McDonald’s Big Mac: Why People Can’t Stop Eating It

The Big Mac from McDonald’s is one of the most well-liked burgers globally. Consisting of two beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles and onions all packed into a sesame seed bun; it has been a popular choice for millions since 1968. In this guide we will be highlighting its ingredients, calories content as well as price and the best way to order it. If you’re new to the Big Mac or have loved it for years this guide has all you need to know about the burger.

What Is the McDonald’s Big Mac?

McDonald's most famous burger, celebrated for its singular taste and special three-part bun as well as its two beef patties and world-renowned Big Mac Sauce, which is known by diners around the globe. Found on McDonald's menus in over 100 countries worldwide.

The Big Mac was invented in 1967 by a McDonald's franchisee based in Pennsylvania named Jim Delligatti. He had wanted to create a bigger, more satisfying burger for customers and started selling it locally before the product made its national debut on menus in 1968.

The name 'Big Mac' was chosen in an internal contest at McDonald's, when a 19-year-old secretary named Esther Glickstein Rose offered up the name and it stuck. And the rest is history it went on to become one of the most recognized food items in the world.

The Big Mac is the centrepiece of the McDonald's burger menu. It is larger than the McDouble, but smaller than the Double Quarter Pounder. You can order it on its own or as part of a Big Mac Combo Meal with World Famous Fries and your choice of an icy-cold soft drink.

It's also on offer as part of the MyMcDonald's Rewards scheme, so you can collect points on applicable orders and get one for free if you'd prefer.

Big Mac Ingredients: What’s Really in There?

The Big Mac is made with simple, quality ingredients. Here’s everything that goes into the iconic burger.

The Two All-Beef Patties

The Big Mac is made from two 100% pure beef patties. We use only real, quality beef with absolutely no fillers, additives or preservatives. Our Burgers are made with 100% seasoned beef with salt and pepper nothing more nothing less.

The Famous Big Mac Sauce

If there is one thing that sets the Big Mac apart, it’s the Big Mac Sauce. This creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce is slathered on the bun and it’s what gives this burger its iconic flavor. It tastes similar to a certain “secret” house dressing you find at some restaurants with an undertone of mustard and a base of sweet pickle relish.

The Big Mac Sauce is probably the most famous fast food condiment across the globe. Some people believe that it’s the sauce alone that makes this burger so unique.

The Big Mac bun is what really differentiates this burger from all others. It has three parts: the crown, the club and the heel. This three-part design keeps everything in place and gives this sandwich its distinctive look.

The bun is also a sesame seed bun, soft and lightly toasted. A Big Mac just isn’t a Big Mac without that sesame seed bun.

On top of the patties and sauce, the Big Mac also has:

• Shredded lettuce for crunch
• A slice of melty American cheese for unbeatable creaminess and that perfect, mellow flavor.
• Tangy pickles for that extra bite (FYI, the pickle has an artificial preservative so feel free to take a pass if you want).
• Finely chopped onion, which gives a subtle savory flavor.

These are the toppings that provide different texture and flavor and keep the experience interesting for every bite.

Big Mac Nutrition Facts and Calories

How many calories are there in a Big Mac?

A standard McDonald’s Big Mac contains 580 calories. This is a mid-range calorie count for a fast-food burger. A Big Mac meal also includes fries and a drink. Based on a 2,000-calorie daily diet, the Big Mac accounts for about 29% of your daily calorie needs.

Full Nutrition Breakdown

Nutritionally, here’s how the Big Mac stacks up:

Allergen Information

The Big Mac contains the following common allergens. Here’s a handy table:

Note: McDonald's kitchens are not nut-free environments. Cross-contamination of allergens can occur in McDonald’s kitchens. Please be sure to review the policies of every restaurant you visit if you have an allergy.

Is the Big Mac Really All That Bad for You?

The Big Mac is a tasty in-a-pinch meal, sure, but it shouldn't be a weekly staple. It contains 1,010mg of sodium which is approximately 44% of your daily recommended intake.

