McDONALD'S, Double Cheeseburger
Whole food · Fast Foods
Photo: Wikipedia
The McDonald's Double Cheeseburger is a compact, savory fast-food staple featuring two seasoned beef patties, melted American cheese, tangy pickles, onions, ketchup, and mustard, all nestled in a soft, toasted sesame seed bun. Each bite delivers a satisfying mix of salty, umami-rich meat and cheese, contrasted by the crisp acidity of pickles and the subtle sweetness of the condiments. Nutritionally, it's a calorie-dense package where protein and fat are the primary contributors.
Calorie split: 22% protein · 27% carbs · 51% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love it for its iconic, craveable flavor combination—the savory beef, salty cheese, and tangy-sweet condiments create a powerful, comforting taste. Its cultural ubiquity and role as a quick, satisfying meal make it a go-to for convenience and nostalgia.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high sodium content can contribute to water retention and may be a concern for those monitoring blood pressure. The refined carbohydrates in the bun and added sugars can lead to a rapid blood-sugar spike, especially without fiber. To counteract, pair it with a side salad or apple slices for fiber, drink water instead of soda, and consider eating only one patty or skipping the bun to reduce the glycemic load.
Key benefits
- Provides a quick, convenient source of high-quality protein (about 15.5g per 100g).
- Delivers a significant amount of energy (282 kcal per 100g) for immediate fuel.
- Contains calcium from the melted cheese, supporting bone health.
- Offers a consistent, familiar taste and texture profile across locations.
- Serves as a portable, no-preparation meal option.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The Double Cheeseburger was introduced to the McDonald's menu in 1965, and its assembly line production method was a key innovation that helped the chain achieve its famous speed of service.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 47.0 g |
| Energy | 282 kcal |
| Energy | 1180 kj |
| Protein | 15.5 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 16.1 g |
| Ash | 2.6 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 18.8 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.80 g |
| Total Sugars | 4.2 g |
| Sucrose | 0.00 g |
| Glucose | 1.3 g |
| Fructose | 1.9 g |
| Lactose | 0.60 g |
| Maltose | 0.37 g |
| Galactose | 0.00 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 178 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 2.2 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 21.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 166 mg |
| Potassium, K | 216 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 668 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 2.6 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.08 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.20 mg |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.40 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.16 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.25 mg |
| Niacin | 3.9 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 7.0 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.09 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.08 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.06 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.14 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.16 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.75 g |
| SFA 15:0 | 0.10 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 3.5 g |
| SFA 17:0 | 0.14 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 1.9 g |
| SFA 20:0 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 22:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 24:0 | 0.01 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 5.7 g |
| MUFA 14:1 | 0.13 g |
| MUFA 15:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.39 g |
| MUFA 16:1 c | 0.34 g |
| MUFA 17:1 | 0.09 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 5.0 g |
| MUFA 18:1 c | 4.5 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.05 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 22:1 c | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 24:1 c | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 1.4 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 1.1 g |
| PUFA 18:2 n-6 c,c | 0.97 g |
| PUFA 18:2 CLAs | 0.08 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.12 g |
| PUFA 18:3 n-3 c,c,c (ALA) | 0.12 g |
| PUFA 18:3 n-6 c,c,c | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:2 n-6 c,c | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 20:3 | 0.02 g |
| PUFA 20:3 n-3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:3 n-6 | 0.02 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.03 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 22:4 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans | 0.68 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans-monoenoic | 0.57 g |
| TFA 16:1 t | 0.05 g |
| TFA 18:1 t | 0.52 g |
| TFA 22:1 t | 0.00 g |
| TFA 18:2 t not further defined | 0.10 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans-polyenoic | 0.10 g |
| Cholesterol | 48.0 mg |
FAQ
How much protein is in a standard Double Cheeseburger?
A standard McDonald's Double Cheeseburger contains approximately 18 grams of protein, primarily from the two beef patties and the cheese.
Is the Double Cheeseburger gluten-free?
No, it contains gluten in the sesame seed bun. Cross-contamination is also possible in the kitchen.
Can I customize my Double Cheeseburger to be healthier?
Yes, you can ask for it without the bun, without cheese, or without condiments like ketchup to reduce calories, fat, sodium, and sugar.
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 2.82 kcal/g · 22% calories from protein · 0.8 g fiber · 4.2 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: 3.09 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.