Best healthy desserts fast food

8 Healthiest Fast-Food Desserts, Permitting by an RD

You don't have to skip out on a sweet treat from the drive-thru if you make the correct pick.

Everyone knows that fast food isn't exactly healthy, but if you find yourself at the drive-thru, it's usually because you're in the mood for something quick and handy. Because a well-balanced diet is beneficial to your general health, it's fine to indulge in fast food once in a while. Moderation is essential! When it comes to fast-food desserts, the same thinking applies.

So, if you want to stick to your weight-loss and healthy-eating goals, keep in mind some of the better fast-food menu options, including desserts. While it may seem impossible, there are a few fast-food sweets that will not completely ruin your healthy lifestyle.

We asked Marysa Cardwell, MS, RDN, CD, CPT, a consultant for Lose It!, for her recommendations on the finest fast-food desserts to get the next time you're in the drive-thru. Check out these 15 Classic American Desserts That Deserve a Come back if you want to learn more about sweet delights.

1. Frosty Wendy's Junior

PER VANILLA FROSTY: 190 calories, 5 grams of fat (3 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat), 90 milligrams of sodium, 32 grams of carbohydrates (0 grams of fiber, 27 grams of sugar), 5 grams of protein

Cardwell's The favorite Wendy's treat is the Junior Frosty. "I can't leave Wendy's without grabbing a junior Frosty," she says.

Caldwell also mentioned that the serving size is ideal for a treat and that the dessert has a low-calorie count.

"Reducing the serving size of the Frosty can help you enjoy a sweet treat without exceeding your daily sugar and calorie objectives," she explains.

2. Chocolate Chip Cookies from KFC

120 calories per cookie, 6 grams of fat (3 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat), 70 milligrams of sodium, 18 grams of carbohydrates (1 gram of fiber, 12 grams of sugar), 1 gram of protein

Don't be scared to order a chocolate chip cookie with your Kentucky Grilled Chicken (or fried!).

Sure, chocolate chip cookies aren't exactly healthy, but one KFC cookie has fewer calories, carbs, sugars, and fat than the entirety of the restaurant's desserts. You can stay on pace to reach your health objectives by eating one cookie with each meal.

Although the vanilla Frosty contains fewer calories, if you like chocolate, a Junior size of that flavor contains 200 calories.

3. Popeyes Cinnamon Apple Pie (Hot)

236 calories per pie, 16 grams of fat (6 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat), 260 milligrams of sodium, 35 grams of carbohydrates (1 gram of fiber, 12 grams of sugar), 3 grams of protein

Who can say no to a luscious, warm apple pie? You don't have to, thankfully.

When compared to some of the other options on the menu, Popeyes' Cinnamon Apple Pie dessert has a low calorie and sugar content. Take a bite out of this delectable delicacy.

And if you're seeking to cut back on sugar, the simple guide to sugar reduction is now here.

4 Strawberry Swirl Cheesecakes from Carl's Jr

PER SLICE: 320 calories, 17 grams of fat (10 grams of saturated fat, 0.5 grams of trans fat), 250 milligrams of sodium, 35 grams of carbohydrates (1 gram of fiber, 23 grams of sugar), and 7 grams of protein

Although Carl's Jr.'s Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake has a greater calorie count, it contains less sugar and carbs than some of the restaurant's other offerings. It also has 7 grams of protein, which is a plus. If you're seeking something sweet, this is a fantastic option to try, and you could easily share it with someone if you only want a few bites.

5. Cinnamon Twists from Taco Bell

PER SERVING: 170 calories, 6 grams of fat (0 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat), 210 milligrams of sodium, 27 grams of carbohydrates (1 gram of fiber, 13 grams of sugar), 1 gram of protein

Taco Bell only has a small dessert selection that focuses on cinnamon-sugar treats. The cinnamon twists are the better of the two.

"The cinnamon sticks are a nice choice for a sweet treat," Caldwell says, with only 170 calories and 17 grams of sugar. "It's also free of cholesterol and trans fats."

You can also pick a healthier entrée to go with your delight because Taco Bell has a variety of customizable menu selections.

6 Choco-Brownie Treatzza Pizza Slices from Dairy Queen

PER SLICE: 190 calories, 10 grams of fat (6 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat), 95 milligrams of sodium, 26 grams of carbohydrates (1 gram of fiber, 18 grams of sugar), 3 grams of protein

Dairy Queen is the king of fast-food sweets, so to speak. How can you possibly decide what to eat when you come?

The Treatzza Pizzas are hidden among the Blizzards, Dilly Bars, and sundaes. There are various flavors to select from, but the Choco-Brownie is your best pick for a healthier treat. This classic, '90s-era delight contains plenty of chocolate in every bite to satisfy your sweet tooth, but it's also surprisingly healthier than many of the menu's less appealing alternatives. A single slice of pizza contains less than 200 calories, 10 grams of fat, and 18 grams of sugar.

7. NY Style Cheesecakes from Jack in the Box

PER SLICE: 310 calories, 17 grams of fat (9 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat), 260 milligrams of sodium, 32 grams of carbohydrates (1 gram of fiber, 22 grams of sugar), and 7 grams of protein

Cheesecake is known for being rich in fat and calories, but Jack in the Box's NY Style Cheesecake defies the stereotype with only 310 calories and 17 grams of fat. (In comparison, The Cheesecake Factory's cheesecake has between 1,000 and 2,000 calories and about 100 grams of fat!)

The other dessert selections at Jack in the Box are mostly milkshakes with over 1,000 calories; therefore the NY Style Cheesecake takes the cake as the greatest fast food dessert at this location.

8. Hershey's Sundaes from Burger King

PER SLICE: 300 calories, 19 grams of fat (12 grams of saturated fat, 0 grams of trans fat), 220 milligrams of sodium, 32 grams of carbohydrates (1 gram of fiber, 22 grams of sugar), 3 grams of protein

While Burger King offers soft-serve ice cream and chocolate chip cookies, if you're looking for something a little different, the Hershey's Sundae Pie will satisfy your sweet need without leaving you sluggish later in the day. About 300 calories, 19 grams of fat and 22 grams of sugar are in this dish. It's fine to consume this in moderation and split it with a loved one if in doubt.