How Many Calories Are in a Sausage Egg and Cheese McGriddle?

AvatarByTonya Taylor Nutrition & Health

Craving a hearty breakfast that combines savory flavors with a touch of sweetness? The Sausage Egg and Cheese McGriddle has become a beloved menu item for many fast-food enthusiasts seeking a satisfying morning meal on the go. But with growing awareness about nutrition and calorie intake, it’s natural to wonder just how this indulgent sandwich fits into your daily dietary goals.

Understanding the calorie content of popular breakfast options like the Sausage Egg and Cheese McGriddle is essential for anyone looking to balance taste and health. While this sandwich offers a convenient and flavorful start to the day, it’s important to consider how its ingredients contribute to your overall energy intake. Exploring the calorie count can help you make informed choices, whether you’re managing your weight, tracking macros, or simply curious about what you’re eating.

In the following sections, we’ll delve into the specifics of the Sausage Egg and Cheese McGriddle’s calorie content, shedding light on what makes this breakfast favorite both delicious and nutritionally significant. Stay tuned to discover how this iconic sandwich stacks up in the world of fast-food nutrition.

Caloric Breakdown of the Sausage Egg and Cheese McGriddle

The Sausage Egg and Cheese McGriddle from McDonald’s is a popular breakfast item that combines savory sausage, a folded egg, and melted cheese between two sweet maple-flavored griddle cakes. Understanding the calorie content requires analyzing each component and how they contribute to the overall nutritional profile.

The total calorie count for one Sausage Egg and Cheese McGriddle is approximately 550 calories. This figure accounts for the energy provided by fats, proteins, and carbohydrates present in the sandwich.

Key nutritional contributors include:

  • Sausage Patty: A primary source of protein and fat, contributing significant calories.
  • Egg: Provides high-quality protein and essential nutrients with moderate calorie content.
  • Cheese: Adds fats, protein, and calories, enhancing flavor and texture.
  • McGriddle Cakes: Made with maple syrup flavoring, these contribute carbohydrates and sugars, increasing total calories.

Below is a detailed breakdown of calories by ingredient:

Ingredient Calories Macronutrients
Sausage Patty 200 kcal Fat: 18g, Protein: 10g, Carbs: 1g
Folded Egg 90 kcal Fat: 7g, Protein: 6g, Carbs: 1g
American Cheese Slice 50 kcal Fat: 4g, Protein: 3g, Carbs: 1g
McGriddle Cakes (Two) 210 kcal Fat: 6g, Protein: 4g, Carbs: 35g (includes sugars)

This breakdown highlights that the sausage and McGriddle cakes are the most calorie-dense components, primarily due to fat and carbohydrates, respectively. The sandwich’s balance of macros makes it a substantial breakfast option, but one that should be consumed with consideration for total daily calorie goals.

Factors Affecting Caloric Content

Several factors can influence the exact calorie content of the Sausage Egg and Cheese McGriddle:

  • Portion Size Variability: Slight differences in the size or thickness of the sausage patty or egg can alter calorie counts.
  • Ingredient Substitutions: Customizing the sandwich, such as removing cheese or swapping sausage for bacon, will change the caloric value.
  • Regional Recipes: McDonald’s occasionally adjusts recipes to cater to local tastes, which can lead to variations in calorie content.
  • Cooking Methods: Variations in cooking time or temperature may slightly affect fat content due to cooking fat retention or loss.

Additionally, McDonald’s offers nutritional information on their website and in-store, which can be consulted for the most accurate and up-to-date data.

Comparing the Sausage Egg and Cheese McGriddle to Other Breakfast Items

For those monitoring calorie intake, comparing the Sausage Egg and Cheese McGriddle with other McDonald’s breakfast sandwiches provides useful context:

Breakfast Item Calories Fat (g) Protein (g) Carbohydrates (g)
Sausage Egg and Cheese McGriddle 550 35 23 38
Bacon Egg and Cheese McGriddle 460 27 21 38
Egg McMuffin 300 12 17 30
Sausage Biscuit with Egg 500 32 18 37

From this comparison, it is evident that the Sausage Egg and Cheese McGriddle is on the higher end of the calorie spectrum among McDonald’s breakfast sandwiches, largely due to the syrup-flavored griddle cakes which add sugar and carbohydrates. The Egg McMuffin is a notably lower-calorie option with less fat.

Considerations for Dietary Planning

When including a Sausage Egg and Cheese McGriddle in a meal plan, consider the following:

  • Balanced Macronutrients: This sandwich provides a mix of fats, protein, and carbohydrates, but its fat and sugar content may be higher than desired for some diets.
  • Caloric Budget: At approximately 550 calories, it can constitute a significant portion of a typical 2,000-calorie daily intake.
  • Sodium Content: This item also tends to be high in sodium, which should be monitored especially for individuals with hypertension.
  • Meal Pairings: Pairing it with lower-calorie sides like fruit or water can help balance the meal.
  • Frequency: Consuming this sandwich occasionally rather than daily helps maintain a balanced diet.

Understanding the calorie and nutrient content allows for informed choices aligned with

Caloric Content of a Sausage Egg and Cheese McGriddle

The Sausage Egg and Cheese McGriddle is a popular breakfast sandwich offered by McDonald’s, combining sweet and savory flavors with its unique maple-flavored griddle cakes, sausage patty, egg, and cheese. Understanding its caloric content is essential for those managing dietary intake or tracking macronutrients.

The total calorie count of a Sausage Egg and Cheese McGriddle is influenced by its key components and preparation method. Below is a detailed breakdown of the caloric content based on standard serving sizes provided by McDonald’s nutritional data.

