McDonald’s Hamburger Nutrition, Ingredients & Price (Updated Guide)

McDonald’s Hamburger

McDonald’s hamburger nutrition is a top-searched topic among fast-food options in the U.S. The classic McDonald’s Hamburger, unchanged for decades, is a benchmark for affordability, consistency, and transparency in the fast-food industry.

This guide breaks down everything U.S. customers want to know—from price variations by state, ingredient sourcing, nutrition facts, and allergen disclosures, to McDonald’s food policies, customer experience rules, and how to resolve complaints if something goes wrong with your order.

This article gives you practical answers to your top McDonald’s Hamburger questions, empowering you to make informed decisions about pricing, nutrition, and experience—no matter your priorities.

What Is the Classic McDonald’s Hamburger?

The Classic Hamburger from McDonald’s is the company’s simplest beef sandwich and the foundation of its entire burger lineup.

Core Description

• Single 100% pure beef patty
• Soft regular bun
• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Pickle slices
• Chopped onions
• No cheese (that’s the only difference from a cheeseburger)

This minimalist build is intentional. MCD uses standardised ingredients to ensure that a hamburger ordered in Texas tastes the same as one ordered in New York.

McDonald’s Hamburger Ingredients (Full Breakdown)

McDonald’s publicly discloses ingredient data to comply with FDA labelling rules and internal transparency policies.

Main Ingredients

• Regular bun
• 100% beef patty
• Ketchup
• Pickle slices
• Onions
• Mustard

Ingredient Details Table

Component	Ingredient Details
Regular Bun	Enriched wheat flour, water, sugar, yeast, soybean oil
Beef Patty	100% USDA-inspected beef, no fillers or extenders
Ketchup	Tomato concentrate, vinegar, high fructose corn syrup
Pickles	Cucumbers, vinegar, salt, potassium sorbate
Onions	Fresh chopped onions
Mustard	Vinegar, water, mustard seed, turmeric

Important note: The pickle contains an artificial preservative. Customers may request removal.

Nutritional Information (Exact Values)

McDonald’s follows FDA Daily Value (DV) standards based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

Nutrition Summary

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	250
Protein	12g
Total Carbohydrates	30g
Total Fat	9g
Saturated Fat	3.5g
Trans Fat	0g
Cholesterol	30mg
Sodium	510mg
Total Sugars	5g
Added Sugars	5g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Iron	2.5mg
Potassium	190mg
Calcium	15mg
Vitamin D	0mcg

Why These Numbers Matter

• Protein supports muscle maintenance
• Low fibre means it is not filling for long
• Sodium is relatively high for one item

This makes the hamburger suitable for occasional consumption, not daily meals.

Allergen Information (Critical for Safety)

McDonald’s complies with the U.S. Food Allergen Labelling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA).

Contains

• Wheat
• Gluten

May Contain

• Sesame (cross-contact risk)

Allergen-Sensitive Guidance

• Not safe for gluten intolerance or wheat allergy
• No dairy unless cross-contact occurs
• Customization requests reduce but do not eliminate risk

McDonald’s Hamburger Prices Across Popular U.S. States

Prices vary due to franchise control, local taxes, and operational costs.

Average Hamburger Price by State (Single Burger)

State	Avg Price (USD)
California	$2.29
New York	$2.49
Texas	$1.99
Florida	$2.19
Illinois	$2.29
Ohio	$1.89
Georgia	$2.09
Arizona	$2.15

McDonald’s Hamburger Price by Size & Meal Option

Option	Price Range
Single Hamburger	$1.89 – $2.49
2-Pack Value Deal	$3.50 – $4.20
Happy Meal Hamburger	$4.50 – $6.00
Hamburger Combo Meal	$6.99 – $8.99

Prices may differ by location and promotions.

Why Prices Differ by Location

MCD operates on a franchise pricing model:

• Franchise owners set prices
• State minimum wage laws affect labour costs
• Urban locations cost more to operate
• Delivery apps add markups

McDonald’s Food Quality & Ingredient Policies

McDonald’s follows internal Global Food Safety Standards, including:

• USDA beef sourcing
• Supplier audits
• No fillers in beef patties
• Routine quality inspections

The hamburger does not contain:

• Artificial beef flavours
• Artificial beef preservatives
• Meat extenders

Customisation Rules (Customer Experience Policy)

Customers may:

• Remove any topping
• Request no pickles or onions
• Ask for fresh preparation (subject to store policy)

Customers may not:

• Request ingredient substitutions
• Guarantee allergen-free preparation

Complaint Resolution Process (Step-by-Step)

If you experience an issue with a hamburger order:

1. Contact the store manager immediately
2. Save the receipt or digital order confirmation
3. Use McDonald’s official feedback system
4. Request a refund or a replacement
5. Escalate to corporate support if unresolved

McDonald’s typically resolves food quality complaints within 24–72 hours.

Is the McDonald’s Hamburger Healthy?

Pros

• Affordable protein source
• Lower calories than most burgers
• No cheese or mayo

Cons

• Low fiber
• High sodium
• Refined carbohydrates

Best for: Occasional meals, budget-friendly eating
Not ideal for: Daily consumption or low-sodium diets

Comparison: Hamburger vs Cheeseburger

Feature	Hamburger	Cheeseburger
Calories	250 Cal	300 Cal
Protein	12 g	15 g
Total Fat	9 g	12 g
Dairy Content	No	Yes (Cheese slice)
Sodium Level	Lower	Higher
Suitable for Lactose Intolerance	Yes	No
Overall Taste	Simple, classic	Richer, creamy

Final Verdict

The McDonald’s Hamburger remains one of the most transparent, affordable, and standardised fast-food items in the United States. Its simple ingredient list, disclosed nutrition facts, and nationwide availability make it a reliable option for consumers who value consistency and price control. Check the MCDVOICE Survey.

FAQs – McDonald’s Hamburger