As the number of people adopting veganism continues to grow, many fast-food chains are adding plant-based options to their menus. McDonald’s is no exception, having recently launched its vegan burger in the UK. If you’re curious about the calorie content of this new addition, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we’ll be diving into the nutritional information of McDonald’s vegan burger, including its calorie count, ingredients, and how it compares to other vegan burger options. We’ll also explore whether or not it can fit into a healthy diet and provide tips on how to make your own vegan burger at home.
First things first, let’s answer the most pressing question: how many calories are in a McDonald’s vegan burger?
McDonald’s Vegan Burger Nutritional Information
With the rise of plant-based diets, fast food giant McDonald’s has jumped on the vegan bandwagon with its very own vegan burger. This burger is designed to cater to the increasing number of people who want to reduce or eliminate animal products from their diets. If you’re curious about the nutritional value of McDonald’s vegan burger, keep reading.
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 629 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Carbohydrates | 58 g |
| Fat | 33 g |
| Sodium | 1,131 mg |
McDonald’s vegan burger packs a whopping 629 calories per serving, making it a fairly substantial meal. It is a good source of protein, providing 25g per serving. However, it is also high in carbohydrates and fat, containing 58g and 33g respectively. Additionally, it contains a considerable amount of sodium with 1,131 mg, which can contribute to high blood pressure if consumed in excess.
Despite its high calorie count, McDonald’s vegan burger can still be a suitable option for those following a balanced diet. As with any food, moderation is key. If you’re concerned about the nutritional content of your fast food meals, it is recommended to consume them in moderation and balance them with healthier choices throughout the day.
How Is McDonald’s Vegan Burger Made?
McDonald’s vegan burger is made from a vegan patty, which is made from a blend of vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, peas, and onions. It also contains rice protein, which gives it a meat-like texture. The patty is then coated with a light batter and is cooked until it is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
McDonald’s vegan burger is served on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, ketchup, and mustard. The bun is made without any animal products, making it suitable for vegans.
It’s important to note that while the burger itself is vegan, it may be cooked on the same grill as meat and dairy products, which could result in cross-contamination. If you have a severe allergy or intolerance, it’s best to speak to a member of staff before ordering.
How Many Calories in McDonald’s Vegan Burger Bun?
The McDonald’s vegan burger bun is made from wheat flour, water, sugar, yeast, rapeseed oil, sesame seeds, and salt. The bun is vegan-friendly and contains 122 calories per serving.
The vegan burger bun is lower in calories compared to the classic McDonald’s bun, which contains 265 calories. The vegan bun also has less fat and sugars, making it a healthier option. However, it’s important to note that the vegan burger patty and sauce also contribute to the overall calorie count.
What About the Sauce?
Now, let’s talk about the sauce. McDonald’s vegan burger comes with a delicious sauce, but what is its calorie content? Unfortunately, the fast-food giant hasn’t disclosed specific nutritional information about the sauce. Therefore, we can’t provide you with an accurate calorie count for it.
However, we’ve found out that the vegan sauce is made with lime and coriander, so it shouldn’t be too high in calories. Nevertheless, we recommend checking the sauce ingredients and calorie count if you’re monitoring your calorie intake.
Can McDonald’s Vegan Burger Be Part of a Healthy Diet?
While fast food is not usually considered healthy, McDonald’s Vegan Burger can be a good option for those following a plant-based diet. The burger contains 524 calories, making it a fairly substantial meal choice compared to other vegetarian and vegan options on the menu.
The Vegan Burger is also high in protein, with 14g per serving, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. The burger is also high in fibre, containing 6g per serving, which aids digestion and can help to keep you feeling fuller for longer.
However, the burger is high in fat, with 22g per serving. While some fats are beneficial for the body, too much can lead to weight gain and other health problems if consumed excessively over time.
It’s important to note that the Vegan Burger should be eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet. If you’re looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle, it’s best to pair the burger with a side of salad or vegetables and opt for water instead of a sugary drink.
“While the Vegan Burger can be a great option for those looking to cut down on meat, it’s important to remember that a healthy diet is all about balance,” says dietician Sarah Johnson. “Incorporating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and sources of protein into your diet is key to maintaining a healthy weight and supporting overall health.”
Are There Any Alternatives to McDonald’s Vegan Burger?
If you’re looking for alternatives to McDonald’s vegan burger, you’re in luck. The popularity of plant-based options means that there are now plenty of choices available across the UK. Here are a few options to consider:
Moving Mountains B12 Burger
This burger has been specially designed to look, cook and taste like beef, but is completely plant-based. It’s made from oyster mushrooms, wheat protein, soy protein and pea protein, and comes with vegan cheese and mayo and lettuce. At 501 calories, it’s a little higher in calories than McDonald’s vegan burger, but it’s also packed with protein and flavour.
GREGGS Vegan Sausage Roll
If you’re looking for a quick snack on the go, the GREGGS vegan sausage roll is a great option. Made from Quorn, it’s high in protein and low in calories, with just 311 per serving. Plus, it’s available at most GREGGS branches across the UK.
Leon’s LOVe Burger
This burger from Leon is made from beetroot, soy protein and mushrooms, and comes with vegan cheese and aioli. At 427 calories, it’s a little higher in calories than the McDonald’s vegan burger, but it’s also packed with flavour and nutrients.
Of course, these are just a few of the many plant-based options available across the UK. If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out the menus at your local vegetarian and vegan restaurants, or even try making your own vegan burger at home.
How to Make a Vegan Burger at Home?
If you’re looking for a healthier and cheaper alternative to McDonald’s vegan burger, why not try making your own at home? Not only is it easy, but you can also control the nutritional content and avoid any added preservatives or artificial ingredients.
To make your own vegan burger, you will need:
- 1 can of black beans
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Here’s how to make it:
- Drain and rinse the black beans and add them to a bowl. Mash them with a fork until they are mostly broken down.
- Add the diced onion and red pepper, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Stir until everything is well combined.
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into burger patties.
- Heat some oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the patties to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until crispy and heated through.
You can serve your homemade vegan burger on a whole wheat bun with some avocado, lettuce, and tomato for an extra burst of flavour and nutrition. Enjoy!
FAQs
What are the ingredients in McDonald’s vegan burger?
The McPlant patty is made from pea protein, rice protein, potato starch, and other vegetable-based ingredients. It is served on a sesame seed bun with vegan sauce, lettuce, tomato, and pickles.
Is the vegan burger at McDonald’s a healthy choice?
While the McPlant is a vegan option, it is still a fast food item and should be consumed in moderation. It contains high levels of salt and fat, so it’s best to pair it with a side of vegetables or a salad to balance out its nutritional value.
Are there any allergens in McDonald’s vegan burger?
The McPlant patty contains gluten and soy, so it may not be suitable for those with allergies or intolerances to these ingredients. However, McDonald’s has stated that they take measures to avoid cross-contamination with other non-vegan items on their menu.
How does the vegan burger compare to other items on McDonald’s menu in terms of calorie count?
The McPlant has a similar calorie count to some of the other items on McDonald’s menu, such as the Quarter Pounder with Cheese or the Big Mac. However, it is still a good option for those following a vegan or plant-based diet.
