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

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.