Nutrition Facts: How many calories are in a double quarter pounder without the bun?

October 24, 2025 •

3 min read

According to various nutritional databases, a McDonald's double quarter pounder with cheese but without the bun contains roughly 530 to 600 calories, with slight variations depending on the exact preparation and regional menu. Understanding how many calories are in a double quarter pounder without the bun is key for those on low-carb, keto, or other calorie-conscious diets, as it dramatically shifts the macro profile.

Quick Summary

A double quarter pounder ordered without the bun and standard condiments typically contains 530-600 calories, primarily from the high-protein beef patties and cheese. Omitting the bun drastically reduces carbohydrates, making it an option for low-carb diets, though it remains high in fat and sodium.

Key Points

Reduced Calories: Removing the bun and sugary sauces significantly lowers the total calorie count by over 150 kcal.
Low-Carb Option: With the bun removed, the meal becomes a very low-carb choice suitable for keto or other restricted carbohydrate diets.
High in Protein and Fat: The majority of the meal consists of two beef patties and cheese, providing a substantial amount of protein and fat, which promotes satiety.
Condiments Matter: To further reduce calories and carbs, avoid high-sugar sauces like ketchup and stick to mustard and pickles, or skip them entirely.
Still High in Saturated Fat and Sodium: Despite the reduced calories and carbs, the meal remains high in saturated fat and sodium, so moderation is key for overall health.
Regional Variations: Exact nutritional values can vary by region and restaurant preparation, so numbers should be considered approximate.
Customization is Key: Asking for specific modifications, like no bun and extra lettuce, gives you more control over the nutritional content of your fast food meal.

Analyzing the Nutritional Shift: With vs. Without the Bun

When pursuing a specific nutrition diet, such as a low-carb or keto plan, understanding the composition of your food is essential. The Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese from McDonald's is a staple for many, but its bun contributes a significant amount of the total carbohydrate count. By removing the bun, you can dramatically change the nutritional profile, aligning it more closely with certain dietary goals. This section will break down the nutritional changes and evaluate the meal's overall value.

The Standard Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese

The standard Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese is a substantial meal, with the full package of patties, cheese, bun, ketchup, pickles, and onions. The total calories for this item are around 740, with a macronutrient distribution that includes a significant portion of carbohydrates.

Calories: 740 kcal
Total Fat: 42 g
Total Carbohydrates: 43 g
Protein: 48 g

The bun itself is a major contributor to the carb and calorie count. For example, some regional data suggests the sesame bun alone is over 160 kcal and provides a large portion of the overall carbohydrate content. The ketchup also adds sugar and carbs. For individuals counting carbohydrates, this standard build can quickly deplete daily limits.

How many calories are in a double quarter pounder without the bun? The Nutritional Breakdown

When you order a Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese without the bun, the nutritional information shifts significantly, focusing primarily on the beef patties and cheese.

Based on various nutritional data sources, a double quarter pounder with cheese, no bun, offers the following approximate nutrition:

Calories: 530-600 kcal, depending on region and included sauces/toppings
Total Fat: Approximately 40-42 g
Total Carbohydrates: Approximately 4-10 g, mostly from cheese, onions, and any remaining sauce trace
Protein: Approximately 45-47 g

This dramatically alters the meal's macro profile, turning it from a balanced meal (if not a bit heavy on carbs) into a high-fat, high-protein, and very low-carb option. The change is particularly favorable for those following ketogenic or other very low-carb diets.

Making it even healthier: Beyond 'No Bun'

To further optimize this fast food meal for a specific diet, consider modifying other components as well. Here are some options:

Hold the cheese: Removing the cheese would also decrease the total fat and calories. A single slice of processed cheddar adds nearly 100 calories.
Skip the sauces: Ketchup and mustard are relatively low in calories and carbs, but can still add up. Requesting no ketchup is a good idea for strict low-carb diets.
Add vegetables: Instead of a bun, request extra shredded lettuce, onions, and pickles on the side. This adds a bit of fiber and nutrients with minimal calories.
Bring your own condiments: If you are following a specific diet, carrying your own low-sugar, low-carb condiments can provide flavor without the hidden sugars.
Serving alternatives: A growing trend is to use large lettuce leaves as a wrap. While this isn't possible from the restaurant directly, it is an option for eating at home or with your own supplies.

Comparison Table: Standard vs. Modified Double Quarter Pounder


Nutritional Component	Standard Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese	Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese, No Bun	Impact of 'No Bun'
Calories	~740 kcal	~530-600 kcal	Significant reduction (over 150 kcal)
Protein	~48 g	~45-47 g	Slight reduction (varies by source/preparation)
Total Fat	~42 g	~40-42 g	Minimal change (still a high-fat meal)
Total Carbohydrates	~43 g	~4-10 g	Massive reduction (eliminates high-carb bun)
Saturated Fat	~20 g	~20 g	Minimal change
Sodium	~1360 mg	~1030 mg	Notable reduction, but still high

Health Considerations and Conclusion

While a Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese without the bun can fit within a low-carb diet plan, it is crucial to consider the full nutritional picture. The meal remains high in saturated fat and sodium, which are important factors for overall cardiovascular health. For most dietary plans, this would be considered a high-fat meal, which can be part of a healthy diet in moderation but should not be relied upon as a primary source of nutrition.

Ultimately, ordering a fast food burger with specific modifications allows for greater control over your nutritional intake. It demonstrates that with a bit of awareness and planning, you can make smarter choices even at a fast-food restaurant. For those managing their weight, blood sugar, or carbohydrate intake, knowing exactly how many calories are in a double quarter pounder without the bun allows for better integration of these foods into a healthy, balanced lifestyle. For comprehensive nutritional data, you can visit resources like Nutritionix.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a double quarter pounder with cheese and no bun is often considered suitable for a ketogenic diet, as it is high in fat and protein and very low in carbohydrates. Most of the remaining carbs come from the cheese and minimal toppings like onions.

A double quarter pounder with cheese and no bun typically has a very low carbohydrate count, ranging from approximately 4g to 10g depending on the exact condiments included, as the bun is the primary source of carbs.

The calorie difference is substantial. A standard double quarter pounder with cheese is around 740 calories, while the version with no bun and standard toppings is typically 530-600 calories.

Yes, removing the cheese will further reduce the calorie count. Based on some data, a slice of processed cheddar cheese adds nearly 100 calories to the sandwich.

A double quarter pounder with cheese and no bun provides a significant amount of protein, typically around 45 to 47 grams, which primarily comes from the two beef patties.

Yes, condiments are a key source of hidden carbs and sugar. Ketchup, for example, contains added sugar. For the strictest low-carb approach, it is best to ask for no sauces or condiments.

While it can be part of a balanced diet, it's important to recognize that a double quarter pounder without a bun is still high in fat (especially saturated fat) and sodium. It provides a good source of protein but should be consumed in moderation.