Andy Montoya
McDonald's Cheese Danish is a flakey pastry with a sweet cream cheese filling, topped with a buttery streusel and a light vanilla drizzle. It was introduced to the McDonald's menu in the US in September 2022 and contains 47 grams of carbohydrates, contributing to 45-49% of its 390 calories.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390-410 |
| Carbohydrates | 47 grams |
| Fat | 19 grams |
| Protein | 7% |
| Weight Watchers Freestyle Points | 17 |
| Weight Watchers SmartPoints | 17 |
| Weight Watchers PointsPlus | 10 |
| Allergens | Egg, gluten, milk, soy, wheat |
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What You'll Learn
McDonald's Cheese Danish contains 47 grams of carbohydrates
McDonald's Cheese Danish is a flakey pastry with a sweet cream cheese filling and a buttery streusel and light vanilla drizzle. It is a relatively high-calorie food item, with one source stating 390 calories per danish and another stating 410 calories. Most of these calories come from fat and carbohydrates. Specifically, a McDonald's Cheese Danish contains 47 grams of carbohydrates, which make up 45% to 49% of the total calories.
The high-calorie density of the Cheese Danish is due to its macronutrient composition, which is 45% to 48% carbohydrates, 45% to 49% fat, and only about 7% protein. This composition may explain why some customers find it too "carby" and prefer other bakery items.
The full list of ingredients in a McDonald's Cheese Danish includes enriched flour, margarine, sugar, cream cheese spread, icing, water, eggs, yeast, and pastry glaze. It also contains vegetable oil shortening, invert sugar, soybean oil, salt, and whey.
Given the high proportion of carbohydrates and fat in the Cheese Danish, it may not be considered a healthy option by some. However, opinions on the healthiness of the Cheese Danish are split, with 50% of visitors to one website considering it healthy and the other 50% considering it unhealthy.
To burn off the calories in a McDonald's Cheese Danish, one source estimates that you would need to run for 34 minutes or walk for 56 minutes.
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The pastry contains 390 calories
The McDonald's Cheese Danish pastry is a flakey pastry with a sweet cream cheese filling, topped with a buttery streusel and a light vanilla drizzle. It is a relatively high-calorie pastry, with 390 calories per 100g. To put that in context, you would need to run for 34 minutes or walk for 56 minutes to burn off those calories.
Most of the calories in the pastry come from fat (45%) and carbohydrates (49%). It also contains 19 grams of fat and 47 grams of carbohydrates. The high-calorie density of the pastry is likely due to the cream cheese and icing, which are high in fat and sugar.
The McDonald's Cheese Danish pastry is considered by some to be a treat, perfect for an indulgent breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up. However, it may not be the healthiest option, with some people preferring other bakery items due to the high-calorie content of the Danish pastry.
It is important to note that the calorie content of the McDonald's Cheese Danish pastry may vary slightly depending on the size and specific ingredients used. The nutritional information provided is based on the standard serving size and ingredients, but individual pastries may differ slightly.
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It is made with enriched flour and sugar
A McDonald's Cheese Danish contains 47 grams of carbohydrates, which accounts for 49% of its 390 calories. This pastry is made with enriched flour and sugar, and also contains wheat flour, malted barley flour, niacin, iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, and folic acid. The enriched flour in the Cheese Danish provides essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin, which are added back during processing to improve the nutritional profile of the flour.
Enriched flour is a common ingredient in many baked goods, as it can improve texture, colour, and flavour, while also extending shelf life. The addition of sugar to the Cheese Danish not only provides sweetness but also affects the texture and colour of the pastry. Sugar contributes to the Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that gives baked goods their desirable golden-brown colour and toasted flavour.
The combination of enriched flour and sugar in the Cheese Danish provides both functional and sensory benefits. From a functional perspective, the flour provides structure and stability to the pastry, while the sugar can contribute to tenderness and moisture retention. The sensory experience of the Cheese Danish is also enhanced by the use of enriched flour and sugar, as they contribute to the desirable taste, texture, and appearance that consumers expect from a pastry.
While the enriched flour and sugar in the Cheese Danish play important roles in its formulation, they also contribute to its nutritional profile. Enriched flour, despite being enriched with added nutrients, is still a refined carbohydrate that can impact blood sugar levels. Sugar, particularly in excessive amounts, has been linked to various health concerns, including weight gain, dental issues, and increased risk of chronic diseases.
As a result, while the McDonald's Cheese Danish may offer a tasty treat with its combination of enriched flour and sugar, it is important to consume such foods in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Understanding the role of different ingredients and their impact on nutrition can help consumers make informed choices about their dietary intake.
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It is high in fat and low in protein
A McDonald's Cheese Danish contains 390-410 calories, 45-49% of which come from fat, constituting 19 grams. This is considered a relatively high-fat content. In contrast, protein makes up only 7% of the total calories, which is significantly lower.
The pastry contains enriched wheat flour, margarine (made with palm oil, canola oil, soybean oil, and other ingredients), sugar, and cream cheese spread. It is also topped with a buttery streusel and a light vanilla drizzle. These ingredients contribute to the high-fat content of the pastry.
The high-fat and low-protein composition of the Cheese Danish may be a concern for those seeking a balanced diet. While fat is an essential macronutrient, providing energy and aiding the absorption of certain vitamins, excessive consumption can contribute to increased calorie intake, potentially leading to weight gain if not balanced with physical activity.
In contrast, protein is crucial for various bodily functions, including muscle repair and growth, immune system support, and hormone regulation. A diet sufficient in protein can promote satiety, helping to manage appetite and weight. Therefore, the low protein content of the Cheese Danish may be considered a drawback for those conscious of their nutritional intake.
It is worth noting that the Cheese Danish is also a significant source of carbohydrates, contributing 47 grams per serving. Carbohydrates are the body's primary source of energy, so this may be beneficial for those seeking a quick energy boost. However, the high-fat and carbohydrate content, coupled with the low protein level, may not align with certain dietary preferences or goals.
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It is suitable for vegetarians but not vegans
McDonald's Cheese Danish is suitable for vegetarians but not vegans. This is because the product contains a number of animal products, including eggs, milk, and cream cheese. The flakey pastry is filled with a sweet cream cheese and topped with a buttery streusel and a light vanilla drizzle.
The Cheese Danish is a relatively high-calorie product, with one source stating it contains 410 calories, while another states 390 calories. Most of these calories come from fat and carbohydrates, with one source giving the breakdown as 48% fat, 45% carbohydrates, and 7% protein.
The product contains 47 grams of carbohydrates, which some may consider high, especially when paired with the relatively high-fat content. For this reason, some may consider the product unhealthy. However, others may argue that it is a tasty treat to enjoy in moderation, perhaps with a coffee.
The Cheese Danish is part of the McCafé Bakery lineup, which includes other sweets such as the Apple Fritter, Blueberry Muffin, and Cinnamon Roll. These products are available all day at participating restaurants, as well as through the drive-thru and on the McDonald's App for delivery.
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Frequently asked questions
There are 47 grams of carbohydrates in a McDonald's Cheese Danish.
A McDonald's Cheese Danish contains 390 calories, 19 grams of fat, and 2 grams of protein.
The ingredients include enriched flour, margarine, sugar, cream cheese spread, icing, water, eggs, and yeast, among others.
To burn off the 390 calories in a McDonald's Cheese Danish, you would need to run for 34 minutes or walk for 56 minutes.
Opinions vary on whether the Cheese Danish is healthy. Some consider it indulgent as it is high in carbs and fat, while others view it as a treat to enjoy occasionally.
