McDonald's Sausage Burrito: 480 Calories, 18g Protein, 1090mg Sodium

A McDonald's Sausage Burrito contains approximately 480 calories, 29g of total fat (10g saturated), 1090mg of sodium, 35g of carbohydrates, and 18g of protein. This popular breakfast item provides moderate protein but exceeds recommended daily limits for sodium and saturated fat for many adults.

When evaluating the nutritional profile of fast food breakfast options, the McDonald's Sausage Burrito stands as a convenient but nutritionally complex choice. Understanding the complete nutritional value of McDonald's sausage burrito helps consumers make informed decisions aligned with their dietary goals and health considerations.

This analysis examines the complete nutritional breakdown based on McDonald's official nutrition information. Values may vary slightly by location and preparation method, but the following data represents the standard offering available across most U.S. locations as of 2024.

Nutritional Breakdown of McDonald's Sausage Burrito

The complete nutritional value of McDonald's sausage burrito reveals important details about its composition. This handheld breakfast option combines sausage, egg, and cheese in a flour tortilla, creating a meal that's both satisfying and nutritionally dense.

Nutrient Amount % Daily Value*
Calories 480 24%
Total Fat 29g 37%
Saturated Fat 10g 50%
Trans Fat 1g -
Cholesterol 95mg 32%
Sodium 1,090mg 47%
Total Carbohydrate 35g 13%
Dietary Fiber 2g 7%
Sugars 2g -
Protein 18g 36%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Key Nutritional Considerations

The nutritional value of McDonald's sausage burrito presents several important considerations for health-conscious consumers. While providing a substantial protein content that can help with satiety, this breakfast item contains significant amounts of sodium and saturated fat that warrant attention.

At 1,090mg of sodium, the sausage burrito delivers nearly half the recommended daily maximum of 2,300mg for most adults. For individuals managing hypertension or following a low-sodium diet, this represents a substantial portion of their daily allowance in a single meal component.

The saturated fat content (10g) equals 50% of the American Heart Association's recommended daily limit of 20g for a 2,000-calorie diet. Regular consumption of foods high in saturated fat may contribute to cardiovascular health concerns over time.

On the positive side, the 18g of protein provides valuable nutritional support, representing 36% of the daily recommended intake for many adults. This protein content comes from the combination of sausage, egg, and cheese ingredients, making it a relatively protein-dense fast food breakfast option.

How It Compares to Dietary Guidelines

When examining McDonald's breakfast burrito nutritional information through the lens of dietary guidelines, several observations emerge. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting saturated fat to less than 10% of daily calories and sodium to less than 2,300mg per day.

For someone following a standard 2,000-calorie diet, the sausage burrito exceeds these thresholds significantly in just one component of a meal. The item contains 24% of daily calories, 50% of saturated fat allowance, and 47% of sodium allowance in a single serving.

Registered dietitians often note that while occasional consumption fits within a balanced diet, regular inclusion of such high-sodium, high-saturated-fat items requires careful planning with other meals to stay within recommended nutritional limits.

Considerations for Specific Dietary Needs

For individuals with specific health concerns, understanding the complete nutritional value of McDonald's sausage burrito becomes even more critical. Those managing hypertension should be particularly mindful of the high sodium content, while people with cardiovascular concerns may want to limit consumption due to the saturated fat levels.

On the positive side, the moderate protein content makes this item potentially suitable for those seeking protein-rich breakfast options, though the accompanying fat and sodium may offset this benefit for some individuals.

For those following calorie-controlled diets, the 480 calories represent a substantial portion of a typical 1,200-1,500 calorie weight loss plan, requiring careful consideration of other daily food choices.

Practical Tips for Healthier Fast Food Breakfast Choices

When analyzing McDonald's sausage burrito nutrition facts alongside other menu options, several strategies can help make more balanced choices:

  • Consider ordering without cheese to reduce saturated fat by approximately 4g
  • Pair with a side of fruit instead of hash browns to increase fiber intake
  • Drink water instead of sugary beverages to avoid additional calories
  • Share the burrito with someone to reduce portion size and nutrient intake
  • Balance this higher-sodium meal with lower-sodium options at subsequent meals

Understanding the complete nutritional value of McDonald's sausage burrito allows consumers to make informed decisions rather than avoiding fast food entirely. Occasional consumption as part of an otherwise balanced diet generally poses minimal risk for most healthy adults.

Conclusion

The nutritional value of McDonald's sausage burrito presents both benefits and considerations for health-conscious consumers. With 18g of protein providing substantial satiety, this breakfast option delivers convenience and satisfaction. However, the high sodium content (1,090mg) and significant saturated fat (10g) warrant attention, particularly for those with specific health concerns or dietary restrictions.

When incorporated thoughtfully into an overall balanced eating pattern, this menu item can fit within many dietary approaches. The key lies in understanding these nutritional facts and making informed choices that align with individual health goals and needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories are in a McDonald's Sausage Burrito?

A standard McDonald's Sausage Burrito contains approximately 480 calories. This represents about 24% of a typical 2,000-calorie daily diet. The calorie content comes primarily from the combination of sausage, egg, cheese, and flour tortilla that make up this breakfast item.

Is the sodium content in McDonald's Sausage Burrito high?

Yes, the sodium content in McDonald's Sausage Burrito is relatively high at 1,090mg per serving, which equals 47% of the recommended daily maximum of 2,300mg for most adults. Individuals managing hypertension or following a low-sodium diet should be particularly mindful of this when making dietary choices.

How much protein does McDonald's Sausage Burrito provide?

McDonald's Sausage Burrito provides 18g of protein per serving, which represents 36% of the daily recommended intake for many adults. This protein comes from the combination of sausage, egg, and cheese ingredients, making it a relatively protein-dense fast food breakfast option compared to other menu items.

Can I make McDonald's Sausage Burrito healthier?

Yes, you can make modifications to create a somewhat healthier version. Ordering without cheese reduces saturated fat by approximately 4g. Pairing the burrito with fruit instead of hash browns increases fiber intake, and drinking water instead of sugary beverages avoids additional calories. Sharing the burrito can also help reduce overall calorie and sodium intake while still enjoying the meal.

How does McDonald's Sausage Burrito compare to other breakfast options?

Compared to other fast food breakfast options, McDonald's Sausage Burrito has moderate protein content but higher sodium and saturated fat than many alternatives. It contains more protein than a standard breakfast sandwich but less fiber than options that include whole grains or vegetables. When evaluating McDonald's breakfast burrito nutritional information against competitors' offerings, it generally falls in the middle range for calorie density but toward the higher end for sodium content.

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Chef Liu Wei

A master of Chinese cuisine with special expertise in the regional spice traditions of Sichuan, Hunan, Yunnan, and Cantonese cooking. Chef Liu's culinary journey began in his family's restaurant in Chengdu, where he learned the complex art of balancing the 23 distinct flavors recognized in traditional Chinese gastronomy. His expertise in heat management techniques - from numbing Sichuan peppercorns to the slow-building heat of dried chilies - transforms how home cooks approach spicy cuisines. Chef Liu excels at explaining the philosophy behind Chinese five-spice and other traditional blends, highlighting their connection to traditional Chinese medicine and seasonal eating practices. His demonstrations of proper wok cooking techniques show how heat, timing, and spice application work together to create authentic flavors. Chef Liu's approachable teaching style makes the sophisticated spice traditions of China accessible to cooks of all backgrounds.