Quarter Pounder (McDonalds)
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
The McDonald's Quarter Pounder is a substantial, savory burger featuring a quarter-pound (113g) beef patty cooked fresh to order, served on a toasted sesame seed bun with two slices of American cheese, ketchup, mustard, pickles, and onions. Its taste is defined by the charred, juicy beef patty, melted cheese, and the tangy crunch of pickles against the soft, slightly sweet bun. Nutritionally, it delivers a significant protein punch from the beef and cheese, but also a notable amount of saturated fat and sodium in a single serving.
Calorie split: 25% protein · 35% carbs · 41% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love the Quarter Pounder for its satisfying, robust beef flavor and the textural contrast between the juicy patty, melted cheese, and crisp pickles. It's a cultural icon, representing a classic, no-frills American burger experience that feels more substantial than a standard hamburger.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
The burger is high in sodium and saturated fat, which can contribute to blood pressure and cholesterol concerns if consumed frequently. The refined white bun can cause a rapid blood-sugar spike. To counteract, pair it with a side salad or apple slices instead of fries, and consider eating only half the bun or skipping the cheese to reduce saturated fat intake.
Key benefits
- High-quality complete protein from beef patty and cheese
- Source of iron and B vitamins, particularly B12, from red meat
- Provides quick energy from carbohydrates in the bun
- The fresh-cooked patty retains more moisture and flavor than pre-formed patties
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The 'Quarter Pounder' name directly refers to the pre-cooked weight of the beef patty (4 ounces), making it one of the few fast-food items where the primary ingredient's weight is part of its official name.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 48.8 g |
| Energy | 256 kcal |
| Protein | 15.7 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 11.6 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 22.1 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 1.1 g |
| Total Sugars | 3.7 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 87.0 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 1.7 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 24.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 121 mg |
| Potassium, K | 225 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 374 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 3.0 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.10 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 24.8 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.30 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.16 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.20 mg |
| Niacin | 4.7 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.15 mg |
| Folate, total | 22.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 13.0 ug |
| Folate, food | 9.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 31.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 33.3 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 1.7 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 2.0 ug |
| Retinol | 0.00 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 26.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 1.0 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 2.0 ug |
| Lycopene | 668 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 21.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.06 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.10 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 5.0 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 4.8 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.00 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.35 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 2.7 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 1.5 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 5.4 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.44 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 4.8 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.04 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 1.2 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 1.00 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.10 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.06 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 | 40.0 mg |
FAQ
How does the Quarter Pounder differ from a regular McDonald's hamburger?
The primary difference is the beef patty size and cooking method. A Quarter Pounder uses a 4 oz (113g) patty cooked fresh to order, while a standard hamburger uses a smaller, pre-cooked patty. The Quarter Pounder also typically includes more toppings like two slices of cheese, pickles, onions, ketchup, and mustard on a larger, toasted sesame seed bun.
Is the beef in a Quarter Pounder 100% beef?
Yes, McDonald's states that their Quarter Pounder patties are made from 100% pure beef, with no fillers, additives, or preservatives. The beef is seasoned only with a pinch of salt and pepper after cooking.
Why does the Quarter Pounder cost more than other McDonald's burgers?
The higher price reflects the larger amount of beef (nearly double that of a regular hamburger), the fact that the patty is cooked fresh to order (not pre-cooked and held), and the inclusion of two slices of cheese and a larger bun.
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 2.56 kcal/g · 25% calories from protein · 1.1 g fiber · 3.7 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: 1.66 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.