count

McDonald's: 98g of carbs - Restock tired muscles with the most carby pairing of the two – a Signature Collection Classic burger with large fries. Just beware of the 59g of fat.

KFC: 87g of protein - The mighty bucket for one packs the most protein at either vendor. Overkill for even the hungriest of muscles, as is the 1,275kcal count.

(Related: Soon, couples will be able to get married at McDonald's)

Number crunch

McDonald's: 508kcal in a Big Mac - To offset this classic in the gym, hit the boxing bag. A 45-minute session of jabs, hooks and crosses is enough to outwork this caloric knockout.

KFC: 730kcal in three pieces of chicken - Hog the rack for 90 minutes with a lower-body workout of back squats, deadlifts and power cleans to counterbalance a KFC feast.

The result: McDonald's wins

While chicken is an obvious Men’s Health staple, KFC’s reliance on greasy oils and subsequent sky-high calorific content makes Maccy’s an unlikely victor. The more varied menu and healthy options, as well as classic, gut-busting fare, make it the ideal spot to play fast and loose with your nutrition plan.

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The great fast food fight: McDonald's versus KFC (2024)

FAQs

What is better for you, McDonald's or KFC? ›

What are the healthier options? If you only consider the number of calories for a healthier food item, McDonald's burgers are better than KFC ones. But this conception goes wrong when you compare McDonald's fries and KFC fries as KFC fries are healthier than McDonald's ones.

What is the comparative study between KFC and McDonald's? ›

The study found that the product of KFC were relatively better as compared to that of Mc-Donald's in most of the traits studied especially in Taste and quality of food, price of product, staff behavior, delivery of product, and environment of the restaurant.

Why is McDonald's more successful than KFC? ›

One reason McDonald's is more profitable is in the area of costs of goods sold (COGS) where it spent considerably less on COGS than KFC $12.2B to KFCs $15.8B. KFC has higher expenses elsewhere as well, which seems to be a function of its growth ambitions.

Is there competition between McDonald's and KFC? ›

They both expended their businesses in global scale. It is obvious that McDonald surpassed KFC in terms of sales and fame in international level. However, in China, KFC performs better than McDonald's. The aim of this study is to find out how these two companies developed differently in Chinese market.

Which is the healthiest fast food? ›

  • Panda Express String Bean Chicken Breast. Panda Express. ...
  • Chick-fil-A Market Salad. Chick-fil-A. ...
  • Panera Bread Mediterranean Bowl With Chicken. ...
  • Dairy Queen Hamburger Kids' Meal. ...
  • Taco Bell Power Menu Bowl - Veggie. ...
  • Pizza Hut Veggie Lover's Pizza With Thin and Crispy Crust. ...
  • Wendy's Baked Potato and Chili. ...
  • Hardee's & Carl's Jr.
Feb 14, 2024

What is the unhealthiest option at McDonald's? ›

In terms of the unhealthiest food choices, Palinski-Wade says that the larger burger meals (like the Big Mac and Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese) are at the top of the list as the unhealthiest food items because they are high in saturated fat and sodium—both which negatively impact heart health.

What is the #1 fast-food in the world? ›

Key Takeaways. The largest restaurant companies in the world are primarily chain operations with an international presence. Compass Group and Starbucks are the two largest restaurant companies as of 2023. McDonald's is the largest fast-food chain.

Who is the biggest competitor of Mcdonalds? ›

McDonald's is one of the largest and most well-known fast-food chains in the world. Privately-owned Burger King is McDonald's closest competitor. Yum Brands operates Taco Bell, KFC, and Pizza Hut. Subway is the largest restaurant chain in the world in terms of size, but sales have been sliding since 2012.

How is McDonald's different from KFC? ›

When it comes to taste, it's important to mention that each restaurant specialises in different foods. KFC focuses their efforts on perfecting their crispy and succulent fried chicken. Whereas McDonald's and Burger King, prioritise creating all-American mouthwatering burgers such as: The Big Mac and The Whopper.

What makes McDonald's so great? ›

The enduring success of McDonald's can be attributed to its unwavering commitment to consistency, its ability to adapt to local tastes and cultures, and its dedication to innovation and adaptability. These three key factors have allowed McDonald's to maintain its status as a global fast-food giant for decades.

Is McDonald's number 1 in the world? ›

McDonald's is the world's largest restaurant chain.

What fast-food sells the most? ›

McDonald's

Is KFC healthier than McDonald's? ›

The result: McDonald's wins

While chicken is an obvious Men's Health staple, KFC's reliance on greasy oils and subsequent sky-high calorific content makes Maccy's an unlikely victor.

How is KFC better than its competitors? ›

KFC's competitive strategy leverages differentiation and market penetration to maintain its position in the fast-food industry. The brand differentiates itself with its unique secret blend of 11 herbs and spices, high-quality ingredients, and distinct taste that sets it apart from competitors.

Is KFC owned by McDonald's? ›

The chain is a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, a restaurant company that also owns the Pizza Hut and Taco Bell chains.

Is KFC a healthy fast food? ›

KFC is a fast food favorite around the world for “finger-lickin' good” fried chicken, but if you're following a special diet or have food allergies, the chain's menu can present some challenges. High-calorie, high-fat, and high-sodium meals served in large sizes can make keeping track of nutrition and portions tricky.

What is the healthiest thing McDonalds sells? ›

  • Best Hearty Breakfast: Fruit & Maple Oatmeal. McDonald's. ...
  • Best Burger: Plain Hamburger. McDonald's. ...
  • Best Drink: Unsweetened Iced Tea. Courtesy McDonalds. ...
  • Best Breakfast Sandwich: Egg McMuffin. McDonald's. ...
  • Best McCafe Item: Premium Roast Coffee. McDonald's. ...
  • Best Sandwich: Filet-O-Fish. ...
  • Best Happy Meal: 4-Piece Chicken McNuggets.
Jan 30, 2024

Which is healthier, pizza or KFC? ›

KFC is deep fried chicken with a crust. That pretty much means lots of salt and fat, and very possibly not the best fat or chicken either. Pizza, at least classical Italian pizza, is very thin, not much oil is involved (and if then natural olive oil), and it is baked in an oven instead of fried.

Is McDonald's healthy yes or no? ›

“Typical fast foods like burgers, chicken nuggets, and french fries are a mixed bag,” Weisenberger says. “Certainly, the beef, chicken, and potatoes provide valuable nutrients, but they usually come packed with extra calories, saturated fats, or sodium — sometimes all three.”

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