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McDonalds Menu

Flavor:

Quarter Pounder®* with Cheese

Ingredients:

Quarter Pound 100% Beef Patty* Ingredients: 100% Pure USDA Inspected Beef; No Fillers, No Extenders. Quarter Pound Bun Ingredients: Enriched Flour (Wheat Flour, Malted Barley Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Water, Sugar, Yeast, Soybean Oil, Contains 2% or Less: Sesame Seeds, Salt, Wheat Gluten, Dextrose, Guar Gum, Vinegar, Vegetable Proteins (Pea, Potato, Rice), Sunflower and/or Canola Oil, Maltodextrin, Natural Flavors, May Contain One or More Dough Conditioners (DATEM, Ascorbic Acid, Mono and Diglycerides, Enzymes), Modified Food Starch. Pasteurized Process American Cheese Ingredients: Milk, Cream, Water, Sodium Citrate, Salt, Cheese Cultures, Citric Acid, Enzymes, Soy Lecithin, Color Added. Ketchup Ingredients: Tomato Concentrate From Red Ripe Tomatoes, Distilled Vinegar, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Corn Syrup, Water, Salt, Natural Flavors. Pickle Slices Ingredients: Cucumbers, Water, Distilled Vinegar, Salt, Calcium Chloride, Alum, Potassium Sorbate (Preservative), Natural Flavors, Polysorbate 80, Extractives Of Turmeric (Color). Onions Mustard Ingredients: Distilled Vinegar, Water, Mustard Seed, Salt, Turmeric, Paprika, Spice Extractive.

Rating: We Avoid

Ingredient Score:

Rated at 1/5 green leaves, the McDonald’s Menu Quarter Pounder® with Cheese stands as an option to avoid for those seeking cleaner food choices. This rating reflects the presence of several non-preferred ingredients and practices in its composition.

The product is not organic, which is a significant factor in the evaluation process. Additionally, it includes genetically modified organisms (GMOs), further detracting from its score. The inclusion of added sugars, such as sugar and citric acid, alongside high fructose corn syrup, poses concerns regarding the product’s nutritional value. High fructose corn syrup, in particular, is heavily penalized due to its association with adverse health effects.

A range of potentially harmful additives, including natural flavors, diglycerides, and enriched flour, are present. These ingredients often raise red flags for health-conscious consumers. Soy lecithin and potassium sorbate, along with sodium citrate, appear on the ingredient list, contributing to the product’s low rating. Maltodextrin, identified as a known harmful additive, further diminishes the product’s standing.

The use of oils such as canola and soybean oil is another point of contention. These oils are often processed and may not align with a cleaner diet. The Quarter Pounder® with Cheese’s overall composition leads to the recommendation to steer clear of this option in favor of cleaner, more wholesome food choices.

The evaluation criteria are stringent, focusing on the purity and health implications of each ingredient. The McDonald’s Menu Quarter Pounder® with Cheese does not meet the standards set for cleaner eating. Consumers are advised to consider alternative options that prioritize organic ingredients, avoid GMOs, and eliminate the use of harmful additives and sugars.