McDonald’s biscuits and gravy is a popular breakfast item, but many people wonder about its nutritional value. Biscuits and gravy have a reputation as a high calorie and high fat meal. However, the ingredients and preparation method at McDonald’s make their version relatively healthier than typical recipes. By examining the nutrition facts and ingredients, we can analyze the health profile of McDonald’s biscuits and gravy.
Nutrition Facts
The nutrition facts for McDonald’s biscuits and gravy are as follows for one serving (147g):
| Calories | 350 |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Trans Fat | 1.5g |
| Cholesterol | 25mg |
| Sodium | 960mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 41g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Protein | 8g |
This provides 35% of the daily recommended value of total fat, 30% for saturated fat, 10% for cholesterol, and 40% for sodium. The calorie, fat, and sodium content are quite high compared to other McDonald’s breakfast items. However, the protein and fiber content provide some nutritional benefit.
Ingredients
The full list of ingredients is as follows:
Enriched Bleached Wheat Flour (Bleached Wheat Flour, Malted Barley Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Buttermilk, Palm Oil, Sugar, Milk, Eggs, Leavening (Baking Soda, Sodium Aluminum Phosphate, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Monocalcium Phosphate), Contains 2% or Less: Modified Corn Starch, Salt, Mono and Diglycerides, Datem, Natural Flavor, Soy Lecithin.
For the gravy: Water, Seasoned Cooked Sausage (Pork, Water, Salt, Corn Syrup Solids, Sugar, Spices, Dehydrated Garlic, Dehydrated Onion, Extractives of Paprika), Food Starch-Modified (Corn, Potato), Wheat Flour, Salt, Monosodium Glutamate, Rendered Porcine Fat, Caramel Color, Dehydrated Parsley, Soy Protein Concentrate, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Extractives of Paprika, Chicken Fat, Disodium Inosinate and Disodium Guanylate, Silicon Dioxide (Anti-caking Agent).
The primary ingredients in the biscuits are enriched bleached wheat flour, buttermilk, and palm oil. The enriched wheat flour adds B vitamins and iron. Buttermilk gives the biscuits a tangy flavor and richer texture compared to using regular milk. Palm oil is high in saturated fat but is commonly used in baked goods for its properties. Overall, the biscuit ingredients are typical for this food item.
The gravy contains mostly typical ingredients like wheat flour, seasonings, and MSG. One item that stands out is the use of rendered porcine fat. This adds significant saturated fat compared to making the gravy with vegetable oil. The gravy is also very high in sodium from all the seasoning and MSG.
Preparation Method
McDonald’s biscuits are pre-made and frozen before being shipped to locations. They are reheated on-site in industrial ovens before assembling the sandwich. The gravy is also made in large batches at a central factory. It is then packaged and shipped to locations where it is reheated and served.
The biscuits being pre-made, frozen, and mass-produced enables consistency across all McDonald’s locations. However, this requires adding more preservatives and processing than freshly made biscuits. The gravy is also highly processed and contains additives for preservation and mass production. Overall, the preparation method sacrifices some freshness and nutrition for convenience and reliability.
Positive Nutritional Aspects
Despite some unhealthy attributes, McDonald’s biscuits and gravy do contain some positive nutritional elements:
- Provides protein – 8g per serving is a decent amount from a breakfast item
- Contains fiber – 2g per serving from the whole wheat flour in biscuits
- Made with real buttermilk – Adds more nutrients than regular milk
- Uses mostly whole food ingredients – Not filled with artificial additives
- Lower in sugar than many breakfast items – Only 2g per serving
The recipe sticks to mostly whole food ingredients instead of artificial flavors or sweeteners. The biscuits provide a good source of protein and fiber. While not enough to offset the negatives, the nutritional positives provide some benefit.
Negative Nutritional Components
On the other hand, McDonald’s biscuits and gravy contain several unhealthy attributes:
- Very high in calories – 350 calories in one serving
- High in fat, especially saturated fat – 18g total, 6g saturated per serving
- Extremely high in sodium – 960mg per serving
- Contains trans fat – 1.5g per serving
- High cholesterol – 25mg per serving
- Lots of additives and preservatives
- Made with rendered pork fat in gravy – Adds saturated fat
- Processed ingredients – Mass produced frozen biscuits and gravy
The combination of biscuits and sausage gravy creates a meal very high in calories, fat, and sodium. Almost all the fat content is from unhealthy saturated and trans fats. The high sodium level is 40% of the daily recommended limit. Overall, the negative nutrients outweigh the positives.
