List of Calories in McDonald's Food

The severity of the negative effects caused by regularly consuming McDonald's products was highlighted in the 2004 documentary, "Super Size Me." After the film's release, McDonald's eliminated "supersizing" from the menu, which was an option for patrons to make their meals a larger size for a minimal amount of money. Although McDonald's took away its largest meal option, the nutrition facts on even seemingly-healthy options are startling.

Burgers and Sandwiches

McDonald's has a large selection of burgers, but not all choice are created equally. The double quarter pounder with cheese has the highest calorie and fat content, with a whopping 740 calories and 380 calories from fat. The double quarter pounder with cheese also contains 42 grams of fat, which is 65 percent of the recommended daily intake based on a 2,000-calorie diet. This does not include any condiments that are placed on the burger, or any side dishes or drinks that may accompany the meal. The kindest burger option is the hamburger, which contains 250 calories and 80 calories from fat. The hamburger also contains 9 grams of fat, which is 13 percent of the daily intake based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Although the average consumer may think that grilled chicken is a healthier option than a hamburger, the premium grilled chicken classic sandwich contains 420 calories, 90 calories from fat and 10 grams of fat, which is 15 percent of the daily recommended intake based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

French Fries

French fries are generally included with a hamburger or sandwich at McDonald's. Small French fries are the wisest option, at 230 calories and 100 calories from fat. Small French fries have 11 grams of fat, which is 18 percent of the daily intake based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Medium French fries contains 380 calories and 170 calories from fat, as well as 19 grams of fat, which is 29 percent of the daily recommended intake based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Large French fries have more fat and calories than many of the burgers and sandwiches, at 500 calories, 220 calories from fat and 25 grams of fat, which is 38 percent of the daily recommended intake based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Ketchup contains 15 calories per packet.

Salads

When searching for a healthy meal option, salads seem like the wisest decision. Calories are hidden in the dressing, however, and some salads contain more calories than a quarter pounder with cheese. The premium Southwest salad with crispy chicken is the biggest culprit, with 620 calories, 350 calories from fat, and 38 grams of fat, which is 58 percent of the recommended daily intake based on a 2,000-calorie diet. The wisest salad choice is the premium Caesar salad, with 90 calories, 35 calories from fat and 4 grams of fat, which is only 6 percent of the daily recommended intake for a diet based on 2,000 calories. The premium Caesar salad must be eaten without any dressing and ordered with no chicken in order to meet these nutritional guidelines.