How many calories are in an Egg McMuffin and Hash Brown? A complete nutrition breakdown for a popular breakfast

October 30, 2025 •

3 min read

According to McDonald's official nutritional information, a standard Egg McMuffin and Hash Brown meal contains approximately 450 to 455 calories in the U.S., making it a moderately high-calorie breakfast option depending on one's dietary needs. Understanding the complete nutritional profile of this combo, including fat, protein, and sodium content, is key for any balanced nutrition diet.

Quick Summary

This article details the specific calorie counts and nutritional information for McDonald's classic Egg McMuffin and its fried potato counterpart, the Hash Brown. It provides a deeper look into the macro and micronutrient content, compares this popular fast-food combo to other breakfast choices, and offers practical advice for making more balanced decisions.

Key Points

Total Calories: A standard McDonald's Egg McMuffin and Hash Brown combo contains approximately 450 calories.
High Sodium Content: The meal is particularly high in sodium, totaling over 1,000 mg when combined, which is a significant portion of the recommended daily limit.
Protein Source: The Egg McMuffin itself provides a good source of protein (17g) that can help with satiety.
Fat Contribution: The Hash Brown contributes additional fat and carbohydrates, increasing the overall calorie density of the meal.
Customization is Key: To reduce calories and sodium, consider skipping the hash brown, holding the cheese, or choosing a different side like a fruit cup.
Compare Alternatives: Healthier fast-food breakfast options exist, such as the Egg White Grill from Chick-fil-A or McDonald's own Fruit & Maple Oatmeal.

The Calorie Breakdown for an Egg McMuffin and Hash Brown

For anyone monitoring their daily caloric intake, understanding the specific components of a meal is crucial. The total calories of a popular McDonald's breakfast combo are the sum of its individual parts. As of recent data from McDonald's U.S. menu, a single Egg McMuffin contains 310 calories, and one Hash Brown adds 140 calories. Combined, this breakfast is 450 calories, before accounting for any beverages or additional condiments.

Breaking Down the Egg McMuffin's Nutrition

The Egg McMuffin features a freshly cracked Grade A egg, Canadian bacon, and American cheese on a toasted English muffin. The 310 calories it provides are accompanied by a notable amount of protein, making it a relatively satiating choice for a fast-food item.

Protein: At 17 grams, the Egg McMuffin offers a significant protein boost to start your day.
Fat: It contains 13 grams of total fat, with 6 grams of saturated fat.
Carbohydrates: The sandwich provides 30 grams of carbohydrates, including 2 grams of dietary fiber.
Sodium: The sodium content is high at 770 mg, which is a considerable portion of the recommended daily intake.

The Hash Brown's Nutritional Profile

This classic crispy, shredded potato patty adds flavor and texture but contributes primarily carbohydrates and fat to the meal.

Calories: 140 calories come from this single side item.
Fat: It contains 8 grams of total fat, with just 1 gram of saturated fat.
Carbohydrates: With 18 grams of carbohydrates, it's an extra dose of carbs for the meal.
Sodium: The Hash Brown also adds 310 mg of sodium to the total.

The Complete Meal: Egg McMuffin and Hash Brown Calories

When combined, the total nutritional picture of the Egg McMuffin and Hash Brown reveals a high-sodium, moderate-calorie, protein-rich meal. The total calories sit at 450, but the fat and sodium add up quickly, especially when considering a daily dietary budget. For example, the total sodium content reaches 1080 mg, which is nearly half of the FDA's general daily recommendation of 2,300 mg.

Comparing Your Fast-Food Breakfast Options

When choosing a quick breakfast, it’s beneficial to compare the nutritional information of various items to make a more informed decision. The table below compares the Egg McMuffin combo with other popular fast-food breakfast choices.


Item	Calories	Protein (g)	Fat (g)	Sodium (mg)
Egg McMuffin & Hash Brown Combo	450	19	21	1080
Sausage McMuffin with Egg	440	16	28	750
McDonald's Fruit & Maple Oatmeal	320	6	4	160
Chick-fil-A Egg White Grill	300	27	8	940

Strategies for a Healthier Fast-Food Breakfast

Even when eating on the go, there are ways to improve the nutritional profile of your meal. Making a few simple adjustments can significantly reduce the overall calorie, fat, and sodium intake.

Drop the side: Skipping the Hash Brown alone cuts 140 calories and 310 mg of sodium.
Swap the cheese: On an Egg McMuffin, holding the cheese slice can reduce saturated fat and sodium.
Choose a lighter main: Consider a lighter menu item, such as the Egg White Grill from Chick-fil-A, which offers higher protein and fewer calories.
Choose a different bread: Opting for an English muffin or standard bun is generally better than a biscuit or croissant, which are often higher in fat.
Make it a combo meal: Be mindful that ordering a meal often bundles a drink, like coffee or juice, which can add extra sugar and calories. Opt for unsweetened coffee or water.
Go for fruit: If available, swap the Hash Brown for a fruit cup to add vitamins, minerals, and fiber to your meal.

Conclusion

While the Egg McMuffin and Hash Brown combo is a convenient and popular breakfast, it's important to be aware of its nutritional impact, particularly its calorie, fat, and high sodium levels. The total of approximately 450 calories and over 1,000 mg of sodium for both items can be a significant portion of a person's daily recommended intake. By understanding the nutritional breakdown, you can make more mindful choices, such as customizing your order or opting for healthier alternatives, to better align with your overall nutrition diet goals. For more extensive healthy eating tips, resources from the World Health Organization can provide guidance.

Additional Resources

For further information on healthy eating and dietary recommendations, consult authoritative sources like the World Health Organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

A single McDonald's Egg McMuffin in the U.S. contains 310 calories.

One McDonald's Hash Brown contains 140 calories.

The Egg McMuffin can be a moderate choice due to its protein content, but its high sodium and fat levels should be considered within your daily diet goals. Alternatives with higher fiber and less sodium may be healthier choices.

The combo has a higher calorie count than some standalone items, such as McDonald's Fruit & Maple Oatmeal or Chick-fil-A's Egg White Grill, but offers a balanced mix of macros compared to higher-fat options like biscuits or croissants.

Combined, the Egg McMuffin and Hash Brown meal contains approximately 1080 mg of sodium, which is about 47% of the general daily recommended limit of 2,300 mg.

To reduce calories, you can order the Egg McMuffin without the cheese and skip the Hash Brown altogether. Swapping the Hash Brown for a fruit cup is another way to improve the meal's nutritional value.

Yes, nutritional information can vary by region due to different ingredients and preparation methods. For example, a Hong Kong Egg McMuffin is listed with 266 kcal, and a Canadian one with 290 kcal.

If you are looking to save on calories and fat, a more nutritious side choice at McDonald's is a Fruit & Maple Oatmeal, with less fat and sodium compared to the Hash Brown.