The McDouble is one of the most popular sandwiches sold at McDonald’s. It features two beef patties, cheese, ketchup, mustard, pickles, and onions on a regular bun. With its combination of proteins, fat, and carbohydrates, the McDouble provides a substantial amount of calories and nutrients. For those curious about their calorie intake or looking to make informed food choices, it is useful to know the McDouble’s calorie content. This article will provide a detailed breakdown of the calories and nutrients found in 2 McDoubles from McDonald’s.
Calories in 1 McDouble
According to the McDonald’s nutrition information, one McDouble sandwich contains the following calories and macronutrients:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 |
| Total Fat | 19 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Trans Fat | 1.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 75 mg |
| Sodium | 740 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 33 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugars | 9 g |
| Protein | 20 g |
So a single McDouble contains 380 calories.
Calories in 2 McDoubles
Since there are 380 calories in 1 McDouble, for 2 McDoubles there would simply be:
380 calories x 2 sandwiches = 760 calories
Therefore, the total calories for 2 McDoubles is 760 calories.
To break this down:
| Nutrient | Amount in 2 McDoubles |
|---|---|
| Calories | 760 |
| Total Fat | 38 g |
| Saturated Fat | 16 g |
| Trans Fat | 3 g |
| Cholesterol | 150 mg |
| Sodium | 1480 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 66 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugars | 18 g |
| Protein | 40 g |
So in total, 2 McDoubles provide 760 calories, with 38g of fat, 66g of carbohydrates, and 40g of protein.
Daily Calorie Needs
To put the 760 calories for 2 McDoubles into context, it is helpful to look at general daily calorie needs:
– The average sedentary man needs about 2,500 calories per day.
– The average sedentary woman needs about 2,000 calories per day.
However, calorie needs vary significantly based on age, body size, and activity level. Some general estimates for daily needs by age and activity level are:
| Age and Activity Level | Estimated Calorie Needs |
|---|---|
| Child (4-8 years old) | 1,200 to 1,800 calories |
| Teen (14-18 years old) | 1,800 to 2,400 calories |
| Adult man (moderately active) | 2,400 to 3,000 calories |
| Adult woman (moderately active) | 2,000 to 2,400 calories |
| Adult man (very active) | 3,000 to 4,000 calories |
| Adult woman (very active) | 2,400 to 3,000 calories |
As you can see, 760 calories for 2 McDoubles could provide a significant chunk of an average adult’s daily calorie needs. However, individual needs vary greatly.
McDoubles Nutritional Value
Looking beyond just calories, two McDoubles also provide nutritional value:
Protein
With 40g of protein, 2 McDoubles provide a substantial amount of this important macronutrient. Protein plays key roles in building and repairing muscle tissue, supporting immune function, and keeping you feeling full. The beef patties are the main source of protein.
Fat
There are 38g of fat in 2 McDoubles. While the saturated and trans fats should be limited, the sandwich also provides heart-healthy unsaturated fats. Fat helps keep you satisfied, provides energy, and helps your body absorb the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K.
Carbohydrates
The 66g of carbs in 2 McDoubles come mainly from the buns. Carbs are the body’s main source of energy. The McDouble buns are enriched with vitamins and minerals.
Vitamins and Minerals
Two McDoubles provide vitamins and minerals including calcium, iron, vitamin B12, niacin, vitamin B6, and others. These support bone health, healthy blood, energy metabolism, and other functions.
So while high in calories and fat, the McDouble still provides valuable nutrition including protein, unsaturated fat, vitamins and minerals.
McDouble Ingredients
McDoubles contain the following main ingredients:
- Buns – Enriched flour, water, high fructose corn syrup, yeast, soybean oil, contains 2% or less of: salt, wheat gluten, monoglycerides, dough conditioners, calcium sulfate, ammonium sulfate, calcium carbonate, calcium propionate, distilled monoglycerides, emulsifiers, soy lecithin.
- Beef patties – 100% pure USDA inspected beef; no fillers, no extenders. Prepared with grill seasoning (salt, black pepper).
- Cheese – Pasteurized process American cheese.
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Pickle slices – Cucumbers, water, distilled vinegar, salt, calcium chloride, alum, potassium sorbate, natural flavors, polysorbate 80.
- Onions
So the main calorie sources come from the beef patties and buns, along with fat from the cheese and condiments. There are also antioxidants like vinegar in the pickle slices.
How McDoubles Are Prepared
McDonalds prepares McDoubles in the following steps:
- The buns are toasted for 35-45 seconds.
- Mustard is spread on the bottom bun.
- Ketchup is spread on the top bun.
- The beef patties are grill-cooked for about 40 seconds per side.
- The cheese slice is placed on the bottom patty while still on the grill.
- Onions are grilled for about 15 seconds.
- Pickles are added on top of the onions.
- The bottom bun, patty, cheese, onions, and pickles are assembled.
- The top bun is added.
- The sandwich is wrapped and served hot.
The quick grilling gives the McDouble a hot, juicy flavor. The toasted buns provide crunch and textural contrast. Assembly while hot ensures the cheese melts.
How to Order a McDouble “Like a Mac”
You can also order a McDouble modified to be more like a Big Mac, known as a “McDouble like a Mac”, by requesting:
– Extra cheese (adds 50 calories)
– Lettuce (negligible calories)
– Big Mac sauce instead of ketchup and mustard (adds 70 calories)
This customization adds crunch from lettuce, the signature Big Mac sauce flavor, and more cheesy richness.
Ordering a McDouble “like a Mac” will add about 120 calories compared to a regular McDouble, making it around 500 calories total.
McDoubles vs. Other McDonald’s Burgers
How do McDoubles compare calorie-wise to other McDonald’s burgers?
| Burger | Calories |
|---|---|
| Hamburger | 250 |
| Cheeseburger | 300 |
| McDouble | 380 |
| Big Mac | 540 |
| Quarter Pounder with Cheese | 520 |
| Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese | 750 |
The McDouble has more calories than a hamburger or cheeseburger due to its two patties, but less than a Big Mac or Quarter Pounder. Overall it provides a moderate calorie option between the smaller and larger burgers.
Nutrition Tips
Here are some tips for getting the most nutrition when enjoying McDoubles in moderation:
– Order your McDouble with no special sauce to cut sodium and fat. Use ketchup and mustard as lower-calorie condiment options.
– Choose a small fry instead of a large to limit fat and carbs. Or opt for the apple slices side for fiber and nutrients.
– Complete your meal with a diet drink, low-fat milk, or water instead of a sugary soda.
– Be mindful of your total daily calories, nutrients, and exercise. One or two McDoubles can be part of a balanced diet.
– If ordering two McDoubles, consider splitting one with a friend or saving half for later to control portion sizes.
Conclusion
Two McDonald’s McDouble sandwiches contain a total of 760 calories, with 38g of fat, 66g of carbs, and 40g of protein. While high in sodium, saturated fat, and processed ingredients, they can be occasionally incorporated into an overall healthy diet. To get optimal nutrition, enjoy McDoubles in moderation alongside fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. Limiting portion sizes of McDoubles and accompaniments can help control calorie intake.
