Most customers are only familiar with the iconic round egg from the Egg McMuffin, but the fast-food giant uses various egg products to create its diverse breakfast offerings. The composition and preparation of each egg type impact its nutritional profile and flavor. This guide details the eggs found on the McDonald's menu.
The Four Forms of McDonald's Eggs
McDonald's uses four distinct egg preparations, each designed for specific menu items. Understanding these differences can assist in making informed choices based on dietary needs and preferences.
The Round Egg (Egg McMuffin)
For the classic Egg McMuffin, McDonald's uses a freshly cracked, USDA Grade A egg cooked on the grill in a round ring. A touch of water is added, and the egg is steamed, resulting in a soft texture. This preparation contains no fillers or preservatives beyond butter or cooking spray used on the grill.
The Folded Egg (Biscuits, McGriddles)
The square, fluffy eggs in items like the Bacon, Egg, & Cheese Biscuit are pre-cooked and flash-frozen before arriving at the restaurant. They are reheated on the grill with butter. These eggs include ingredients like nonfat milk, modified food starch, and citric acid to maintain their characteristics during processing.
The Scrambled Egg (Big Breakfast)
McDonald's Big Breakfast platter features scrambled eggs made from a liquid egg mixture cooked on the grill with butter. This mix includes eggs and citric acid for color and stability, and is prepared in-house from a carton, not cracked from a shell.
The Sausage Burrito Egg Mix
The egg filling for the Sausage Burrito is a pre-made mixture from suppliers. Liquid eggs are combined with ingredients such as pork, tomatoes, green chilies, and onions. This mix is flash-frozen and reheated, typically microwaved, before being used in the burrito. It also contains stabilizers and preservatives like modified corn starch and calcium chloride.
Understanding Egg Ingredients and Additives
The inclusion of additional ingredients is a key differentiator in McDonald's egg options. While the round egg is a whole egg, the other forms contain additives for consistency and shelf life, which is relevant for those monitoring their diet or having restrictions.
The Cage-Free Egg Commitment
McDonald's has pledged to use 100% cage-free eggs in the U.S. and other markets to improve animal welfare and meet consumer demand for ethically sourced food. The company reached this goal in the U.S. in 2023, earlier than its 2025 target.
A Nutritional Comparison of McDonald's Eggs
Below is a comparison of the nutritional value of different McDonald's egg options based on the egg component alone:
| Attribute | Round Egg (Egg McMuffin) | Scrambled Eggs (2) | Folded Egg (Biscuit/McGriddles) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~80 kcal | ~140 kcal | ~90-100 kcal* |
| Protein | 7g | 13g | ~8-9g* |
| Fat | 4.5g | 9g | ~5-6g* |
| Carbohydrates | 0g | 1g | ~1-2g* |
| Sodium | 70mg | 120mg | ~100-150mg* |
| Ingredients | Whole Egg | Liquid Eggs, Citric Acid | Liquid Eggs, Nonfat Milk, Modified Food Starch, Salt, Citric Acid |
*Estimates based on listed ingredients and preparation methods. Actual nutritional data varies slightly by region and additives used.
Choosing Your McDonald's Egg for Health
For a less processed option, the round egg from the Egg McMuffin is recommended as it's made from a single, freshly cracked egg. It's often possible to request a round egg substitute for the folded egg on other sandwiches like biscuits and McGriddles. The scrambled and burrito eggs, while derived from real eggs, are processed differently and contain more ingredients. For specific dietary concerns, consulting McDonald's official nutritional information is advised.
Conclusion
McDonald's uses real eggs in all its breakfast items, but the preparation and additional ingredients vary significantly depending on the menu item. The round egg in the Egg McMuffin is the most natural option, while other egg forms are made from processed liquid egg mixtures. The company's transition to 100% cage-free eggs in the U.S. also reflects evolving sourcing practices. Understanding these distinctions allows consumers to make more informed dietary choices.
