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The truth about McDonald’s breakfast sausage
McDonald’s is known for its breakfast menu, which has been satisfying hungry customers for over 40 years. From hash browns and hot cakes to grilled breakfast sandwiches, there’s something for everyone. While we often focus on individual innovations like the Sausage McMuffin or the McGriddle, we rarely pay much attention to what’s between the buns: McDonald’s breakfast sausage. In this article, we’ll delve into the sizzling truth about McDonald’s breakfast sausage, exploring its ingredients, history, availability, nutritional value, and more.
McDonald’s breakfast sausage is made from pork.
When it comes to breakfast sausages, whether from the drive-through or the supermarket, pork is the most common ingredient. McDonald’s breakfast sausage is no exception. According to the chain’s nutritional information, pork is listed as the first ingredient, followed by water, salt and spices. The sausage also contains “natural flavors” that enhance its savory and slightly sweet flavor. Pork’s versatility and flavor profile make it a staple in the breakfast market.
Breakfast sausage wasn’t always on the menu.
Although McDonald’s experimented with breakfast items before officially launching its morning menu in 1977, breakfast sausage was notably absent during this period. For two years, the only breakfast item available was the iconic Egg McMuffin, which didn’t hit restaurants until 1975. It would be a few more years before ground pork patties made their debut. Vintage TV commercials from the 1970s feature breakfast sausage in dishes like the Big Breakfast and Hot Cakes and Sausage. Over time, the breakfast sandwich trend took off with the introduction of the Sausage Biscuit in 1986 and the McGriddle in 2003.
You can’t buy it in the store
While you may be able to recreate a Sausage McMuffin at home with English muffins and store-bought patties, McDonald’s breakfast sausage is not commercially available to the public. It is made exclusively for the restaurant by meat processor Lopez-Dorada Foods. The partnership between McDonald’s and Lopez-Dorada Foods dates back to 1968, when the fast-food chain was preparing to launch its breakfast menu. This exclusive supply agreement ensures the consistency and quality of McDonald’s breakfast sausage.
McDonald’s breakfast sausage is surprisingly low in sodium
Breakfast sausages are often associated with high sodium content due to their salt, fat and grease. But McDonald’s breakfast sausage is surprisingly low in salt. According to the restaurant’s nutrition calculator, a single sausage patty contains 280 mg of sodium, or 12% of the recommended daily intake. This sodium content is relatively fair compared to other McDonald’s menu items. For example, the Sausage McMuffin with Egg has 830 mg of sodium, and the Sausage, Egg & Cheese McGriddle has a whopping 1290 mg.
There are no artificial preservatives in McDonald’s breakfast sausage.
In response to the trend of food transparency, McDonald’s made a commitment in 2018 to remove artificial preservatives from various menu items, including breakfast sausage. The current version of McDonald’s breakfast sausage contains eight ingredients: pork, water, salt, spices, dextrose, sugar, rosemary extract and natural flavors. This is a significant improvement from the past, when sausage patties contained additives such as corn syrup solids, monosodium glutamate (MSG), propyl gallate and citric acid. The elimination of artificial preservatives is consistent with McDonald’s efforts to serve more natural and healthier ingredients.
McDonald’s breakfast sausage is dairy-free
For those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies, McDonald’s Breakfast Sausage offers a dairy-free option. While milk is commonly added to griddle-friendly meats like breakfast sausage to enhance texture, McDonald’s has removed dairy from its pork products. This is in keeping with their commitment to natural ingredients and ensures that people with dairy allergies can still enjoy a McDonald’s breakfast sausage. By removing butter and cheese, lactose-free alternatives such as the Sausage McMuffin and Sausage McMuffin with Egg can be enjoyed by everyone.
McDonald’s Breakfast Sausage is even keto-friendly.
The ketogenic (keto) diet, which focuses on low-carb, high-fat foods, has gained popularity in recent years. Surprisingly, McDonald’s breakfast sausage can fit into a keto diet. While it’s important to consider the overall nutritional composition of your meal, a McDonald’s breakfast sausage patty contains relatively low amounts of carbohydrates. This makes it an appropriate choice for individuals following a keto lifestyle, especially when combined with other keto-friendly ingredients.
In summary, McDonald’s Breakfast Sausage is a key component of their popular breakfast menu. Made primarily from pork and seasoned with spices and natural flavors, it has a rich and savory taste that has become a breakfast staple for many. While it wasn’t always on the menu, McDonald’s introduced breakfast sausage alongside the popularity of breakfast sandwiches to give customers a variety of options. Despite its popularity, McDonald’s breakfast sausage is not available in stores, as it is made exclusively for the restaurant by a trusted meat processor.
One surprising aspect of McDonald’s breakfast sausage is its relatively low sodium content compared to other menu items. With only 280 mg of sodium per patty, it offers a tasty breakfast option without excessive salt. In addition, McDonald’s has worked to remove artificial preservatives from its breakfast sausage, reflecting its commitment to using more natural ingredients. The removal of dairy from their pork products also ensures that people with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies can enjoy their breakfast sausage.
In addition, McDonald’s breakfast sausage may be an appropriate choice for those on a keto diet due to its low carbohydrate content. However, it’s important to consider the overall nutritional composition of your meal to maintain a balanced diet.
In conclusion, McDonald’s Breakfast Sausage is a delicious and versatile option for breakfast lovers. Its pork base, history, availability, nutritional value and suitability for a variety of dietary preferences make it an important part of the McDonald’s breakfast menu. So the next time you visit McDonald’s for breakfast, take a moment to appreciate the sizzling truth behind their iconic breakfast sausage.
FAQS
Answer: McDonald’s breakfast sausage is made primarily from pork, along with water, salt, spices and natural flavors.
Is McDonald’s Breakfast Sausage available in stores?
Answer: No, McDonald’s Breakfast Sausage is not commercially available. It is produced exclusively for the restaurant by its trusted meat processor.
Does McDonald’s breakfast sausage contain any artificial preservatives?
Answer: No, McDonald’s has committed to removing artificial preservatives from their breakfast sausage in 2018. The current recipe contains natural ingredients with no artificial additives.
Is McDonald’s breakfast sausage dairy free?
Answer: Yes, McDonald’s breakfast sausage is dairy free. They have removed dairy from their pork products to accommodate individuals with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
Can McDonald’s breakfast sausage be part of a keto diet?
Answer: Yes, McDonald’s breakfast sausage can be suitable for a keto diet because it contains relatively low amounts of carbohydrates. However, it’s important to consider the overall nutritional composition of your meal.
What is the sodium content of McDonald’s breakfast sausage?
Answer: Each McDonald’s breakfast sausage patty contains 280 mg of sodium, or 12% of the recommended daily value. This is relatively low compared to other menu items in the restaurant.