Comparison to Homemade Biscuits and Gravy
Homemade biscuits and gravy can have slightly different nutrition depending on the recipe. However, a typical homemade version may have around:
- Calories: 330
- Total fat: 13g
- Saturated fat: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
The lower calorie, fat, and sodium content show homemade is usually healthier. Home cooks can also substitute lower fat ingredients, such as turkey sausage and skim milk. With better ingredients and less processing, homemade biscuits and gravy have less negatives than McDonald’s.
Is it Healthy Overall?
Based on its nutritional information, McDonald’s biscuits and gravy are not a very healthy breakfast choice. The high amounts of calories, fat, saturated fat, sodium, and sugar make it a poor meal for daily consumption. The ingredients and preparation process also add more unhealthy attributes.
However, biscuits and gravy can be incorporated into an otherwise balanced diet in moderation. Having it occasionally or splitting with someone would reduce the negative effects. Compared to other McDonald’s breakfast sandwiches, it is one of the less healthy options.
In conclusion, McDonald’s biscuits and gravy should be considered an indulgent treat. While it contains some nutritional positives, the overall high levels of calories, fat, and sodium make it unhealthy for regular consumption. Enjoying it sparingly can eliminate some of the negatives. Making homemade biscuits and gravy is a healthier option when possible. Overall, balance and moderation are key when eating McDonald’s biscuits and gravy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does McDonald’s biscuits and gravy compare to other fast food breakfast sandwiches?
McDonald’s biscuits and gravy is one of the unhealthier options compared to other McDonald’s breakfast items. For example, an Egg McMuffin has 300 calories, 12g fat, and 820mg sodium. The biscuits and gravy has higher counts for all those categories. Among fast food breakfast sandwiches, it is among the higher calorie, fat and sodium choices.
Is it unhealthy to eat McDonald’s biscuits and gravy every day?
Yes, regularly eating McDonald’s biscuits and gravy every day would be considered unhealthy. With 350 calories, 18g fat, and 960mg sodium in each serving, consuming it daily would add up to very high intake of fat and sodium. As an occasional treat, it is more acceptable. But the high calorie, fat, carb, and sodium content make it unsuitable for daily consumption.
How can McDonald’s biscuits and gravy be made healthier?
Some ways to improve the nutrition of McDonald’s biscuits and gravy include:
- Ask for whole wheat biscuits instead of buttermilk biscuits
- Order a smaller-sized half portion
- Request no sausage or turkey sausage as a lower fat substitute
- Ask for gravy on the side to control the portion size
- Skip high-sodium condiments like salt and pepper
- Pair it with healthier sides like fruit or yogurt
While still high in calories and fat, these adjustments can help reduce some of the biggest negatives of the standard version.
Is it better to make biscuits and gravy at home instead?
Yes, homemade biscuits and gravy is usually healthier than McDonald’s version. Home cooks can use lower fat ingredients, avoid additives, and control sodium content. Homemade also avoids the negatives from mass preparation like preservatives and extending shelf life. With healthier ingredients and less processing, homemade biscuits and gravy is a better nutritional option.
Conclusion
McDonald’s biscuits and gravy contain a high amount of calories, fat, saturated fat, sodium, and other negative nutrients. The ingredients and preparation process contribute further unhealthy factors. When compared to homemade versions, McDonald’s biscuits and gravy is higher in overall negatives.
However, it can be incorporated into a balanced diet moderately or ordered with healthier substitutions. As an occasional indulgent breakfast treat, it is acceptable for many people’s dietary patterns. But the high levels of unhealthy nutrients make it inappropriate for regular daily consumption. Homemade biscuits and gravy is better for a frequent healthy breakfast.
Overall, McDonald’s biscuits and gravy should be viewed as an infrequent indulgence containing both positives and negatives. Eating it in moderation and balancing it with other healthier choices can help mitigate the poor nutrition. Being aware of the unhealthy attributes allows consumers to enjoy it responsibly as an occasional treat.
