McDONALD'S, Hot Fudge Sundae
Whole food · Fast Foods
Photo: Wikipedia
A classic McDonald's dessert featuring vanilla soft-serve ice cream smothered in a rich, warm chocolate fudge sauce. The contrast between the cold, creamy ice cream and the thick, sweet fudge creates a simple yet indulgent texture. It is a high-sugar, energy-dense treat, with nearly 27 grams of sugar per 100g.
💚 Why it's loved
People love it for the nostalgic comfort of warm chocolate over cold ice cream, a timeless flavor combination. It's a simple, affordable, and reliable sweet treat that satisfies a craving for something rich and creamy.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The high sugar content can cause rapid blood-sugar spikes, making it unsuitable for those managing diabetes or insulin resistance. To counteract this, pair it with a source of protein or fat (like a handful of nuts) to slow sugar absorption, or opt for a smaller portion. Those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies should avoid it.
Key benefits
- Quick energy source from carbohydrates
- Provides a small amount of calcium from dairy
- Convenient and widely available dessert option
- Can serve as a simple mood booster or treat
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The classic hot fudge sauce used in sundaes is traditionally made by heating sugar, butter, and cream, then adding chocolate, but McDonald's version is a shelf-stable, pre-made syrup designed for consistent texture and flavor across thousands of locations.
Full nutrition (scales with serving)
| Water | 58.8 g |
| Energy | 186 kcal |
| Energy | 778 kj |
| Protein | 4.1 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 5.9 g |
| Ash | 1.1 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 30.1 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 0.40 g |
| Total Sugars | 26.9 g |
| Sucrose | 19.7 g |
| Glucose | 0.79 g |
| Fructose | 0.22 g |
| Lactose | 5.9 g |
| Maltose | 0.32 g |
| Galactose | 0.00 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 139 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 0.83 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 19.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 128 mg |
| Potassium, K | 246 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 94.0 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 0.56 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.05 mg |
| Manganese, Mn | 0.07 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.04 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.23 mg |
| Niacin | 0.15 mg |
| Pantothenic acid | 0.75 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.05 mg |
| Folate, total | 0.00 ug |
| Folate, food | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin B-12 | 0.55 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 81.0 ug |
| Retinol | 81.0 ug |
| Vitamin A, IU | 270 iu |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.19 mg |
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 3.6 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.09 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.13 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.80 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.55 g |
| SFA 15:0 | 0.03 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 1.1 g |
| SFA 17:0 | 0.02 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 0.84 g |
| SFA 20:0 | 0.01 g |
| SFA 22:0 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 1.0 g |
| MUFA 14:1 | 0.02 g |
| MUFA 15:1 | 0.00 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.04 g |
| MUFA 17:1 | 0.01 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 0.98 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 0.22 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 0.20 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.02 g |
| PUFA 20:2 n-6 c,c | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:3 | 0.00 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.01 g |
| Fatty acids, total trans | 0.24 g |
| Cholesterol | 13.0 mg |
FAQ
Is a McDonald's Hot Fudge Sundae gluten-free?
McDonald's states that their Hot Fudge Sundae does not contain gluten ingredients, but it is not certified gluten-free and may be subject to cross-contamination in the restaurant environment.
How much sugar is in a McDonald's Hot Fudge Sundae?
A medium Hot Fudge Sundae contains approximately 31-32 grams of sugar, which is a significant portion of the daily recommended limit.
Can I get a McDonald's Hot Fudge Sundae without fudge?
While you can request it, the standard menu item includes the fudge. It would essentially be a plain vanilla soft-serve cone or cup.