A Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese is one of McDonald’s most popular menu items. This iconic burger features two beef patties, two slices of melty American cheese, onions, pickles, ketchup, and mustard on a sesame seed bun. With its generous portions of beef and cheese, the Double Quarter Pounder packs a caloric punch. But just how many calories are in a Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese? Let’s take a detailed look at the nutrition facts.
Calories in a McDonald’s Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese
According to the McDonald’s nutrition information, a standard Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese contains the following calories:
- Total Calories: 740
- Calories from Fat: 370
So a Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese from McDonald’s contains a whopping 740 total calories, with 370 of those calories coming from fat. This high calorie and fat count is not surprising given the generous amounts of beef, cheese, and condiments packed into the burger.
Nutrition Breakdown of a Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese
To better understand where those calories are coming from, let’s take a detailed look at the complete nutrition facts for a McDonald’s Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese:
Macronutrients
| Total Fat | 37g |
| Saturated Fat | 16g |
| Trans Fat | 1.5g |
| Cholesterol | 145mg |
| Sodium | 1130mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 9g |
| Protein | 43g |
Vitamins and Minerals
| Vitamin A | 15% DV |
| Vitamin C | 2% DV |
| Calcium | 35% DV |
| Iron | 25% DV |
| Vitamin D | 15% DV |
| Vitamin B12 | 45% DV |
| Vitamin B6 | 15% DV |
Looking at the detailed nutritional information, we can see that the high calorie count of the Double Quarter Pounder comes largely from fat, with 37 grams total and 16 grams saturated fat. It also contains a whopping 145mg of cholesterol. The sodium content is quite high at 1130mg, or nearly half of the recommended daily value. In terms of vitamins and minerals, the Double Quarter Pounder provides decent amounts of calcium, iron, vitamins A, B12, and D.
Calories from Each Ingredient
Now let’s break down where exactly those 740 calories come from in a McDonald’s Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese:
The Beef
With two quarter pound (4 ounce) beef patties, the beef accounts for a significant portion of the calories. Each beef patty provides about 300 calories, bringing the total for the two patties to 600 calories.
The Buns
The two sesame seed buns used for the burger provide a good amount of carbohydrates and calories. Each bun accounts for about 150 calories, bringing the total for the two buns to 300 calories.
The Cheese
With two slices of cheese, the cheese contributes significant fat and calories. Each slice of American cheese adds about 50 calories, bringing the total calorie count for the cheese to 100 calories.
The Sauce
From the special Big Mac sauce to the ketchup and mustard, the sauces and condiments also boost the calorie content. The sauces add roughly 50 calories total to the burger.
The Onions and Pickles
The sliced onions and dill pickles provide minimal calories – about 10-20 calories total.
How the Preparation Method Impacts Calories
The standard way that McDonald’s prepares a Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese has a big impact on the nutrition information. Consider the following preparation factors:
Grilling the Beef
McDonald’s grills their beef patties which allows fat to drip away, lowering the total fat and calorie content. If the patties were pan-fried in oil, the calorie count would be significantly higher.
Toasting the Buns
Toasting the sesame seed buns adds more flavor. But it doesn’t significantly change the calorie content, as the buns are not buttered or oiled before toasting.
The Cheese
Using regular American cheese adds calories and fat. But not as much as higher-fat cheeses like cheddar or Swiss would contribute.
No Mayonnaise or Bacon
Leaving off ingredients like mayonnaise and bacon (as included in a Bacon Clubhouse Double) reduces the total calories compared to other McDonald’s double burger varieties.
How Customizations Affect the Calories
While 740 calories is the total for a standard McDonald’s Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese, customers can further customize their burger and impact the nutrition profile. Here are some common customizations and how they change the calories:
Extra Cheese
Adding an extra slice of cheese tacks on about 50 more calories.
Bacon
Throwing on a couple strips of bacon can add 50-100 calories.
No Bun
Getting a Double Quarter Pounder in a lettuce wrap instead of a bun subtracts about 300 calories by removing the carb-heavy bun.
No Cheese
Ordering without the cheese slices removes about 100 calories of fat.
Extra Sauce
Extra servings of condiments like Big Mac sauce or mayo add additional calories from fat and carbs.
Comparing Calories to Other McDonald’s Burgers
Now let’s see how the 740 calorie Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese stacks up against some other popular McDonald’s burgers:
| Big Mac | 540 calories |
| Quarter Pounder with Cheese | 530 calories |
| Bacon Clubhouse Double | 880 calories |
| Double Cheeseburger | 440 calories |
| McDouble | 390 calories |
The Double Quarter Pounder contains significantly more calories than a Big Mac or Quarter Pounder with Cheese. But it has less than the indulgent, bacon-loaded Bacon Clubhouse Double. Compared to smaller McDonald’s burgers like the Double Cheeseburger or McDouble, the Double Quarter Pounder also packs a bigger calorie punch.
Health Impact of a Double Quarter Pounder
Now that we know a Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese contains 740 calories, let’s examine the health implications:
High in Calories and Fat
At 740 calories, the Double Quarter Pounder accounts for a substantial chunk of someone’s recommended daily caloric intake. The high levels of saturated fat and cholesterol can also negatively impact heart health.
High in Sodium
The salty condiments and cheese bump the sodium content up to 1130mg, which may have consequences for people with hypertension.
Minimal Fiber and Nutrients
Aside from a decent calcium content, the Double Quarter Pounder lacks fiber and other nutrients. The nutritional value pales compared to 740 calories of more wholesome foods.
Low Satiety
All those calories from fat and refined carbs provide minimal satiety. People may still feel hungry soon after eating a Double Quarter Pounder.
Links to Obesity, Diabetes, and More
Regularly eating high calorie fast food like the Double Quarter Pounder can contribute to obesity, heart disease, diabetes, and other health conditions.
Ways to Make a Double Quarter Pounder Healthier
Despite the high calorie and fat content of a standard Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese, there are some simple ways to tweak your order for a healthier meal:
Ask for Less Cheese
Get just one slice of cheese instead of two to cut calories and fat.
Skip the Sauce
Order your burger without special sauce or other condiments like mayo.
Choose Grilled Chicken
Swap the beef patties for grilled chicken breast to boost protein while lowering calories, fat, and sodium.
Get a Bun-less Burger
Opt for no bun and make it a lettuce wrap to remove carbs.
Pair with a Side Salad
Choosing a side salad instead of fries adds nutrients without extra calories.
Split It with a Friend
Cut the calories in half by splitting one Double Quarter Pounder with a friend.
The Bottom Line
A McDonald’s Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese contains a hearty 740 calories. All those calories come primarily from the generous portions of beef, cheese, and refined flour bun. The high levels of saturated fat, sodium, and cholesterol make this burger a nutritional heavyweight. While an occasional indulgence won’t harm your health, regularly eating calorie-dense fast food like the Double Quarter Pounder can lead to obesity and disease. If you want to enjoy a Double Quarter Pounder but avoid nutritional overload, customize your order with healthier options like less cheese, no sauce, or a lettuce wrap instead of a bun.