A McDonald’s Quarter Pounder without the bun is a popular low-carb fast food option. Knowing the calorie content of menu items is important for people monitoring their calorie and macro nutrient intake. This article will provide a detailed breakdown of the calorie and macronutrient content of a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder without the bun.
Calories in a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder Patty
The McDonald’s Quarter Pounder patty on its own contains the following nutrition information:
| Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|
| 240 | 25g | 15g | 0g |
A single McDonald’s Quarter Pounder patty contains 240 calories, with 25g of protein, 15g of fat, and 0g of carbohydrates.
The patty is made of 100% beef with no fillers, additives or preservatives. It weighs 114g (4oz) uncooked.
Breakdown of Calories
Of the 240 calories in a Quarter Pounder patty:
- Protein: 25g protein x 4 calories per gram = 100 calories from protein
- Fat: 15g fat x 9 calories per gram = 135 calories from fat
- Carbs: 0g carbs x 4 calories per gram = 0 calories from carbs
So the 240 calories come from 100 calories from protein, 135 calories from fat, and 0 calories from carbohydrates.
Calories in McDonald’s Quarter Pounder Without Bun
In addition to the patty, a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder without the bun contains:
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Pickle slices
- Onions
Here is the nutrition information for the additional ingredients:
| Item | Calories |
|---|---|
| Ketchup (1 packet) | 15 |
| Mustard (1 packet) | 0 |
| Pickle slices (2 slices) | 2 |
| Onions (1 slice) | 3 |
Adding up the calories from the patty and additional ingredients, the total calories in a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder without the bun is:
- Patty: 240 calories
- Ketchup: 15 calories
- Mustard: 0 calories
- Pickles: 2 calories
- Onions: 3 calories
- Total: 260 calories
So a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder without the bun contains approximately 260 calories.
Nutrition Breakdown of Ingredients
Here is more detail on the nutrition facts of the McDonald’s Quarter Pounder ingredients:
Quarter Pounder Patty
- 240 calories
- 25g protein
- 15g fat
- 0g carbs
The patty provides a good source of protein with 25g per patty. It is also relatively high in fat, with 15g coming from the beef. There are no carbohydrates in the beef patty.
Ketchup
- 15 calories
- 0g protein
- 0g fat
- 4g carbs (4g sugar)
The calories in the ketchup come mainly from sugar. There is also no fat. Ketchup adds a sweeter, tomatoey flavor.
Mustard
- 0 calories
- 0g protein
- 0g fat
- 0g carbs
The mustard packets contain negligible calories and macronutrients. Mustard contributes added flavor without additional calories.
Pickle Slices
- 2 calories
- 0g protein
- 0g fat
- 1g carbs
The small pickle slices add minimal calories. They provide a sour, salty crunch and flavor contrast.
Onions
- 3 calories
- 0g protein
- 0g fat
- 1g carbs
Onions add flavor and crunch without significantly impacting the calorie or nutrient profile.
Comparison to Quarter Pounder with Bun
For comparison, here are the nutrition facts for a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder with the standard bun:
| Item | Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quarter Pounder Patty | 240 | 25g | 15g | 0g |
| Bun | 150 | 4g | 1.5g | 30g |
| Total | 390 | 29g | 16.5g | 30g |
The addition of the bun adds 150 calories, mostly from 30g of carbohydrates.
So by omitting the bun, you reduce the calories by 150 down to 260 calories total. You also avoid 30g of carbohydrates.
This makes the Quarter Pounder without bun a good lower-carb, high-protein option for those monitoring their nutrition intake.
Cooking Method
McDonald’s Quarter Pounder patties are grilled on a flat iron grill. No oil, butter or fat is added in cooking.
The patties take approximately 2-3 minutes per side to grill up. They are pressed firmly on the grill to ensure even cooking and a flat shape.
Grilling gives the patty a nice caramelized sear while keeping the interior juicy. It adds flavor without using excess oil or fat in cooking.
Customization Options
While the standard McDonald’s Quarter Pounder comes with onions, pickles, ketchup, and mustard, you can customize it to your liking:
- No ketchup or mustard: Order without either condiment to reduce calories and carbs.
- Extra veggies: Get extra pickles, onions, lettuce, or tomatoes for crunch and flavor.
- Add cheese: Top with a slice of American, cheddar, or Swiss cheese for added fat and protein.
