Kamil Perry
McDonald's cheeseburger is a popular fast-food item, but how many calories does it contain? The answer may vary depending on the size and ingredients, but a plain McDonald's cheeseburger typically contains around 290 calories. This calorie count includes the bun, beef patty, cheese, ketchup, and onions that make up the classic McDonald's cheeseburger. The calorie breakdown includes 42% carbs, 38% fat, and 21% protein. While it's important to consider calorie intake, it's also worth noting that the cheeseburger is considered a red food by some diet plans due to its high caloric density and relatively lower nutritional value.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290 |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.4g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 35mg |
| Sodium | 626mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 28g-32g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.1g |
| Total Sugars | 0g |
| Protein | 13g |
| Vitamin D | 0mcg |
| Calcium | 167mg |
| Iron | 2.4mg |
| Potassium | 200mg |
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What You'll Learn
A McDonald's cheeseburger contains 290-300 calories
A McDonald's cheeseburger contains around 290-300 calories. This number of calories is considered high, and the cheeseburger is classified as a "red food" due to its caloric density. The macronutrient breakdown of a McDonald's cheeseburger is 42% carbs, 38% fat, and 21% protein.
The high-calorie count in a McDonald's cheeseburger is largely due to the ingredients used in its preparation. The bun, for instance, contains enriched flour, sugar, and soybean oil, all of which contribute to the calorie content. The 100% beef patty, while boasting no fillers or extenders, is still a significant source of calories and fat.
Additionally, the pasteurized process American cheese made from milk, cream, and other ingredients, as well as the ketchup and onions, all add to the overall calorie count. While the exact calorie contribution of each ingredient is not readily available, it is clear that the combination of these ingredients results in a calorie-dense food item.
The calorie count of a McDonald's cheeseburger is a concern for health-conscious individuals. While it is recommended that an average adult consumes around 2,000 calories per day, a single McDonald's cheeseburger can account for up to 15% of that daily allowance. This leaves less room for other essential nutrients and can contribute to an unbalanced diet if consumed regularly.
It is worth noting that the calorie information provided by McDonald's and other sources may vary slightly due to differences in serving sizes, ingredient variations, and cooking methods. Therefore, it is always advisable to consider the specific nutritional information provided by the restaurant or consult a qualified dietician for personalized dietary advice.
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It is considered a 'red food' due to its high caloric density
A McDonald's cheeseburger is considered a red food due to its high caloric density. With 290 calories per sandwich, it is classified as a calorie-dense food with a relatively low concentration of healthy nutrients. This classification is based on a system that groups foods according to their caloric density and the amount of healthy nutrients they contain.
Red foods, such as the McDonald's cheeseburger, have the highest caloric density and are often the most calorie-dense options available. These foods may also contain the least amount of healthy nutrients. It is important to note that the colour red in this context does not indicate that these foods are "bad". Instead, it is recommended to balance one's diet by consuming a variety of food groups in appropriate portions and frequencies.
In contrast, green foods have the lowest caloric density and/or the highest concentration of healthy nutrients. Examples of green foods include vegetables, whole grains, skim milk, cucumbers, spinach, apples, tomatoes, non-fat yoghurt, broccoli, brown rice, bananas, and bell peppers. These foods are generally considered to be nutrient-dense and provide a range of health benefits.
Yellow foods fall between red and green in terms of caloric density and nutrient content. They have a mid-level caloric density and/or a moderate amount of healthy nutrients. Examples of yellow foods include grilled chicken, turkey breast, tuna, salmon, lean ground beef, eggs, avocado, and black beans.
When it comes to the McDonald's cheeseburger, its classification as a red food suggests that it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. This is because red foods are generally recommended to make up a smaller proportion of one's diet, while green and yellow foods are encouraged to be the primary sources of calories and nutrients.
In summary, the McDonald's cheeseburger is considered a red food due to its high caloric density and relatively lower concentration of healthy nutrients. This classification provides guidance on how to incorporate this food into one's diet in a balanced and healthy manner.
