Sausage McGriddle Calories: 400 Per Standard Serving

By Maya Gonzalez
Sausage McGriddle Calories: 400 Per Standard Serving
A standard McDonald's Sausage McGriddle contains 400 calories according to the company's official nutrition facts. This popular breakfast sandwich features two maple-flavored griddle cakes wrapped around a savory pork sausage patty.

When you're tracking your daily nutrition, knowing the exact calorie count of your favorite breakfast items is essential. The Sausage McGriddle has become a staple morning option for many, but how does it fit into a balanced diet? Let's examine the complete nutritional profile and what these numbers mean for your health goals.

Nutritional Breakdown of the Sausage McGriddle

Understanding the full nutritional composition helps put the calorie count in perspective. Here's the complete breakdown per standard serving:

Nutrient Amount % Daily Value*
Calories 400 20%
Total Fat 21g 27%
Saturated Fat 8g 40%
Trans Fat 0.5g -
Cholesterol 45mg 15%
Sodium 1010mg 44%
Total Carbohydrates 38g 14%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Sugars 10g -
Protein 14g -

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

How the Sausage McGriddle Fits Into Your Daily Nutrition

With 400 calories, the Sausage McGriddle represents approximately 20% of a standard 2,000-calorie daily intake. The sandwich delivers a substantial protein punch at 14 grams, which can help keep you feeling full throughout the morning. However, it's worth noting the relatively high sodium content at 1010mg (44% of daily value), which could be concerning for those monitoring their salt intake.

The carbohydrate content comes primarily from the maple-flavored griddle cakes, with 10 grams of sugars contributing to the sweet profile that contrasts with the savory sausage. While the 1g of dietary fiber is present, it's relatively low compared to whole grain breakfast alternatives.

Variations and Their Calorie Differences

McDonald's offers several variations of the McGriddle that affect the total calorie count:

  • Sausage, Egg & Cheese McGriddle: 550 calories - Adding a fried egg and American cheese significantly increases both calories and protein content
  • Bacon, Egg & Cheese McGriddle: 560 calories - Slightly higher than the sausage version due to the bacon's fat content
  • Sausage McGriddle without syrup: Approximately 370 calories - Removing the maple syrup reduces sugar content by about 3g

Comparing to Other McDonald's Breakfast Options

How does the Sausage McGriddle stack up against other popular breakfast sandwiches?

Menu Item Calories Protein (g) Sodium (mg)
Sausage McGriddle 400 14 1010
Egg McMuffin 300 13 830
Sausage Biscuit 460 15 1100
Hotcakes (plain) 330 6 810
Fruit & Maple Oatmeal 320 5 190

The Sausage McGriddle sits in the middle range for calorie content among McDonald's breakfast offerings. It has more calories than the Egg McMuffin but fewer than the Sausage Biscuit. What makes it unique is the combination of sweet and savory elements in one package.

Dietary Considerations for Different Health Goals

Whether you're managing weight, monitoring blood pressure, or following a specific diet plan, understanding how the Sausage McGriddle fits your needs is important:

For weight management: At 400 calories, it can fit into a balanced breakfast plan, but consider pairing it with a side of fruit rather than hash browns to keep your meal under 600 calories total.

For low-sodium diets: With 1010mg of sodium (44% of daily value), this sandwich exceeds the American Heart Association's recommendation of no more than 1500mg per day for those with hypertension. Consider the Egg McMuffin as a lower-sodium alternative.

For high-protein diets: The 14g of protein makes this a decent option for morning protein intake, though adding egg would boost this to 20g in the Sausage, Egg & Cheese version.

Practical Tips for Making Healthier Choices

If you enjoy the Sausage McGriddle but want to reduce the calorie and sodium impact, consider these practical adjustments:

  • Order it without the additional syrup packet on the side to save approximately 30 calories
  • Pair with a side of apple slices instead of hash browns for a more balanced meal
  • Drink water or unsweetened tea instead of a sugary beverage to avoid additional calories
  • Consider splitting the sandwich if you're watching portion sizes
  • Ask for the sausage to be prepared without additional oil if possible

Remember that occasional indulgence is fine within a balanced diet. The key is understanding what you're consuming so you can make informed decisions that align with your health goals.

Understanding Fast Food Nutrition Information

Nutrition facts can vary slightly based on preparation methods, regional differences, and recipe updates. McDonald's regularly updates their nutrition calculator on their official website, which remains the most authoritative source for current nutritional information about the Sausage McGriddle calorie count and other menu items.

When tracking calories from fast food, always check the most recent information as recipes and portion sizes can change. The 400-calorie figure for the standard Sausage McGriddle is current as of 2025, but it's wise to verify with McDonald's official nutrition resources if you're following a strict dietary plan.

Maya Gonzalez

Maya Gonzalez

A Latin American cuisine specialist who has spent a decade researching indigenous spice traditions from Mexico to Argentina. Maya's field research has taken her from remote Andean villages to the coastal communities of Brazil, documenting how pre-Columbian spice traditions merged with European, African, and Asian influences. Her expertise in chili varieties is unparalleled - she can identify over 60 types by appearance, aroma, and heat patterns. Maya excels at explaining the historical and cultural significance behind signature Latin American spice blends like recado rojo and epazote combinations. Her hands-on demonstrations show how traditional preparation methods like dry toasting and stone grinding enhance flavor profiles. Maya is particularly passionate about preserving endangered varieties of local Latin American spices and the traditional knowledge associated with their use.