Lent 2025 is here but it doesn’t mean you can’t satisfy your fast food cravings. That’s right, fast food doesn’t have to be off the table and you also don’t need to break the rules. Check out these top 10 menu items you’ll want to try this season—satisfying, tasty, and totally Lent-friendly. Time for a feast without the guilt!
10. Dairy Queen’s Wild Alaskan Pacific Sandwich
Dairy Queen is making waves for releasing a new menu item, the Wild Alaskan Pacific Sandwich! The crispy and flavorful fish rests on a soft bun, layered with lettuce and tartar sauce. This sandwich has been released alongside another new item, the Orange Cream Shake carrying a nostalgic creamsicle flavor.
9. El Pollo Loco’s Baja Shrimp Tacos
Want something other than fish? El Pollo Loco is the place to be! You can find the Baja Shrimp Tacos on the menu, featuring a handmade tortilla loaded with Baja Shrimp, cheese, lettuce, avocado, and salsa fresca—all topped with a creamy cilantro dressing. The shrimp is marinated in chipotle chiles and garlic, sealing in the flavors in every bite!
8. White Castle’s Shrimp Nibblers
The shrimp nibblers are back for Lent 2025, seasoned, battered, and fried, just the way you like it! Don’t forget to pair it with the zesty zing sauce for extra oomph. Another delicious alternative would be White Castle’s Fish Nibblers, made with Alaskan Pollock coated with savory breading.
7. Sonic’s Fish Sandwich
The special thing about Sonic’s Fish Sandwich is that it uses premium Alaskan pollock fillet coated in panko breadcrumbs, and then layered with pickles, lettuce, and tartar sauce on a brioche bun. The only disappointing thing here is that it’s available during Lent only. Also, not all locations have them, so pack some patience with you!
6. Whataburger’s Whatacatch
Whataburger has also brought back two fan-favorite items for Lent 2025: Whatacatch Sandwich and Platter. The sandwich is loaded with Alaskan pollock fillet, lettuce, tomato, and tartar sauce. We recommend adding some creamy pepper sauce for an extra kick! Meanwhile, the platter includes fish fillets on a bed of fries, served with tartar sauce on the side. Yum!
5. Popeyes’ Shrimp Tackle Box & Flounder Fish Sandwich
Let’s welcome back two fan-favorite items at Popeyes! The Shrimp Tackle Box features eight Butterfly Shrimp seasoned with Louisiana herbs and spices, one regular side, and a biscuit. Meanwhile, the Flounder Fish Sandwich comes with crispy Alaska flounder filet and two barrel-cured pickles, available with classic tartar sauce or spicy spread.
4. Taco John’s Alaska Flounder Fish Tacos
If there’s a shrimp taco, there’s also a fish taco from Taco John’s! And mind you, this item doesn’t compromise on flavor. The tacos feature a tender fish fillet with seasoned batter, plus shredded lettuce and pico de gallo. For a flavor boost, the tacos are drizzled with Fiesta Sauce, made with jalapeños, sour cream, garlic, cilantro, and tomato.
3. McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish
A list of Lent 2025 fast food picks wouldn’t be complete without the ever so popular Filet-O-Fish from McDonald’s. This sandwich was literally made because of religion (to serve Catholics who don’t eat meat on Fridays). One of the best parts of this sandwich is the bun itself, which absorbs the tartar sauce better and delivers that flavor in every bite.
2. Long John Silver’s Coconut Butterfly Shrimp
Long John Silver’s is celebrating Lent 2025 with a new shrimp offering that features a coconut-flavored coating. They’re crispy, golden, and chock full of coconut flavor, adding a variety to your Friday nights. It’s available in the $6 Shrimp Basket, which includes 6 pieces of Coconut Butterfly Shrimp, two hush puppies, and your choice of side.
1. Freddy’s Deluxe Crispy Fish Sandwich
Fridays at Freddy’s means enjoying the returning Deluxe Crispy Fish Sandwich! This menu item features a four-ounce filet of battered flounder, layered with pickles, American cheese, lettuce, and tartar sauce. The nice crispy texture combined with the distinct taste of homemade tartar sauce makes it a standout among other fish sandwiches in the market.