How to use your Points at McDonald’s

We all end up at McDonald’s sometimes. During a lunch break. On a roadtrip. At 2 a.m. coming home from somewhere you should’ve left by 11 p.m. Whatever reason the golden arches beckon you, this guide will help you navigate the McDonald’s menu with some strategy — and maybe a side of fries. Here’s what to order and still stay in your Points® Budget.

• Egg McMuffin 8 Points

• Sausage burrito 10 Points

• Hash browns 4 Points

• Fruit and maple oatmeal 10 Points

• Hamburger 9 Points

• Cheeseburger 11 Points

• McDouble 14 Points

• Chicken McNuggets (4 pieces) 5 Points

• Grilled snack wrap 8 Points

• Crispy snack wrap 12 Points

• McCrispy strips ( 3 pieces) 9 Points

• Fries (kids' size) 3 Points

• Fries (small) 7 Points

• Apple slices 0 Points

• Kiddie cone 2 Points

• Unsweetened hot coffee 0 Points

• Pumpkin spice latte with nonfat milk (small) 9 Points

• Unsweetened iced tea 0 Points

• Sweet tea (extra small) 5 Points

• Iced coffee with sugar-free French vanilla syrup and light cream (small) 4 Points

• Strawberry-banana smoothie (small) 12 Points

1. Cheeseburgers might be your usual order, but you can save 2 Points by opting for a hamburger.

2. Want chicken? Hold the bun and just get nuggets. You’ll get the same crunch for fewer Points.

3. Order a Happy Meal®; kid-size fries are only 3 Points or you can choose apple slices for even less.

4. For something sweet, order a Kiddie cone. At only 2 Points, it’s a fraction of the Points for a small vanilla shake (26 Points) or regular M&M McFlurry (23 Points).

5. Ask for no salt on your sandwiches and burgers — some might come with a standard sprinkle. If you’re ordering on the app or at a kiosk, remove it yourself.