The Big Mac contains no artificial flavors, no artificial preservatives in the beef patties, and no added colors from artificial sources. If you’d like a lighter version, here’s how:

• Ask for no Big Mac Sauce to save calories
• If you hate the artificial preservative, skip the pickles
• Have water or an unsweetened drink instead of soda
• Order the burger, not the combo

Big Mac Price and meal Options

How much Does a Big Mac Cost?

The price of a McDonald’s Big Mac can vary based on location. Generally, you can expect to pay between $5 and $6 for the sandwich alone in America. The closer you are to a big city, the higher the price will be. Conversely, if you travel to a small town, you'll find lower prices.

When using McDelivery, know that prices might be higher than what they are in-restaurant and delivery/service fees apply as well.

Pro Tip: use the McDonald's App to see the current Big Mac price in your area and view local deals.

Big Mac Combo Meal Options

Big Mac is not the only thing that you could order on its own. Here is a list of main meal options available:

The Big Mac Combo Meal is served with our World-Famous Fries and your choice of an icy Coca-Cola fountain drink. It’s the best way to enjoy the Big Mac.

How to Save Money on Your Big Mac Order

• You can easily get more value when ordering a McDonald’s Big Mac.
• Download the McDonald's App and order your food using Mobile Order and Pay to gain access to the best deals around
• Register for MyMcDonald's Rewards and start earning points for every dollar you spend
• Your Big Mac is free after you’ve collected enough points
• There are meal deals on the McValue menu that include a Big Mac

Rewards Note: MyMcDonald's Rewards is not available in the McDonald's app or at kiosks. Does not apply to delivery orders placed through McDelivery.

How to Order the McDonald’s Big Mac Your Way

Ordering the Big Mac is something you can do regular at any McDonald's worldwide. The great thing about the Big Mac is it stays consistent but there a few ways to order it where it comes off a bit different if that is what you are looking for.

How to Order via the McDonald’s App

Ordering a Big Mac can’t get any easier when using the McDonald’s App app. Just simply follow these steps:

• Download the McDonald’s app from App Store or Google Play
• Sign up for your free account or log in.
• Tap “Order” and then select your nearest McDonald's location
• Browse the menu and find the Big Mac in the Burgers section
• Customizing your order, if needed
• Add to cart and Check-out in the app
• Pick up at the counter, drive thru, or curb side

How to Customize Your Big Mac

The Big Mac is a classic, but you can easily switch things up a bit. Here are some of the most popular variations:

• No pickles: If you’d rather skip the artificial preservative
• Extra sauce: For those that really love the Big Mac Sauce
• No onions: An easy swap for those that prefer it without
• Add extra cheese: For a richer, creamier burger
• Lettuce wrap: Ask for your burger in a lettuce wrap instead of a bun for a lower-carb option (availability varies by location)

Earning Points with MyMcDonald's Rewards

With every purchase of a Big Mac on the app or in store when you use your MyMcDonald's Rewards account, you will earn points on eligible purchases. Once you have earned enough points, you can redeem them for a free Big Mac or other menu items.

Also, delivery orders made through the website won’t earn you any points. To earn points with delivery, you must place your McDelivery order directly through the McDonald’s App.

FAQs

Q: What’s in the Big Mac Sauce?

A: The Big Mac Sauce is a Thousand Island-style sauce. It’s made with mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, and yellow mustard. This is one of those recipes that we’ll probably never fully replicate, but I tried to make this recipe as close as possible!

Q: Is the McDonald’s Big Mac made with real beef?

A: Yes. The Big Mac is made with two 100% pure all-beef patties. There are no fillers, no artificial flavors, and no added preservatives in the beef.

Q: Can I get a big mac without pickles?

A: Yes, you can customize your Big Mac by taking pickle off, adding extra sauce or more, just depending on location and store. You can always use the McDonald's App to customize your order.

Q: Can I get points on a Big Mac?

A: Yes, you can get points on eligible Big Mac's when ordering via the McDonalds App or scanning your rewards account in store. Does not apply to McDelivery orders placed from website.

Q: Can I get a Big Mac McDelivery?

A: Yes, the Big Mac is available within McDelivery from participating restaurants. Please be aware that in some areas our McDelivery prices and offers may differ from those on the self-order screens, and table service in these restaurants may also be temporarily unavailable meaning trays will need to be taken to their table.