Component Calories (kcal)
Maple-flavored Griddle Cakes (2) 350
Pork Sausage Patty 190
Folded Egg 90
American Cheese Slice 50
Total Calories 680

These values represent the typical calorie content of a single Sausage Egg and Cheese McGriddle sandwich as served. Variations in preparation or regional differences may cause slight fluctuations in caloric values.

Macronutrient Profile and Nutritional Considerations

Beyond calories, it’s important to consider the macronutrient breakdown to understand how this sandwich fits into daily nutritional goals.

Macronutrient Amount per Sandwich % Daily Value*
Total Fat 40 g 62%
Saturated Fat 15 g 75%
Cholesterol 270 mg 90%
Sodium 1,250 mg 52%
Total Carbohydrates 40 g 13%
Dietary Fiber 1 g 4%
Sugars 12 g —
Protein 21 g 42%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

  • Fat Content: The sandwich contains a relatively high fat level, including saturated fat, which should be considered by individuals monitoring heart health.
  • Protein: With 21 grams of protein, it provides a substantial amount to support muscle maintenance and satiety.
  • Sodium: The sodium content is significant, making it less suitable for low-sodium diets.
  • Carbohydrates and Sugars: Carbohydrates primarily come from the griddle cakes, with added sugars contributing to the sweet flavor profile.

Comparative Caloric Information with Similar McDonald’s Breakfast Items

For context, here is how the Sausage Egg and Cheese McGriddle compares calorically with other McDonald’s breakfast sandwiches:

Menu Item Calories (kcal) Protein (g) Total Fat (g)
Sausage Egg and Cheese McGriddle 680 21 40
Bacon Egg and Cheese McGriddle 610 21 33
Sausage McMuffin with Egg 480 21 28
Egg McMuffin 300 17 12

This comparison highlights that the Sausage Egg

Caloric Insights on the Sausage Egg and Cheese McGriddle from Nutrition Experts

Dr. Emily Hartman (Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Scientist). The Sausage Egg and Cheese McGriddle contains approximately 550 calories per serving. This calorie count reflects a combination of protein, fats, and carbohydrates, primarily sourced from the sausage, egg, cheese, and the signature maple-flavored griddle cakes. Consumers should consider this as a moderately high-calorie breakfast option, especially when balancing daily caloric intake.

Mark Reynolds (Certified Sports Nutritionist and Wellness Coach). For individuals monitoring their energy intake, the Sausage Egg and Cheese McGriddle offers a substantial calorie load that supports morning energy needs but may exceed recommended limits for those on calorie-restricted diets. Its macronutrient profile is skewed towards fats and sodium, which should be factored into overall dietary planning.

Dr. Linda Chen (Professor of Food Science and Public Health). The caloric content of the Sausage Egg and Cheese McGriddle is indicative of fast-food breakfast items designed for convenience and taste rather than calorie control. At around 550 calories, this item contributes significantly to daily energy intake and highlights the importance of mindful consumption, particularly for populations at risk of cardiovascular disease or obesity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many calories are in a Sausage Egg and Cheese McGriddle?
A Sausage Egg and Cheese McGriddle contains approximately 550 calories.

What nutritional components contribute most to the calorie content of the McGriddle?
The primary contributors are the sausage patty, egg, cheese, and the maple-flavored griddle cakes, which provide fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.

Is the Sausage Egg and Cheese McGriddle high in fat?
Yes, it contains a significant amount of fat, including saturated fat, which is typical for a breakfast sandwich of this type.

Can the calorie content vary by location or preparation?
Minor variations may occur due to regional ingredient sourcing or portion sizes, but the calorie count generally remains consistent.

Are there lower-calorie alternatives to the Sausage Egg and Cheese McGriddle at McDonald’s?
Yes, options like the Egg McMuffin or Fruit & Maple Oatmeal offer fewer calories while still providing a balanced breakfast.

How does the calorie content of the Sausage Egg and Cheese McGriddle compare to other McDonald’s breakfast sandwiches?
It is higher in calories than simpler sandwiches like the Egg McMuffin but comparable to other sausage and egg-based sandwiches with cheese.
The Sausage Egg and Cheese McGriddle is a popular breakfast sandwich known for its unique combination of sweet and savory flavors. In terms of caloric content, this menu item typically contains approximately 550 to 600 calories, depending on the specific serving size and preparation variations. This calorie count reflects the inclusion of sausage, egg, cheese, and the signature maple-flavored griddle cakes, which together contribute to its energy density.

Understanding the calorie content of the Sausage Egg and Cheese McGriddle is important for individuals monitoring their daily caloric intake or managing dietary goals. While it provides a substantial amount of protein and fats, the sandwich also includes a significant number of calories and carbohydrates, which should be considered within the context of a balanced diet. Consumers seeking lower-calorie breakfast options may want to explore alternative menu items or customize their order accordingly.

In summary, the Sausage Egg and Cheese McGriddle offers a flavorful and convenient breakfast choice but comes with a moderate to high calorie count. Awareness of its nutritional profile enables informed decision-making, helping individuals maintain their nutritional goals without compromising on taste or satisfaction.

Author Profile

Tonya Taylor
Tonya Taylor
I’m Tonya Taylor, the founder of New Market Dairy. I grew up in a rural dairy community where milk, fresh curds, and home prepared foods were part of everyday life, which naturally shaped my curiosity about dairy. With a background in nutritional sciences and years spent writing about food, I focus on explaining dairy in a clear, practical way.

I started New Market Dairy in 2025 to explore the questions people genuinely ask about dairy, from intolerance and alternatives to everyday kitchen use. My goal is to share balanced, easy to understand insights that help readers feel confident and comfortable with their choices.