Finding the Absolute Lowest Carb Items
When you need a quick, low-carb breakfast from McDonald's, the best approach is to focus on the protein and fat sources and eliminate the bread and other high-carb components. The single sausage patty and the round egg are the fundamental ingredients with the fewest carbohydrates.
The Single Sausage Patty
A single McDonald's sausage patty contains just 1 gram of total carbohydrates, making it one of the most low-carb items available. It can be ordered a la carte.
The Round Egg
The round egg used in the Egg McMuffin is also very low in carbs, with less than 1 gram per egg. These can sometimes be ordered as a side or obtained by customizing a sandwich.
Customizing for a Low-Carb Breakfast
To create a more complete low-carb meal, you can combine these items. A common strategy is to order a Sausage McMuffin with Egg but ask for no English muffin, resulting in a meal of sausage, egg, and cheese with only about 3 grams of carbs. Another option is to order the Big Breakfast without the biscuit and hash browns, leaving scrambled eggs and sausage.
Low-Carb vs. Standard McDonald's Breakfasts
This table illustrates the dramatic difference in carbohydrate content between a standard McDonald's breakfast item and its customized, low-carb version.
| Item | Standard Carbs | Low-Carb Customization | Carbs (Custom) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sausage McMuffin with Egg | ~30g | Order with no English muffin | ~3g |
| Sausage Burrito | ~25g | Order with no tortilla | ~4g |
| Big Breakfast | >100g | Order with no biscuit or hash browns | ~3g |
| Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit | ~46g | Order with no biscuit | ~2g |
Important Considerations and Extras
When ordering, be clear about your customizations, such as asking for "no bun," "no muffin," or "no biscuit." Using the McDonald's mobile app can make customization easier. To add flavor without extra carbs, consider bringing your own low-carb condiments or using hot sauce.
Conclusion: Fueling Up While Keeping Carbs Low
Getting a low-carb breakfast at McDonald's is achievable by ordering strategically. Focusing on core ingredients like sausage and eggs and omitting high-carb items such as muffins, biscuits, and hash browns allows you to create a diet-friendly meal. Customizations like ordering a Sausage McMuffin with Egg without the English muffin or a Big Breakfast without the biscuit and hash browns are good options. For specific nutritional details, refer to McDonald's official nutrition calculator.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the lowest carb breakfast item at McDonald's? The single sausage patty is the lowest-carb option, containing just 1 gram of total carbohydrates.
Can I get an Egg McMuffin without the muffin? Yes, you can order an Egg McMuffin and ask for “no muffin.” It will come with the round egg, Canadian bacon, and cheese in a container.
How can I make the Big Breakfast low-carb? To make the Big Breakfast low-carb, order it with “no biscuit and no hash browns,” leaving you with just the scrambled eggs and sausage.
Do McDonald's scrambled eggs have carbs? Yes, McDonald's scrambled eggs have a small amount of carbohydrates, typically 1 to 2 grams per serving, along with significant protein.
Can I have cheese on my low-carb McDonald's breakfast? Yes, a single slice of American cheese contains only a few carbs, usually around 2 grams, and is a popular addition to a low-carb breakfast.
Are hash browns low-carb? No, hash browns are very high in carbohydrates and should be avoided on a low-carb or keto diet.
What is the lowest carb drink option at McDonald's for breakfast? Black coffee is the lowest carb beverage option and is a perfect pairing for a protein-focused breakfast.
