McDONALD'S, Hash Brown
Whole food · Fast Foods
Photo: Wikipedia
The McDonald's Hash Brown is a golden, deep-fried patty of shredded potato, celebrated for its satisfying crunch and soft, starchy interior. It is a high-carbohydrate, high-fat breakfast staple that delivers a savory, salty flavor profile with a calorie-dense energy boost.
Calorie split: 4% protein · 42% carbs · 54% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love it for its nostalgic, salty crunch and the way it perfectly complements the morning coffee routine. Its simple, savory flavor and crispy exterior make it a universally recognized comfort food.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high fat and refined carbohydrate content can lead to blood-sugar spikes and is not ideal for those managing weight or blood sugar. To counteract this, pair it with a protein-rich item like an Egg McMuffin, practice portion control by sharing, or opt for a side of fruit to add fiber.
Key benefits
- Provides quick energy from high carbohydrate content
- Rich in potassium and Vitamin C from potatoes
- Offers a satisfying, crunchy texture
- Convenient, portable breakfast option
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The McDonald's Hash Brown was introduced to the U.S. menu in 1991 after a successful test in Knoxville, Tennessee, and it quickly became a breakfast icon.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 50.4 g |
| Energy | 271 kcal |
| Energy | 1133 kj |
| Protein | 2.5 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 16.3 g |
| Ash | 2.3 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 28.6 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 2.8 g |
| Total Sugars | 0.54 g |
| Sucrose | 0.00 g |
| Glucose | 0.30 g |
| Fructose | 0.24 g |
| Lactose | 0.00 g |
| Maltose | 0.00 g |
| Galactose | 0.00 g |
| Starch | 25.2 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 19.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.56 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 20.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 99.0 mg |
| Potassium, K | 341 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 580 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.34 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.09 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.15 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 0.40 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 5.6 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.13 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.03 mg |
| Niacin | 1.7 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.34 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.18 mg |
| Folate, total | 12.0 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 1.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 0.00 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 2.0 iu |
| Lycopene | 0.00 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 17.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 2.1 mg |
| Tocopherol, beta | 0.04 mg |
| Tocopherol, gamma | 4.2 mg |
| Tocopherol, delta | 0.58 mg |
| Tocotrienol, alpha | 0.07 mg |
| Tocotrienol, beta | 0.02 mg |
| Tocotrienol, gamma | 0.02 mg |
| Tocotrienol, delta | 0.08 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 2.3 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 15:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 1.1 g |
| SFA 17:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 1.0 g |
| SFA 20:0 | 0.09 g |
| SFA 22:0 | 0.05 g |
| SFA 24:0 | 0.03 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 8.1 g |
| MUFA 14:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 15:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.03 g |
| MUFA 16:1 c | 0.03 g |
| MUFA 17:1 | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 7.8 g |
| MUFA 18:1 c | 7.8 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.15 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 22:1 c | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 24:1 c | 0.01 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 5.1 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 4.6 g |
| PUFA 18:2 n-6 c,c | 4.6 g |
| PUFA 18:2 CLAs | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.44 g |
| PUFA 18:3 n-3 c,c,c (ALA) | 0.41 g |
| PUFA 18:3 n-6 c,c,c | 0.03 g |
| PUFA 18:3i | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:2 n-6 c,c | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 20:3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:3 n-3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:3 n-6 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.01 g |
| PUFA 20:5 n-3 (EPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:4 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:5 n-3 (DPA) | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 22:6 n-3 (DHA) | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans | 0.05 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans-monoenoic | 0.02 g |
| TFA 16:1 t | 0.00 g |
| TFA 18:1 t | 0.02 g |
| TFA 22:1 t | 0.00 g |
| TFA 18:2 t not further defined | 0.03 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans-polyenoic | 0.03 g |
| Cholesterol | 0.00 mg |
FAQ
Is the McDonald's Hash Brown made from real potatoes?
Yes, it is made from shredded potatoes that are formed into a patty and deep-fried.
How many calories are in a McDonald's Hash Brown?
A standard McDonald's Hash Brown (about 118g) contains approximately 140-150 calories, depending on the exact size and preparation.
Is the McDonald's Hash Brown gluten-free?
While potatoes are naturally gluten-free, the Hash Brown may be prepared in a shared fryer with other gluten-containing items, so it is not certified gluten-free.
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 2.71 kcal/g · 4% calories from protein · 2.8 g fiber · 0.5 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: 1.70 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.