Breakfast in the UK is changing. It’s no longer just fry-ups with eggs, bacon, and sausages, though that still has a loyal fan base. More people want quick, lighter, and healthier plates, especially in big cities where mornings are always busy.
Last month, I decided to try the best healthy breakfast options at UK restaurant chains, and I made it my little project while moving around London and Manchester. From Pret to LEON, Greggs, Itsu, and even Nando’s at an airport branch, here’s what I found.
Pret A Manger, Oxford Street London
My first stop was Pret, just outside Oxford Circus station. By 8 a.m., the place was buzzing with commuters grabbing coffee and food.
I went for their Acai Breakfast Bowl, which came with granola, banana, and berries. Around 350 calories, it felt light but filling. I also tried their Avocado Toast, simple but fresh, and at £3.95 it felt fair. Pret really shines for balance, fast service, clean ingredients, and enough protein to start the day.
I remember squeezing into a tiny corner seat, balancing my coffee and bowl while people rushed in and out. It felt like a true London morning.
While looking into lighter meals, I also recalled my earlier write-up on Halal and Vegan Dining Options in UK Chains, which showed how restaurants adapt to different lifestyles, and it connected well with what I was seeing here at breakfast.
Nando’s, Gatwick Airport
Now this one surprised me. At Gatwick Airport, Nando’s serves breakfast for early flyers. I ordered their Chicken and Halloumi Wrap with scrambled eggs on the side. It wasn’t traditional Nando’s, but the peri-peri touch made it unique.
The wrap was about 400 calories, packed with protein, and not as heavy as I expected. Prices are higher here, around £7–£8, but it’s airport food after all. For a traveler, it’s a fun way to have Nando’s in the morning without feeling guilty.
Sitting by the window, I saw a mix of families and business travelers, everyone seemed surprised to find Nando’s serving breakfast.
LEON, King’s Cross Station
LEON’s slogan “Naturally Fast Food” always intrigued me, and breakfast proved it true.
I picked the Poached Egg Pots, they serve them with spinach, beans, or hash. Mine was with smoked salmon. Around 280 calories, high protein, warm, and very satisfying. I also grabbed their Banana and Cinnamon Porridge, which tasted homely, sweet, and guilt-free.
The warmth of the egg pot on a chilly morning really hit the spot. Watching students grab porridge cups before heading to trains showed how practical LEON is.
Greggs, Market Street Manchester
Greggs may be famous for sausage rolls, but I wanted to see their healthy side. At the Manchester branch on Market Street, I tried their Yogurt & Berry Pot and a Vegan Sausage Breakfast Roll.
The yogurt pot was 175 calories, sweet and tart, while the vegan roll felt heavier but still lighter than the usual bacon. Prices are great, around £2.50–£3.
I stood outside with my yogurt pot, and I wasn’t the only one, dozens of people were balancing coffee cups and paper bags while rushing to work.
Itsu, Soho London
Itsu is usually my lunch spot, but their breakfast menu is surprisingly strong. In Soho, I ordered the Miso Soup with Poached Egg and a Fruit Pot. It felt different, warm, clean, and perfect for a lighter morning start.
Calories range between 150 and 300 for most breakfast items, so it’s clearly aimed at health-conscious diners. At £3–£5, it’s affordable considering the freshness.
Most people were still ordering sushi even at 9 a.m., so when I picked soup, the cashier gave me a knowing smile, like I was one of the few exploring their hidden breakfast gems.
Best Items to Try Again
- Pret’s Acai Breakfast Bowl: light, fresh, energizing.
- LEON’s Salmon & Egg Pot: warm, healthy protein fix.
- Greggs’ Vegan Sausage Roll: budget-friendly but filling.
- Itsu’s Miso Soup: different, soothing, low-calorie.
- Nando’s Chicken and Halloumi Wrap: unique twist, perfect before a flight.
Final Thoughts
The UK breakfast scene has grown beyond the classic fry-up. From Pret in Oxford Street to Greggs in Manchester, healthy options are no longer rare. LEON leads with balance, Itsu offers freshness, Greggs proves even cheap chains can be smart, and Nando’s shows creativity in airports.
For me, Pret wins for everyday reliability, LEON shines for fitness-focused mornings, and Nando’s gets bonus points for making airport food exciting. Breakfast can now be quick, affordable, and still good for you.