Big Mac (McDonalds)
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
The Big Mac is an iconic double-decker hamburger featuring two beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, and onions on a three-part sesame seed bun. It delivers a savory, umami-rich taste with a satisfying mix of textures from the soft bun, juicy patties, and crisp vegetables. Per 100g, it provides a moderate protein source but is notably higher in fat and sodium.
Calorie split: 18% protein · 33% carbs · 49% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love the Big Mac for its distinctive 'special sauce' and the satisfying, layered combination of flavors and textures that create a uniquely craveable experience. It's also a cultural icon, representing a global standard of fast-food comfort and nostalgia.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high sodium and saturated fat content can be concerning for heart health, and the refined carbohydrates in the bun can cause blood-sugar spikes. To mitigate, consider sharing the burger, pairing it with a side salad instead of fries, and drinking water. Those with gluten, dairy, or sesame allergies must avoid it.
Key benefits
- Provides a quick, calorie-dense energy source
- Offers a significant amount of protein (approx. 25g per burger)
- Contains some iron and B vitamins from the beef
- Highly convenient and widely available
- Consistent, familiar flavor profile
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The Big Mac was invented in 1967 by a McDonald's franchisee in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and was added to the national menu in 1968.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 50.5 g |
| Energy | 261 kcal |
| Protein | 11.9 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 14.1 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 21.5 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 1.4 g |
| Total Sugars | 3.3 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 127 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 1.4 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 25.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 136 mg |
| Potassium, K | 182 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 485 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 2.2 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.13 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 25.9 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.30 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.18 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.20 mg |
| Niacin | 3.6 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.17 mg |
| Folate, total | 27.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 18.0 ug |
| Folate, food | 9.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 40.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 31.5 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 1.3 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 27.0 ug |
| Retinol | 22.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 59.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 1.0 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 2.0 ug |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 50.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.06 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.10 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 16.4 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 5.0 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.09 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.03 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.05 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.06 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.40 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 2.8 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 1.4 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 5.1 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.29 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 4.7 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.05 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.02 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 3.8 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 3.3 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.45 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.05 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.02 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Cholesterol | 36.0 mg |
FAQ
How many calories are in a Big Mac?
A standard Big Mac contains approximately 550 calories.
What is the 'special sauce' made of?
The exact recipe is proprietary, but it's widely believed to be a mayonnaise-based sauce with sweet pickle relish, mustard, vinegar, and spices.
Is the Big Mac gluten-free?
No, the sesame seed bun contains wheat gluten, making it unsuitable for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Nutrient density (calculated · NRF9.3)
Nutrient Rich Foods index: beneficial nutrients (protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals) minus saturated fat, added sugar & sodium, per 100 kcal.
NRF9.3 index — Fulgoni, Keast & Drewnowski, 2009. Computed from USDA nutrients.
Weight-loss friendliness (composite index)
Energy density 2.61 kcal/g · 18% calories from protein · 1.4 g fiber · 3.3 g sugar per 100 g.
Composite of energy density (Rolls et al., 1999), protein & fiber satiety, minus sugar. A calculated heuristic — ranks satiety-per-calorie, not a clinical measure.
Dietary load (calculated from USDA values)
Potential renal acid load. Positive = acid-forming, negative = alkaline-forming.
Sodium-to-potassium ratio: 2.66 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.