Quarter Pounder with cheese (McDonalds)
Common food
Photo: Wikipedia
The Quarter Pounder with Cheese is a substantial McDonald's burger featuring a quarter-pound (113g) beef patty, two slices of American cheese, pickles, onions, ketchup, and mustard on a sesame seed bun. Its taste is a classic balance of savory, salty beef, creamy melted cheese, and tangy condiments, with a soft, toasted bun providing a familiar texture. Nutritionally, it delivers a significant protein punch from the beef but is also high in sodium and saturated fat.
Calorie split: 23% protein · 29% carbs · 48% fat
↓ Full nutrition💚 Why it's loved
People love it for its satisfying, indulgent flavor profile—the juicy beef patty, melted cheese, and classic condiments create a comforting, nostalgic taste. It's also valued for its convenience and as a reliable, filling meal option.
⚠️ Watch-outs & how to enjoy it better
It is high in sodium (over 1000mg per burger) and saturated fat, which can be a concern for heart health and blood pressure. The refined white bun and sugar in the ketchup can cause a rapid blood-sugar spike. To counteract, consider eating half and pairing with a side salad, or choose a lettuce wrap if available. Opting for water instead of a sugary soda also helps.
Key benefits
- High-quality protein source for muscle maintenance
- Provides essential minerals like iron and zinc from beef
- Convenient and consistent calorie-dense meal
- The sesame seed bun adds some dietary fiber and B vitamins
🍽️ Popular dishes
🌍 Where it's eaten
💡 Did you know?
The 'Quarter Pounder' name refers to the pre-cooked weight of the beef patty, which shrinks to about 4 ounces (113g) after grilling.
Full nutrition (USDA data · scales with serving)
| Water | 48.4 g |
| Energy | 269 kcal |
| Protein | 15.2 g |
| Total lipid (fat) | 14.4 g |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 19.7 g |
| Fiber, total dietary | 1.2 g |
| Total Sugars | 3.6 g |
| Calcium, Ca | 179 mg |
| Iron, Fe | 1.0 mg |
| Magnesium, Mg | 26.0 mg |
| Phosphorus, P | 183 mg |
| Potassium, K | 223 mg |
| Sodium, Na | 591 mg |
| Zinc, Zn | 2.8 mg |
| Copper, Cu | 0.07 mg |
| Selenium, Se | 24.7 ug |
| Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid | 0.30 mg |
| Thiamin | 0.12 mg |
| Riboflavin | 0.26 mg |
| Niacin | 4.0 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 | 0.09 mg |
| Folate, total | 16.0 ug |
| Folic acid | 12.0 ug |
| Folate, food | 4.0 ug |
| Folate, DFE | 24.0 ug |
| Choline, total | 37.7 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 1.8 ug |
| Vitamin B-12, added | 0.00 ug |
| Vitamin A, RAE | 51.0 ug |
| Retinol | 47.0 ug |
| Carotene, beta | 47.0 ug |
| Carotene, alpha | 1.0 ug |
| Cryptoxanthin, beta | 2.0 ug |
| Lycopene | 810 ug |
| Lutein + zeaxanthin | 17.0 ug |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 0.20 mg |
| Vitamin E, added | 0.00 mg |
| Vitamin D (D2 + D3) | 0.10 ug |
| Vitamin K (phylloquinone) | 4.4 ug |
| Alcohol, ethyl | 0.00 g |
| Caffeine | 0.00 mg |
| Theobromine | 0.00 mg |
Fat & fatty acid profile (per 100g)
| Fatty acids, total saturated | 7.0 g |
| SFA 4:0 | 0.19 g |
| SFA 6:0 | 0.07 g |
| SFA 8:0 | 0.05 g |
| SFA 10:0 | 0.11 g |
| SFA 12:0 | 0.13 g |
| SFA 14:0 | 0.72 g |
| SFA 16:0 | 3.6 g |
| SFA 18:0 | 1.9 g |
| Fatty acids, total monounsaturated | 6.0 g |
| MUFA 16:1 | 0.46 g |
| MUFA 18:1 | 5.3 g |
| MUFA 20:1 | 0.05 g |
| MUFA 22:1 | 0.00 g |
| Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated | 1.3 g |
| PUFA 18:2 | 1.0 g |
| PUFA 18:3 | 0.13 g |
| PUFA 18:4 | 0.08 g |
| PUFA 20:4 | 0.03 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 | 48.0 mg |
FAQ
How much protein is in a Quarter Pounder with Cheese?
A standard Quarter Pounder with Cheese contains approximately 30 grams of protein, primarily from the beef patty and cheese.
Is the Quarter Pounder with Cheese gluten-free?
No, it is not gluten-free due to the wheat-based sesame seed bun. Cross-contamination is also likely in the kitchen.
What makes the beef patty different from a regular McDonald's burger?
The Quarter Pounder patty is made from fresh (never frozen) beef and is significantly larger, weighing a quarter-pound before cooking, compared to the smaller patties in burgers like the Big Mac or Cheeseburger.
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 2.69 kcal/g · 23% calories from protein · 1.2 g fiber · 3.6 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: 2.65 (lower is better — aim for ≤ 1)
Sodium:potassium per WHO potassium guidance. Computed from USDA nutrients.