Fish and seafood are a healthy and economical source of protein, and with summer fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to consider incorporating more fish and seafood into your diet. One popular and healthy option that has become incredibly affordable in recent years is the McDonald’s fish fillet. This fillet is a great choice for those on a budget who want to indulge in some seafood without going full bore on the cost. Not sure how much protein is in a McDonald’s fish fillet or how much you need? We did the research for you.
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How Much Protein Is In A McDonald’s Fish Fillet?
It’s important to look at the nutritional information before you make any purchase decisions, especially when it comes to food that you are planning on consuming regularly. When you consider that a McDonald’s fish fillet contains a significant quantity of protein, you may be tempted to think that it’s a great choice for an everyday meal. However, the truth is that this option is not a great choice for those who want to stay healthy. The protein in a McDonald’s fish fillet is derived primarily from animal sources, and the foods that we are warned against when it comes to our health are generally rich in proteins. This is one reason that scientists have classified the McDonald’s fish fillet as a “food of concern.” So while it’s a low-cost choice when you consider the price per-piece, you may want to think twice before indulging in a McDonald’s fish fillet. The average serving size of a McDonald’s fish fillet is 4.8 ounces, which contains around 80 calories and 8 grams of fat. This is a little more than what you’d get in a similar sized portion of most fish and seafood, and since this is a fast food chain, their portions tend to be on the bigger side. So if you want to stay healthy and within your calorie limit, it may be best to avoid the McDonald’s fish fillet altogether.
What Type Of Fish Does McDonald’s Use For Their Fish Fillets?
Since the McDonald’s fish fillet is so popular, it’s no wonder that the fast food chain sources their protein from a variety of fish and seafood. The most common types of fish used to make up the McDonald’s fish fillets are cod, haddock, and salmon, and in most cases, the fish are farmed rather than wild-caught. According to the World Health Organization, farmed fish are typically high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their health benefits. While most of the fish that we consume are farm-raised, it is important to note that the majority of those fish have not been subjected to the same high-processing that takes place in a McDonald’s kitchen. So while it’s possible that the food that you are eating may be highly nutritious, it also may not be good for you depending on how it’s being prepared.
How Does McDonald’s Prep Their Fish Fillets?
As we’ve established, McDonald’s fish fillets contain a significant quantity of protein, but the actual method that the fast food chain goes about preparing their product is not something to be proud of. When it comes to the preparation of their fish fillets, McDonald’s turns to a chemical called monosodium glutamate (MSG). When used in food and beverage applications, MSG is used either as a flavor enhancer or as a textural agent. In a McDonald’s fish fillet, MSG is used in the former capacity, which gives the food a distinct taste that is a combination of soy sauce and oyster sauce. Although we are not usually adverse to the taste of MSG per se, there is considerable evidence that consuming this chemical in excess may be harmful. A 2013 study published in the journal Toxicology found that consuming even small quantities of MSG over a prolonged period of time may lead to health problems. So if possible, try to avoid foods that you think may contain MSG, especially if you have allergies or intolerances to specific flavors or food textures. One of the more obvious ways to avoid MSG is to not eat at McDonald’s, but if you are deadset on going there, then try to ask for food cooked Without it.
Is There Anything Else Hidden In A McDonald’s Fish Fillet?
Besides the problematic use of MSG, there is another disturbing trend that we need to get ahead of. As we’ve established, most of the fish that McDonald’s uses to make their fillet come from farms, and given the way that the food industry has developed, those farms are likely to be large-scale operations. So in addition to the fact that these fish are unhealthy, there is also significant environmental damage that is being caused by the way that we are raising them. Since most of the fish in a McDonald’s fish fillet come from farmed sources, this is something that you need to be conscious of if you want to keep your calories in check and your health top of mind.
At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that not everything that is bad for you is going to be good for you, and vice versa. In the case of a McDonald’s fish fillet, there is an obvious and significant risk that is being passed on to the consumer. So while you may love the taste of McDonald’s food, the truth is that you may be doing more harm than good to your health with every bite.