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Mcdonald's, Big Mac

McDonald's

By the Ration Editorial Team · Reviewed against primary research

Mcdonald's, Big Mac contains 15 additives worth knowing about, including at least one rated high risk.

Nutrition

Calories: 228 kcal
Protein: 11.6 g
Carbs: 18.1 g
Fat: 11.6 g

Per 100 g, from Open Food Facts.

Additives

Each additive links to its full risk profile.

Aluminium SulfateDietary aluminium accumulates; EFSA cut the tolerable weekly intake sharply in 2008.high

High-Fructose Corn SyrupConcentrated free fructose drives hepatic de novo lipogenesis; the signature ultra-processing sweetener.high

Polysorbate 80The emulsifier in the landmark mouse studies driving low-grade gut inflammation and metabolic syndrome.high

Added SugarAdded sucrose; the dose makes the poison and packaged doses run high.medium

Calcium Disodium EDTAChelator that also binds dietary minerals; chronic-intake margin is modest.medium

Calcium PropionateThe common sliced-bread propionate; same concern as E280.medium

Canola/Rapeseed OilRefined seed oil; oxidation products form in processing and frying.medium

DiphosphatesInorganic phosphate load; EFSA 2019 group ADI pressure.medium

Mono/DiglyceridesUbiquitous emulsifier; can carry trans-fat residues and belongs to the mucus-disrupting class under study.medium

Natural FlavorsUndisclosed proprietary mixtures — dozens of solvents/carriers allowed under one label; opacity is the issue.medium

Phosphoric AcidCola acid; high inorganic phosphate intake is linked to vascular and bone effects, especially with poor kidney function.medium

Sodium BenzoateBenzene-formation risk with ascorbic acid; implicated with dyes in the Southampton hyperactivity findings.medium

Sodium PropionatePropionate salt; same metabolic-signaling concern as E280.medium

Sulfur DioxideSulfites destroy thiamine and trigger asthma/intolerance reactions; mandatory allergen labeling.medium

Yeast ExtractConcentrated free glutamate under a clean label; same axis as MSG.medium

Acetic AcidVinegar acid.low

Beta-CaroteneProvitamin A pigment found in vegetables.low

Calcium ChlorideFirming mineral salt.low

Citric AcidUbiquitous acidulant; the citrate is identical to endogenous metabolite.low

LecithinsPhospholipids from soy/sunflower/egg; a normal dietary component.low

Modified StarchChemically tweaked starch; inert but a strong ultra-processing marker.low

Paprika ExtractConcentrated paprika pigment.low

Sodium CitratesCitrate buffer salt.low

Xanthan GumFermentation-derived fiber; benign except in infant products.low

Full ingredients

bread (e932a, e471, e282, e281), sesame seeds, ground steaks (beef), salad, onion, pickle (e520, e433), processed cheese (cheddar 51%, water, cheese (9%), skimmed milk powder, butter, melting salts (e331, e330, e338, e450), milk proteins, natural flavours, salt, colours (beta carotene, paprika extract), anti-caking agent (sunflower lecithin) sauce (water, rapeseed oil, alcohol vinegar, pickles, glucose-fructose syrup, sugar, modified corn starch, egg yolk, mustard (water, vinegar, mustard seeds, salt, mustard bran, sugar, caramel, turmeric), spices (including mustard), cooking salt, thickener (e415), natural flavours, yeast extract, firming (e509, e15, e433, e211,edta) in unknown quantities: sulphur dioxide and sulphites, gluten (wheat), gluten (soy), sesame seed, milk, eggs, mustard

Product data from Open Food Facts. Additive risk ratings from the Ration additive database.