McDonald's Quarter Pounder with Cheese Guide 2026

Few burgers have stood the test of time like the McDonald’s Quarter Pounder with Cheese. It’s been a staple since 1971, and we’re not alone in our love for this cheeseburger. Made with a quarter pound of 100% fresh beef that’s hot, juicy, and cooked to order, two slices of melty American cheese, and your choice of tasty toppings & sauce all on a toasted bun; you can’t go wrong with the QPC. You’ll find out everything you need to know about it here including ingredients, calories and more.

What Is in the McDonald's Quarter Pounder with Cheese? Ingredients List

The question everyone seems to ask is, what do you get on a Quarter Pounder with Cheese. It’s simple really, but each ingredient has its own purpose and make up the iconic flavor that fans know and love.

• Quarter Pound 100% Beef Patty
• Quarter Pound Bun
• Pasteurised Process American Cheese
• Tomato
• Ketch Up
• Shredded Lettuce
• Mayonnaise
• Pickle Slices
• Onions
• Mustard

What Is NOT in the Quarter Pounder

McDonald's is upfront about what is in their Quarter Pounder with Cheese, and we also know what is not:

• No artificial flavors
• No added colors from artificial sources
• No artificial preservatives in the burger itself

Note: The pickle does have an artificial preservative if you want a pickle free burger just ask for no pickles when ordering.

McDonald's Quarter Pounder with Cheese Calories and Nutrition Facts

If you are looking to make the best food choices, it’s important to know what you’re getting in terms of nutritional content. Below are the nutrition facts and Weight Watchers points for Quarter Pounder with Cheese from McDonald's.

Calorie Count and Macronutrient Breakdown

A McDonald's Quarter Pounder with Cheese contains a total of 520 calories. We detail the calorie, fat, carbohydrate and protein composition of each serving size below:

How the Quarter Pounder with Cheese Fits into a Balanced Diet

At 520 calories, you can fit a Quarter Pounder with Cheese into your diet when you consume it in moderation. Here’s how to lighten your meal a bit:

• Pair it with water or an unsweetened beverage rather than a large soda
• Choose apple slices or a side salad instead of fries
• Skip the extra cheese if you are watching your saturated fat intake
• Order it without the bun for a lower-carb option at select locations

Like any fast-food item, the key is in knowing when to stop. Having the Quarter Pounder with Cheese as a treat occasionally and for everything else, balanced diet.

McDonald’s Quarter Pounder with Cheese Price: What to Expect

The price of McDonald’s menu items may vary depending on your location, but in general, here is a guide to what you can expect to pay for the Quarter Pounder with Cheese.

Note: The prices mentioned above are approximate and can vary considerably from one city or region to another. In general, prices tend to be a little higher in urban locations as compared to suburban and rural ones.

How to Save More Money on Your Order

If you want to make the most of your trip. Here are some smart tips.

• Download the McDonald's app and join MyMcDonald's Rewards. You'll earn points on each order, and those points can be traded in for a free Quarter Pounder with Cheese.
• Check the app for exclusive deals and limited time discounts on meals before you go to the store.
• Use Mobile Order and Pay through the app for contactless ordering, payment (tip: put in your passholder discount code before you pay!) and pick up as well as app only menu offerings.
• Combo deals are your friends. Look for ones that include a drink and fries. Sometimes you can get more food if you order a combo deal, than if you just ordered the 2 items separately.

Quarter Pounder Variations

1. Quarter Pounder with Cheese Deluxe

The Deluxe version also includes shredded lettuce, Roma tomatoes, and mayo. These tastes fresher to me. It's probably about 630 calories.

This version comes with thick-cut applewood smoked bacon for even more of a smoky taste, along with the fresh beef patty and melted cheese. It’s also available as a meal combo.

2. Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese

If you’re hungry, the Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese is what you need. Two quarter-pound fresh beef patties for twice the beefy goodness layered with the same classic toppings. It’s the heftiest option in the QPC lineup and can also be ordered as a meal.

3. Bacon Quarter Pounder with Cheese

This one comes with thick-cut applewood smoked bacon for extra smoky flavor, in addition to the fresh beef patty and melted cheese. It’s also available as a meal.

Quarter Pounder with Cheese vs. Big Mac: Which Should You Order?

There’s a long-standing debate among McDonald’s fans about which burger is better. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:

If you want a bigger beef patty and cleaner flavor, Quarter Pounder with Cheese is your go-to. If you love a sauce-forward burger with layered build, Big Mac is the one for you.

How to Customize Your McDonald's Quarter Pounder with Cheese

The Quarter Pounder with Cheese is a sandwich that’s easy to change up so it’s perfect for you. From adding to or taking away ingredients, there are plenty of ways to make it your own at McDonald’s.

Ordering Customizations In-Store, Drive-Thru and App

There are many ways to customize your Quarter Pounder with Cheese:

• Add more cheese if you want it super rich and creamy
• Subtract pickles if you don’t like the tangy bite
• ask for extra onions for added taste
• If you want a little more sause ask ketchup or mustard
• Skip salt and pepper on the patty if you are watching your sodium intake

All of these options can be selected when in-store at the register, at the drive-thru, or right on the McDonalds app using customize before checkout.

Low-Carb and Lighter Options

If you’re on a low-carb or low-calorie diet, there are a few menu modifications you can make:

• Ask for a lettuce wrap instead of the sesame seed bun at select locations. This takes off most of the carbs and you can taste more of what’s important.
• Get the burger without a bun all together for a bun less option.
• Skip the fries and go for a side salad or apple slices instead for a lighter meal.
• Some of these options may not be available at all McDonald's outlets. To be sure, check with your local McDonald's crew when placing your order.

Best Sides to Pair with the Quarter Pounder

The right side can make your Quarter Pounder meal even more enjoyable. Here are some popular choices:

• World Famous Fries: Obvious but necessary. You know you love them.
• Apple Slices: Sometimes you want something light to balance out your meal.
• Side Salad: Solid option if you’d like some veggies with your burger.
• For drinks, iced coffee, lemonade or just water to keep the overall meal light.

FAQs

1. Is the Quarter Pounder with Cheese still available?

Yes, The McDonald's Quarter Pounder with Cheese is a permanent menu item and you can get it at all McDonald's locations. It is served between regular lunch and dinner hours as it is not a breakfast item.

2. Is the beef of McDonald’s QPC really fresh?

 Yes indeed. Since 2018, all Quarter Pounder burgers from McDonald's in the contiguous United States are made with 100% fresh beef, cooked when ordered. The patty goes directly from a cold-storage compartment to the grill once you've placed your order. It is therefore never pre-cooked nor reheated, which gives it this juiciness.

3. Can I get a Quarter Pounder with no gluten?

Not officially. The sesame seed bun is made with wheat, which means it's not gluten-free. McDonald's also warns that because their kitchens are small, they can't guarantee that any of their food will be free from allergens or gluten.

4. What’s the difference between a QPC and a QPC Deluxe?

A standard Quarter Pounder with Cheese includes the beef patty, two slices of American cheese, slivered onions, pickles, and a sesame seed bun. A Quarter Pounder with Cheese Deluxe throws in shredded lettuce, three Roma tomato slices, and creamy mayo. The Deluxe has about 630 calories to the regular’s 520.