Learn More About What's Really in a McDonald's Hamburger

What is Really in a McDonald’s Hamburger?

We all know McDonald’s doesn’t offer the healthiest of food choices, even with their salads. Sometimes, though, a pit stop there for lunch is unavoidable. Next time you think about ordering a hamburger, think about this nutrition.

According to the McDonald’s Nutrition Information PDF available for download from their website, a hamburger is 3.5 oz. or 100g in serving size and contains:

• 250 calories
• 80 of those calories come from fat.
• 9g of fat (13% recommended daily value)
• 3.5g saturated fat (16% recommended daily value)
• 0.5g trans fat
• 25mg cholesterol (9% recommended daily value)
• 520mg sodium (22% recommended daily value)
• 31g carbohydrates (10% recommended daily value)
• 2g dietary fiber (6% recommended daily value)
• 6g sugars
• 12g protein

Nutrient Composition

• Contains no Vitamin A
• Contains 2% recommended daily value of Vitamin C
• Contains 10% recommended daily value of Calcium
• Contains 15% recommended daily value of Iron

Keep in mind the McDonald’s Hamburger is the smallest and healthiest option of all their burgers. It contains only one patty and the following condiments: ketchup, mustard, dehydrated onions, and dill pickles. Removing the condiments will change the nutriton data only slightly; and probably leave the burger hard to swallow. By the time you add fries and a drink to this meal, it gets even worse.

Dietary Guidelines for Americans

According to the dietary guidelines for Americans, adults should consume no more than 10% of their calories per day from saturated fatty acids. It is ideal to aim for less than 300mg cholesterol per day, and to keep trans fat consumption as low as possible. Total fat intake should only account for 20 to 35% of all calories consumed in a day. Ideally, carbohydrates should come from fruits, vegetables, and whole grain sources. Keep salt consumption to around 2300mg or less (one teaspoon of salt) per day.

How this Sandwich Compares

This is not a good meal choice for those who need to watch their sodium intake, as nearly a quarter of the day’s intake is found in the burger itself. Add even non-salted fries to this, and you’re really pushing it. It’s high in cholesterol, accounting for nearly one-tenth of the daily recommendation. The saturated fat in this burger accounts for almost one-fifth of your daily recommended amount. It’s also fairly high in sugars. While it is a good source of protein, nearly all meat is, and the cons definitely outweigh the pro.

It’s small and unhealthy. If you eat just the burger, you’re going to find yourself yearning for more food, and likely feeling sluggish later. We recommend skipping McDonald’s all together to go for healthier opportunities at Subway, if you must eat fast food.

Resources:

• McDonald’s Nutrition Information (PDF File) downloaded from corporate website.
• 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans

Image Credit:

• McDonald’s, Inc.