Quarter Pounder with Cheese Beef Burger: Price, Calories, and Nutrition, Allergens
What Is the Quarter Pounder with Cheese
The Quarter Pounder with Cheese is a beef burger from McDonald’s that features a fresh (never frozen) quarter-pound beef patty cooked to order. It’s stacked with two slices of American cheese, slivered onions, tangy pickles, ketchup, and mustard — all served on a sesame seed bun.
What makes it different from, say, a Big Mac or a McDouble? The patty size. A quarter pound (roughly 113 grams) of beef gives it a noticeably meatier bite, and since McDonald’s switched to fresh beef for this item, it has a juicier, more satisfying texture than burgers made from frozen patties.
It’s the kind of burger that doesn’t try too hard. No fancy sauce, no gimmicky toppings. Just straightforward, classic fast food done well — and that’s exactly why it remains one of McDonald’s best-selling items worldwide.
Quarter Pounder with Cheese Current Price Range
McDonald’s pricing varies by location, city, and even the type of outlet (standalone restaurant vs. airport or stadium). Here’s a general idea of what you can expect to pay:
| Item | Approx. Price (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Quarter Pounder with Cheese (sandwich only) | $5.29 – $6.49 | Price varies by region |
| Quarter Pounder with Cheese Meal | $9.49 – $11.49 | Includes fries + drink |
| Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese | $7.29 – $8.99 | Two beef patties |
| Double Quarter Pounder Meal | $11.49 – $13.49 | Larger combo option |
| Quarter Pounder Deluxe | $6.49 – $7.49 | Added lettuce, tomato, mayo |
Prices may vary by location. This site is for informational purposes only. Always check your local McDonald’s app or in-store menu for the most accurate pricing.
Ingredients McDonald’s Quarter Pounder® with Cheese
| Ingredient | Key Components | Allergens |
|---|---|---|
| Beef Patty | 100% pure beef, salt, black pepper | None |
| Sesame Seed Bun | Enriched wheat flour, sugar, yeast, soybean oil, sesame seeds, wheat gluten, natural flavors | Wheat, Sesame |
| American Cheese | Milk, cream, water, sodium citrate, cheese cultures, soy lecithin | Milk, Soy |
| Ketchup | Tomato concentrate, distilled vinegar, HFCS, corn syrup, salt, natural flavors | None |
| Pickle Slices | Cucumbers, vinegar, salt, potassium sorbate (preservative), turmeric extractives | None (contains artificial preservative) |
| Onions | Fresh slivered onions only | None |
| Mustard | Distilled vinegar, water, mustard seed, salt, turmeric, paprika | None |
⚠ Ingredient lists may vary slightly by region. This site is for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with McDonald’s Corporation.
Nutrition Facts
Here’s the full nutritional breakdown for the standard Quarter Pounder with Cheese sandwich:
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal | — |
| Total Fat | 26g | 33% |
| Saturated Fat | 12g | 62% |
| Trans Fat | 1.5g | — |
| Cholesterol | 95mg | 32% |
| Sodium | 1,140mg | 50% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 42g | 15% |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g | 9% |
| Total Sugars | 10g | — |
| Protein | 30g | — |
| Calcium | 190mg | 15% |
| Iron | 4mg | 25% |
| Potassium | 420mg | 8% |
What the numbers actually mean for you
- 30g of protein is excellent for a fast food item — it rivals many gym-oriented meal options.
- 1,140mg of sodium is about half of the recommended daily limit. Worth noting if you’re sodium-conscious.
- 520 calories for the sandwich alone is moderate. The full meal with fries and a drink roughly doubles that.
- Want to trim calories? Removing one slice of cheese saves around 50–60 calories. Going bunless significantly cuts carbs.
⚠️ Allergens Information
| Allergen | Present | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Wheat / Gluten | Yes | Sesame seed bun |
| Sesame | Yes | Bun coating |
| Milk / Dairy | Yes | American cheese |
| Soy | Yes | Soy lecithin in cheese |
| Nuts | No | Not an ingredient |
| Gluten-free safe | No | Shared kitchen environment |
What Makes the Quarter Pounder Different from Other McDonald’s Burgers?
A fair question — McDonald’s has a lot of burgers on the menu. Here’s how the Quarter Pounder stands apart:
- Fresh, never frozen beef: Unlike most other McDonald’s burgers, the Quarter Pounder patty is made from 100% fresh beef and cooked only when you order it. That matters for flavor and texture.
- Bigger patty: At a quarter pound, it’s significantly beefier than a McDouble or regular hamburger.
- No special sauce: It relies on classic condiments — ketchup, mustard, pickles — which gives it a different flavor profile from the Big Mac.
- Made-to-order: Because it uses fresh beef, there’s a slightly longer wait, but the result is usually hotter and juicier than pre-made items.
Is It Worth Ordering
Here’s an honest take: yes, for the price point, the Quarter Pounder with Cheese delivers. It’s satisfying, filling, and has that classic fast-food flavor most people grew up with. The fresh beef upgrade made a real difference — burgers from this line genuinely taste better than they did a few years ago.
That said, it’s not the most nutritious meal you’ll find. If you’re having it as an occasional treat, enjoy it fully. If you’re eating fast food regularly, it’s worth balancing it with lighter choices elsewhere in your day.
For value? Ordering it through the McDonald’s app with a deal is the best approach. The full-price combo can feel a bit steep in high-cost cities, but with app discounts, it’s competitive with most fast-casual options.
FAQ
Is the Quarter Pounder with Cheese made with fresh beef
Yes — McDonald’s switched the Quarter Pounder line to fresh, never-frozen beef back in 2018. The patty is cooked after you order, which is why it may take slightly longer than some other menu items.
How many calories are in a Quarter Pounder with Cheese
The standard Quarter Pounder with Cheese contains approximately 530 calories. If you add bacon, that goes up to around 600 calories. A Double Quarter Pounder contains around 740 calories.
What’s the difference between a Quarter Pounder and a Double Quarter Pounder
The Double Quarter Pounder has two beef patties instead of one, giving you double the beef. Most other toppings remain the same, though the Double version is noticeably more filling and slightly higher in price.
Can I customize a Quarter Pounder with Cheese at McDonald’s
Absolutely. McDonald’s allows you to add, remove, or swap toppings. You can ask for extra pickles, no onions, add jalapeños, remove the bun, or make other adjustments when ordering in-store, through the app, or via delivery platforms.
Is the Quarter Pounder with Cheese available all day
In most locations, the Quarter Pounder is available during lunch and dinner hours. It’s typically not part of the breakfast menu. Hours can vary by location, so checking your local restaurant’s schedule is always a good idea.
Final Thoughts
The Quarter Pounder with Cheese has earned its place as one of McDonald’s most enduring menu items — and for good reason. It’s straightforward, meaty, made with fresh beef, and satisfying in the way only a classic burger can be. Whether you’re going with the original, doubling up with the Double Quarter Pounder, or dressing it up with bacon or the Deluxe version, there’s a variation for every type of burger lover.
