Calories in an Egg McMuffin: Full Nutrition Breakdown

The McDonald's Egg McMuffin is a breakfast classic built with a freshly cracked Grade A egg, Canadian bacon, and American cheese on a toasted English muffin. At approximately 300 calories with 17 grams of protein, it is widely regarded as one of the more balanced fast food breakfast options. Its simple ingredient list and moderate calorie count have made it a popular choice for health-conscious diners.

Calories by serving size:

The Egg McMuffin stands out as the lowest-calorie option among McDonald's popular breakfast sandwiches. The jump to sausage-based options adds 100-180 calories, primarily from fat. The biscuit-based sandwich has significantly more sodium and carbohydrates than the English muffin options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How does the Egg McMuffin compare to the Sausage McMuffin?

The Egg McMuffin has 300 calories and 13 grams of fat, while the Sausage McMuffin has 400 calories and 26 grams of fat. The sausage patty adds a substantial amount of fat and calories while actually providing less protein (14 g vs 17 g). The Egg McMuffin is the clearly lighter option of the two.

Is the Egg McMuffin a healthy breakfast option?

By fast food standards, the Egg McMuffin is considered one of the better breakfast choices. At 300 calories with 17 grams of protein and 26 grams of carbohydrates, it offers a balanced macronutrient profile. However, it does contain 750 mg of sodium, which is about a third of the recommended daily limit.

How much protein is in an Egg McMuffin?

The Egg McMuffin provides 17 grams of protein from its combination of a whole egg and Canadian bacon. This is a solid amount for a 300-calorie breakfast item, giving it a favorable protein-to-calorie ratio. For more protein, the Sausage McMuffin with Egg offers 21 grams but at 480 calories.

How does the Egg McMuffin compare to a breakfast burrito?

The McDonald's Sausage Burrito contains about 310 calories and 12 grams of protein, making it similar in calories to the Egg McMuffin but lower in protein. Many fast food breakfast burritos from other chains range from 300-600 calories depending on fillings. The Egg McMuffin's advantage is its consistent, moderate calorie count with solid protein.

What is the lowest calorie McDonald's breakfast item?

The Egg McMuffin at 300 calories is one of the lowest-calorie full breakfast sandwiches at McDonald's. The Fruit & Maple Oatmeal comes in at about 320 calories, while a Hotcakes order is around 580 calories. For the absolute minimum, ordering a side of scrambled eggs provides about 170 calories with 13 grams of protein.