- Substitute mayo for mustard: Choose mayo for added creaminess and fat.
- Add bacon: Top with bacon slices for smokiness, saltiness and fat.
Just ask for any customizations when you order. They can make a Quarter Pounder without bun even more tasty.
Tips for Ordering
Here are some tips for ordering a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder without the bun:
- Clearly state “Quarter Pounder without the bun” when ordering.
- Check your order to ensure no bun was included.
- Request any sauces and toppings on the side to control calories and carbs.
- For lettuce wraps, ask for extra lettuce leaves.
- You can order a double Quarter Pounder or triple Quarter Pounder without bun for more protein.
- Order a side salad instead of fries for a low-carb option.
Being clear with your order and customizing it to your preferences will ensure you get exactly what you want.
Nutrition Tips
Here are some nutrition tips when enjoying a Quarter Pounder without the bun:
- Watch sodium intake. The patty and toppings are high in sodium.
- Stay hydrated. Drink water to offset the sodium.
- Get some veggies. Add tomato, lettuce, or extra pickles for nutrients.
- Don’t go overboard on calories. Stick to single patty for calorie control.
- Pair with a salad or low-carb side. Don’t replace bun with fries or sugary drink.
- Watch your fat intake for the day. The patty is high in saturated fat.
The Quarter Pounder without bun makes a convenient high-protein fast food option. But balance it out with vegetable side dishes and be mindful of your daily calorie needs.
Low Carb Alternative Bun Options
If you want to add a bun to your Quarter Pounder while keeping it low carb, here are some alternative bun options:
Lettuce Bun
– Use large lettuce leaves like romaine or iceberg as the bun
– Adds crunch and moisture without carbs
– Order extra lettuce leaves and wrap around patty
Portobello Bun
– Use a whole portobello mushroom cap instead of bun
– Provides moisture and heartiness
– Grill portobello first to remove moisture
Cheese Bun
– Make a “bun” out of sliced cheese
– Cheddar, Swiss, or provolone work well
– Adds fat and protein
Low Carb Tortilla
– Choose a low-carb or carb-smart tortilla
– Look for ones with around 5g net carbs
– Wraps around patty nicely and adds flavor
Lettuce Wrapped
– Forcarb-conscious option, skip the bun entirely
– Order extra lettuce leaves and wrap patty in them
These alternatives help you enjoy a Quarter Pounder as a low-carb, high-protein option to suit your diet.
Health Impact of McDonald’s Burgers
While convenient, eating McDonald’s Quarter Pounders and other burgers regularly can have negative health impacts if not consumed in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet. Here are some things to keep in mind:
High in Calories and Fat
The Quarter Pounder patty alone contains 240 calories and 15g of fat. Eating too many calories and too much saturated fat from beef can lead to weight gain and increase cholesterol levels.
High in Sodium
A single Quarter Pounder contains over half of the recommend daily sodium intake. Too much sodium can increase risk of high blood pressure.
Lacks Fiber and Nutrients
Burgers on their own are not a good source of fiber, vitamins, or minerals aside from some protein. Eating too many burgers in place of more nutritious foods can lead to nutritional deficiencies.
Increased Cancer Risk
Some studies link excessive red and processed meat consumption to increased cancer risk, especially colorectal cancer. Limiting intake to occasional treats is recommended.
Heart Health Concerns
The saturated fat and sodium content of burgers may negatively impact heart health if consumed frequently. Those with high cholesterol or blood pressure need to be especially cautious.
For optimal health, burgers should be an occasional treat in the context of an overall diet focused on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, fiber and healthy fats. Moderation is key when enjoying fast food menu items like burgers and fries.
The Bottom Line
A McDonald’s Quarter Pounder without the bun contains approximately 260 calories, with 25g of protein coming from the beef patty. Removing the bun eliminates 30g of carbohydrates compared to the version with a standard bun.
Ordering without the bun makes the Quarter Pounder a lower-carb fast food option, but you still need to be mindful of calories, sodium, and saturated fat when enjoying it occasionally as part of an overall healthy diet. Limiting customizations like cheese and bacon can help control calories. Pairing it with lower carb side options instead of fries is also recommended.
While not a health food, the Quarter Pounder without bun can be an acceptable fast food treat when eaten in moderation alongside plenty of nourishing whole foods for balance. Just be cautious of the high sodium content and keep your daily calorie needs in check.