Which McDonald's Items Have the Most Protein?

January 1, 2026 •

3 min read

According to McDonald's official nutrition data, the Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese offers an impressive 48 grams of protein. While many view fast food as unhealthy, it is possible to make smarter choices, and identifying which McDonald's items have the most protein is a great first step for fitness-conscious diners.

Quick Summary

This guide details the highest-protein menu options available at McDonald's, including burgers, chicken, and breakfast choices. It provides a comparative table, menu customization tips, and information on how to build a satisfying, protein-rich meal.

Key Points

Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese: This item contains a robust 48 grams of protein, the most on the standard menu.
20-Piece Chicken McNuggets: A single order provides 46 grams of protein, making it a powerful protein source for sharing or solo eating.
Strategic Ordering: Opting for burgers with extra patties, like the Double Cheeseburger or Double Quarter Pounder, is the most direct way to increase protein.
Breakfast Options: The Sausage McMuffin with Egg (20g protein) and the Egg McMuffin (17g protein) are good morning choices.
Customization: To reduce calories and carbs, consider removing the bun from sandwiches or ordering an Egg McMuffin without the muffin.
Focus on Protein-Rich Mains: For a high-protein meal, prioritize the main sandwich or nuggets and avoid adding unnecessary calories from sugary drinks or large fry portions.

Top Protein Items on the McDonald's Menu

For those looking to maximize their protein intake while visiting the Golden Arches, the most protein-dense options are typically found in the beef and chicken selections. While a standard burger offers a decent amount, some menu items pack a significantly more powerful protein punch. Items with more than one beef patty or a larger chicken cutlet are consistently at the top of the list.

The Heavy Hitters: Beef Burgers

The Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese is the unequivocal protein champion, packing in a formidable 48 grams of protein. This is due to its two quarter-pound beef patties, making it an obvious choice for those focused on muscle-building or high-protein diets. The regular Quarter Pounder with Cheese is also a strong contender, offering 30 grams of protein, a substantial amount for a single burger. To reduce some of the fat and calories while retaining a high protein count, you could consider ordering these without cheese or other high-calorie sauces. Another solid choice is the Double Cheeseburger, which provides 25 grams of protein from its two beef patties.

Notable Chicken and Breakfast Options

Chicken items also offer respectable protein levels. The 20-piece Chicken McNuggets, for example, delivers 46 grams of protein, a solid choice for a shared meal or a large, protein-rich snack. The Deluxe McCrispy chicken sandwich, featuring a sizable fried chicken cutlet, contains 27 grams of protein. For breakfast, the Sausage McMuffin with Egg provides 20 grams of protein, while the classic Egg McMuffin offers 17 grams, making either a smart start to your day. Ordering an Egg McMuffin without the muffin is also a low-carb, high-protein alternative.

Lists for Easy Reference

Highest Protein Options (Lunch/Dinner):

Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese (48g)
20-Piece Chicken McNuggets (46g)
Quarter Pounder with Cheese (30g)
Deluxe McCrispy Chicken Sandwich (27g)
Double Cheeseburger (25g)

Highest Protein Options (Breakfast):

Sausage McMuffin with Egg (20g)
Egg McMuffin (17g)

Building a High-Protein, Lower-Calorie Meal

For those aiming for high protein without excessive calories, strategic modifications are key. One tactic is to order a burger without the bun, which significantly reduces the carbohydrate and calorie count. For example, a McDouble without the bun gives you two beef patties and cheese for a low-carb, high-protein meal. For chicken items, removing the mayo can also cut unnecessary calories. Pairing your main item with a side of apple slices instead of fries is another simple swap to reduce overall caloric intake while adding fiber.

Comparison of High-Protein McDonald's Menu Items


Item	Protein (g)	Calories	Key Features	Best For
Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese	48	740	Maximum protein, two beef patties	Muscle-building
20-Piece Chicken McNuggets	46	830	High protein but high carbs due to breading	Sharing or high-carb diets
Quarter Pounder with Cheese	30	520	Single patty, moderate calories	Balanced high-protein meal
Deluxe McCrispy	27	530	Fried chicken fillet, moderate calories	Lunch or dinner
Double Cheeseburger	25	440	Two smaller patties, lower calories	Budget-conscious protein
Sausage McMuffin with Egg	20	480	Breakfast item, includes sausage patty	Hearty breakfast
Egg McMuffin	17	310	Lower-calorie breakfast choice	Lighter, protein-focused breakfast

Conclusion

Contrary to popular belief, it is possible to find high-protein options at McDonald's by being selective with your choices. The clear winner for a protein-packed meal is the Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese, while the 20-piece McNuggets and other dual-patty burgers also offer substantial protein counts. For those watching their calorie and carb intake, strategic modifications like removing the bun or sauces can make a big difference. By reviewing the nutritional information and making smart substitutions, you can align your fast-food order with your dietary goals without sacrificing flavor. For the most up-to-date and complete nutritional information, always consult the official McDonald's Nutrition Calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

The single most protein-packed item on the standard McDonald's menu is the Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese, which contains 48 grams of protein.

Yes, some chicken items are high in protein. A 20-piece Chicken McNuggets has 46 grams of protein, and the Deluxe McCrispy offers 27 grams.

Absolutely. The Sausage McMuffin with Egg contains 20 grams of protein, and the Egg McMuffin has 17 grams, both providing a solid start to your day.

To get high protein with fewer calories, you can remove the bun from your burger, or skip high-calorie sauces and cheese. For example, ordering a McDouble without the bun significantly reduces carbs.

Yes, the Quarter Pounder with Cheese is a good source of protein, providing 30 grams per serving. It's a balanced option with a good protein-to-calorie ratio.

The Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese has significantly more protein (48g) than a Big Mac, which has 25g of protein.

On average, the lunch and dinner items, particularly the larger beef burgers and nugget options, tend to have a higher protein count than the breakfast menu items.