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It contains 32 grams of total carbs
A McDonald's cheeseburger is not a healthy option. While it's a tasty treat, it's considered a 'red food' due to its high caloric density and relatively low nutritional value. The cheeseburger contains 32 grams of total carbs, which is a significant amount.
Carbohydrates are one of the three main macronutrients, along with protein and fat. They are essential for the body's energy production and are typically classified into three subtypes: sugar, starch, and fibre. Sugar and starch are broken down into glucose, which the body uses for energy, while fibre supports digestive health.
The McDonald's cheeseburger's 32 grams of total carbs are likely a combination of sugar and starch, with a negligible amount of fibre. This high proportion of carbs contributes to the overall calorie count of 290 per sandwich.
While carbohydrates are important for energy, it's worth noting that not all carbs are equal. The World Health Organization recommends that adults get most of their energy from complex carbohydrates, which are found in foods like whole grains, fruits, and starchy vegetables. These complex carbs are digested more slowly and provide a steady source of energy.
In contrast, the carbohydrates in the McDonald's cheeseburger are likely simple carbs, which are rapidly digested and can lead to spikes in blood sugar and energy levels. Frequent consumption of simple carbs has been linked to an increased risk of weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic disorders. Therefore, it's important to consider the source and type of carbohydrates when assessing the nutritional value of a food item.
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It has 12 grams of total fat
A McDonald's cheeseburger is not considered a healthy option. While it provides essential fats, it is also high in saturated fat, which can negatively impact health.
A McDonald's cheeseburger contains 12 grams of total fat. This is quite a significant amount, especially considering that 38% of the calories in a McDonald's cheeseburger come from fat. This means that of the 290 calories in a McDonald's cheeseburger, 110 calories are from fat.
The type of fat is also important to consider. While some fats, like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, are considered healthier, saturated fat can be harmful. A McDonald's cheeseburger contains 4.4 grams of saturated fat, which is a high proportion of the total fat content. Saturated fat can raise total cholesterol and LDL (low-density lipoprotein) levels, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis.
It is recommended that saturated fats make up less than 10% of daily calorie intake. For a diet of 2,000 calories, this would mean consuming less than 200 calories from saturated fat. With 4.4 grams of saturated fat, a McDonald's cheeseburger already provides 20% of the recommended daily intake.
Therefore, while a McDonald's cheeseburger does provide some essential fats, it is high in saturated fat, which can have negative health impacts. It is important to consume these types of foods in moderation and ensure they make up only a small part of a balanced diet.
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It has 13 grams of protein
A McDonald's cheeseburger contains 13 grams of protein. This is equivalent to 21% of the total calories in the burger.
The cheeseburger's bun is made with enriched flour, malted barley flour, niacin, iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid, sugar, yeast, and soybean oil. It also contains wheat gluten, potato flour, and dough conditioners. The patty is made with 100% pure USDA inspected beef and grill seasoning. The cheese is pasteurized American cheese, made with milk, cream, water, sodium citrate, salt, cheese cultures, citric acid, enzymes, soy lecithin, and added color.
The total calorie count of a McDonald's cheeseburger is 290 calories. This includes 32 grams of total carbohydrates. The macronutrient breakdown is 42% carbs, 38% fat, and, as mentioned, 21% protein.
In terms of daily value, the cheeseburger contributes 18% of total fat, 20% of saturated fat, 12% cholesterol, 27% sodium, 9.3% total carbohydrates, 4.4% dietary fiber, and 17% calcium.
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Frequently asked questions
A McDonald's cheeseburger contains 290 calories.
A McDonald's cheeseburger is made up of 42% carbs, 38% fat, and 21% protein.
There are 32 grams of total carbs in a McDonald's cheeseburger.
The daily value (DV) of a McDonald's cheeseburger is 18% total fat, 20% saturated fat, 12% cholesterol, 27% sodium, 9.3% total carbohydrate, 4.4% dietary fiber, and 17% iron.
