• by Karlene Lukovitz  @KLmarketdaily, March 4, 2009

More evidence that the words "fast food" and "healthy" aren't necessarily contradictory anymore ... and how far McDonald's has come on this score in the past few years.

 

Health magazine just released a ranking of the top 10 healthiest food chains. Panera Bread, Jason's Deli and Au Bon Pain head the list--but McDonald's is #8.

Health chose the top 10 from among a list of the 100 largest quick-serve chains as defined by number of locations, using criteria created by a panel of nutritionists and dieticians. Scoring criteria included factors such as use of healthy fats and preparations, healthy sodium counts in entrées, availability of nutritional information and use of organic produce.

Panera won kudos for its "comprehensive menu of healthy choices for every meal," including two whole-grain breads for sandwiches, apples, baked chips, and half-size soups, salads and sandwiches that make portion control easy. Healthy kids' fare includes squeezable organic yogurt, PB&J with all-natural peanut butter and grilled organic cheese sandwiches on white whole-grain bread. In addition, it was noted that most of the chicken used by the chain is antibiotic- and hormone-free.

Jason's Deli was praised for its "devotion to organic food." About one-fifth of all of its ingredients are organic, including chip, wrap and vegetable varieties, Health pointed out. The chain's creative salads, reduced size/price options (like stuffed baked potatoes at $1 less) and "ultrahealthy sandwiches" (with available nutritional information) were also noted.

Au Bon Pain, a pioneer in healthy fast food, uses whole grains, vegetables and hormone-free chicken in items throughout its menu, including sandwiches, soups, salads and hot entrées, Health noted. A new, 14-item menu of nutritious small plates, called Portions, features appetizers and salads under 200 calories. The chain also provides on-site nutritional information via computer kiosks.

Rounding out the list, in order of ranking, are Noodles and Company, Corner Bakery Cafe, Chipotle, Atlanta Bread, McDonald's, Einstein Bros. Bagels and Taco Del Mar.

Health cited McDonald's for its leadership among burger chains in overhauling its menu, including Happy Meals that can be ordered with apple dippers and low-fat caramel instead of fries, and with low-fat milk or fruit juice instead of soda. Fries made in canola-blend oil (230 calories for the small size), Newman's Own low-fat Balsamic vinaigrette available for salads, Grilled Chicken Classic sandwiches/wraps (minus the sauce) and Egg McMuffins were all deemed healthy choices. McD's also won points for spelling out nutritional ingredients on the back of its tray liners.