McDonald’s Sausage McMuffin® with Egg Price, Nutrition, Allergen

McDonald’s paints a pretty picture, doesn’t it? “Savory hot sausage,” “melty American cheese,” and a “delicious, freshly cracked egg” all nestled in an English muffin. 480 calories – quick, convenient, breakfast solved? 

Hold on a minute. 

I’m not here to sell you a McMuffin; I’m here to take a magnifying glass to it. Forget the marketing buzzwords and the push for app downloads. We’re not just stopping at calories – we’re digging into the kind of calories, the sodium, the fats, and those pesky potential allergens that McDonald’s barely mentions. 

This isn’t about a quick sale; it’s about a deep dive. We’re unpacking the truth about the Sausage McMuffin with Egg, so you can make an informed decision about what fuels your day. Ready to get real?

View Full: Mcdonald’s menu with prices

Full Ingredient Breakdown

Let’s get specific about what makes up each part of this breakfast item:

1. English Muffin:

• Enriched Flour: (Wheat Flour, Malted Barley Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid) – The base of the muffin, with added vitamins.
• Water
• Yeast: For leavening.
• Corn Meal: For texture and to prevent sticking.
• Salt: Flavor enhancer.
• Soybean Oil: For moisture and texture.
• Sugar: A small amount for flavor.
• Calcium Sulfate: A dough conditioner and calcium source.
• Calcium Propionate and Potassium Sorbate (Preservatives): To extend shelf life.
• Citric Acid: A natural preservative and flavor enhancer.
• Corn Starch

2. Sausage Patty:

• Pork: The primary meat component.
• Water: For moisture and processing.
• Salt: Flavor enhancer.
• Spices: A proprietary blend for flavoring.
• Dextrose: A type of sugar for flavor and browning.
• Sugar: Flavoring
• Rosemary Extract: Natural antioxidant.

3. Egg:

• Egg: Freshly cracked and grilled.
• Liquid Margarine (Liquid Soybean Oil, Water, Hydrogenated Cottonseed and Soybean Oils, Soy Lecithin, Mono-and Diglycerides, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Artificial Flavor, Beta Carotene, Vitamin A Palmitate). Used as a cooking agent for the egg.

4. American Cheese Slice:

• Milk: The base of the cheese product.
• Cream: Adds richness and texture.
• Water: Used for processing.
• Sodium Citrate: An emulsifier.
• Salt: Provides flavor.
• Sodium Phosphate: Another emulsifier.
• Sorbic Acid (Preservative): To inhibit mold and yeast.
• Lactic Acid: Adds a tangy flavor.
• Acetic Acid: A preservative and flavor enhancer.
• Artificial Color: Annatto and/or Beta Carotene.
• Enzymes: Usually derived from animals.
• Soy Lecithin: An emulsifier.

5. Salted Butter:

• Cream: The base ingredient.
• Salt: For flavor.

6. Clarified Butter:

• Pasteurized Cream (butterfat):

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value*
Calories	480
Total Fat	31g	40%
* Saturated Fat *	12g	62%
* Trans Fat *	0.5g
Cholesterol	280mg	93%
Sodium	830mg	36%
Total Carbs	30g	11%
* Dietary Fiber *	2g	7%
* Total Sugars *	2g
* Added Sugars *	1g	1%
Protein	20g	41%
Calcium	170mg	15%
Vitamin D	4mcg	15%
Iron	3mg	20%
Potassium	260mg	6%

Allergen Information

1. Major Allergens Present – Know the Risks:

• Wheat: Found in the English muffin (specifically in the enriched flour and wheat gluten). For those with wheat allergies or sensitivities, even trace amounts can cause serious reactions.
• Egg: Present directly in the egg component of the sandwich. Those with egg allergies should be extremely cautious, as even small amounts can lead to severe reactions.
• Milk: Found in the American cheese slice (milk and cream) and in the butter used on the muffin. Individuals with milk allergies must be aware of this, as dairy products can cause serious issues.
• Soy: Present in the American cheese slice (soy lecithin) and in the liquid margarine used to cook the egg (soybean oil). Soy allergies should always be taken seriously, as it can often be a hidden allergen.
• Sesame: While not a direct ingredient, the English muffin may contain sesame due to production processes. For those with severe sesame allergies, this poses a significant risk of cross-contamination, which can lead to anaphylaxis.

2. Breakdown by Component – Where Allergens Hide:

• English Muffin: Contains wheat. It’s crucial to know that, due to shared equipment, it may also contain sesame due to cross-contamination in the baking process.
• Egg: Contains egg. It’s worth noting that the egg is cooked on a shared grill top which can also cause issues for those with allergies.
• Sausage Patty: Contains no major allergens. However, it contains “rosemary extract and natural flavors”. It’s important to note that the term “natural flavors” can hide a wide variety of ingredients, and for some individuals with specific allergies, this could be a potential issue. You should always make sure you are aware of what ‘natural flavors’ are before consuming the product.
• American Cheese Slice: Contains milk and soy, both of which can cause reactions for people with sensitivities.
• Salted Butter: Contains Milk, which can be an issue for users with dairy allergies.
• Clarified Butter: Contains Milk, which can be an issue for users with dairy allergies.

3. Cross-Contamination Risk – A Real Danger:

• Shared Equipment: McDonald’s kitchens use shared grills, fryers, and other equipment to prepare various food items. This means that even if a product does not directly contain an allergen, there’s a serious risk of cross-contamination. This risk is very real, especially for those with severe allergies.
• “May Contain” Statements: The “may contain sesame” statement is a critical warning that this food may not be safe for those with sesame allergies. These warnings should never be taken lightly, and are in place to keep you safe.

What This Means For You:

• Severe Reactions: For individuals with severe allergies, even trace amounts of an allergen can lead to severe and potentially life-threatening reactions, including anaphylaxis. You must be extremely careful and take all necessary precautions before consuming the Sausage McMuffin with Egg.
• Actionable Steps: If you have any food allergies, we strongly advise that you do the following steps before ordering:
  • Ask: Always ask McDonald’s staff about their preparation practices and any precautions they take to prevent cross-contamination.
  • Be Clear: Make sure you are very clear with staff about your specific allergies and sensitivities.
  • Be Safe: If you are unsure about the safety of a product, you must avoid it. It is not worth risking your health for a single food item.

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