McDONALD'S, Hamburger
Whole food · Fast Foods
Photo: Wikipedia
The McDonald's hamburger is a classic fast-food staple featuring a thin, seared beef patty, a soft, steamed bun, and simple toppings like pickles, onions, and ketchup. Its texture is soft and slightly squishy, with a savory, salty, and subtly sweet flavor profile. Nutritionally, it provides a quick source of protein and carbohydrates, with a moderate fat content for its size.
Calorie split: 20% protein · 46% carbs · 34% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love it for its comforting, familiar taste and the convenience of a quick, satisfying meal that hits a savory-salty-sweet balance. It's a cultural icon, often associated with childhood, travel, and a no-fuss bite.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The refined bun and sugary condiments can cause rapid blood-sugar spikes, and the meal is low in fiber and micronutrients. Those watching sodium intake or with gluten sensitivities should be cautious. To counteract, pair it with a side salad or apple slices, choose water over soda, and consider it an occasional treat rather than a dietary staple.
Key benefits
- Provides a quick, accessible source of protein and energy.
- Consistent taste and preparation worldwide.
- Affordable and widely available.
- Simple ingredient list compared to more complex menu items.
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The McDonald's hamburger bun is lightly dusted with cornstarch, not flour, to prevent sticking during the steaming process.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 44.5 g |
| Energy | 264 kcal |
| Energy | 1103 kj |
| Protein | 12.9 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 10.1 g |
| Ash | 2.2 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 30.3 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 1.3 g |
| Total Sugars | 6.0 g |
| Sucrose | 0.00 g |
| Glucose | 2.1 g |
| Fructose | 3.3 g |
| Lactose | 0.00 g |
| Maltose | 0.63 g |
| Galactose | 0.00 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 127 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 2.9 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 21.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 107 mg |
| Potassium, K | 192 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 494 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 1.9 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.10 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.32 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 26.2 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.60 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.25 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.24 mg |
| Niacin | 4.5 mg |
| Folate, total | 64.0 ug |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.83 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 55.0 iu |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 3.5 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.22 g |
| SFA 15:0 | 0.04 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 1.9 g |
| SFA 17:0 | 0.10 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 1.2 g |
| SFA 20:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 22:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 24:0 | 0.01 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 3.8 g |
| MUFA 14:1 | 0.07 g |
| MUFA 15:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.26 g |
| MUFA 16:1 c | 0.23 g |
| MUFA 17:1 | 0.06 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 3.3 g |
| MUFA 18:1 c | 3.0 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.04 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 | 1.2 g |
| PUFA 18:2 n-6 c,c | 1.1 g |
| PUFA 18:2 CLAs | 0.04 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.14 g |
| PUFA 18:3 n-3 c,c,c (ALA) | 0.13 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 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:3 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 20:3 n-3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:3 n-6 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.02 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 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 | 0.43 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans-monoenoic | 0.37 g |
| TFA 16:1 t | 0.03 g |
| TFA 18:1 t | 0.35 g |
| TFA 22:1 t | 0.00 g |
| TFA 18:2 t not further defined | 0.06 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans-polyenoic | 0.06 g |
| Cholesterol | 27.0 mg |
FAQ
How much protein is in a McDonald's hamburger?
A standard McDonald's hamburger contains approximately 12 grams of protein, primarily from the beef patty.
Is the McDonald's hamburger gluten-free?
No, the standard hamburger bun contains wheat flour and is not gluten-free. The patty and toppings are gluten-free, but cross-contamination is possible.
Can I make a healthier version at home?
Yes, you can use lean ground beef or a plant-based patty, a whole-wheat bun, and load it with fresh lettuce, tomato, and onion while using low-sugar ketchup or mustard.
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 2.64 kcal/g · 20% calories from protein · 1.3 g fiber · 6.0 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: 2.57 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.