Bacon Egg & Cheese McGriddles$5.72 | 430 Cal
The Bacon Egg & Cheese McGriddles is a McDonald’s breakfast sandwich made with sweet maple-flavored griddle cakes, thick-cut bacon, a folded egg, and melted American cheese. It contains approximately 430 calories, costs between$5.72 in the USA, and provides around 17g of protein. It is not considered a health food due to high sodium and saturated fat, but it is a satisfying, high-energy breakfast option.
Bacon Egg & Cheese McGriddles
$5.72 | 430 Cal
Bacon Egg & Cheese McGriddles Calories & Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
| Calories | 430 kcal | — |
| Total Fat | 21 g | 27% |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g | 46% |
| Trans Fat | 0 g | — |
| Cholesterol | 215 mg | 71% |
| Sodium | 1230 mg | 54% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 44 g | 16% |
| Dietary Fiber | 2 g | 7% |
| Total Sugars | 15 g | — |
| Added Sugars | 13 g | 25% |
| Protein | 17 g | — |
| Vitamin D | 0 mcg | 6% |
| Calcium | 190 mg | 15% |
| Iron | 3 mg | 15% |
| Potassium | 220 mg | 4% |
McGriddles Protein Is It Enough?
Here’s what gym-goers and active people want to know: 17 grams of protein from one breakfast sandwich is a solid number for a fast food item.
For context:
- A large egg has about 6g of protein
- Two strips of bacon contribute roughly 4–5g
- The American cheese adds another 3–4g
Combined, you’re getting a legitimate protein hit for the morning. It won’t replace a high-protein meal prep breakfast, but for a quick on-the-go option, 17g is respectable.
If you’re trying to maximize protein, skip the hash brown from the combo meal and pair it with a black coffee instead.
Ingredients in Bacon Egg & Cheese McGriddles
Understanding what’s actually inside helps you make an informed choice. Here’s the full, official ingredient breakdown directly from McDonald’s:
Griddle Cakes
Water, Enriched Flour (Bleached Wheat Flour, Niacin, Iron, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Sugar, Dextrose, Palm Oil. Contains 2% or less of: Brown Sugar, Baking Powder (Baking Soda, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Monocalcium Phosphate), Modified Tapioca Starch, Rice Flour, Whey Powder, Salt, Natural Flavors, Buttermilk Powder, Soybean Oil, Caramel Color, Soy Lecithin.
Contains: Wheat, Milk, Soy.
Folded Egg
Eggs, Nonfat Milk, Modified Food Starch, Salt, Citric Acid.
Contains: Egg, Milk.
Pasteurized Process American Cheese
Milk, Cream, Water, Sodium Citrate, Salt, Cheese Cultures, Citric Acid, Enzymes, Soy Lecithin, Color Added.
Contains: Milk, Soy.
Thick Cut Applewood Smoked Bacon
Pork Bellies cured with Water, Salt, Sugar, Natural Smoke Flavor, Sodium Phosphate, Sodium Erythorbate, Sodium Nitrite.
Clarified Butter
Pasteurized Cream (Butterfat).
Contains: Milk.
Allergen Information
Each component carries its own allergens. Here’s the full breakdown by ingredient:
| Component | Allergens |
| Griddle Cakes | Wheat, Milk, Soy |
| Folded Egg | Egg, Milk |
| American Cheese | Milk, Soy |
| Thick Cut Bacon | None declared |
| Clarified Butter | Milk |
Combined allergens in the full sandwich: Wheat (Gluten), Egg, Milk, Soy.
Important: If you have a gluten intolerance, celiac disease, egg allergy, or dairy allergy this item is not suitable for you. McDonald’s kitchens are not allergen-free environments, and cross-contamination is possible.
Is Bacon Egg & Cheese McGriddles Healthy?
The Bacon Egg & Cheese McGriddles can be a decent occasional breakfast, but it’s not the best choice for daily consumption. With around 430 calories and 17g of protein, it can keep you full and fits within a standard diet. However, it is high in sodium (1230mg), saturated fat (9g), added sugars (13g), and cholesterol (215mg), which may be a concern if consumed regularly. Overall, it’s fine as an occasional treat, but not ideal as an everyday breakfast especially if you’re watching your heart health or sodium intake.
McGriddles vs McMuffin Which One Should You Order?
Both are iconic. But they’re built for different people.
| Feature | Bacon Egg & Cheese McGriddles | Bacon Egg & Cheese McMuffin |
| Bread | Sweet maple griddle cakes | Toasted English muffin |
| Flavor profile | Sweet + savory | Savory + slightly tangy |
| Calories | 430 kcal | 460 kcal |
| Protein | 17g | 19g |
| Sodium | 1230mg | 1250mg |
| Texture | Soft, fluffy | Firm, toasted |
| Best for | Sweet breakfast lovers | Traditional breakfast lovers |
Verdict: If sodium and calories are your concern, McGriddles actually edges out the McMuffin on both counts. If you prefer savory over sweet, go McMuffin. Pure taste preference drives this one.
How Many Calories in a McGriddles Meal?
If you order the full McGriddles meal (sandwich + hash brown + medium drink), here’s what the calorie total looks like:
| Item | Calories |
| Bacon Egg & Cheese McGriddles | 430 |
| Hash Brown | 150 |
| Medium Orange Juice | 150 |
| Medium Coffee (black) | 0 |
| Total (with OJ) | 730 |
| Total (with black coffee) | 580 |
Swapping juice for black coffee saves you 150 calories and about 30g of sugar. Small change, big difference if you’re watching intake.
Is a McGriddle a Pancake or a Waffle?
It’s a pancake, not a waffle. The griddle cakes are made from a pancake-style batter and cooked on a flat griddle not in a waffle iron. They have no grid pattern and a smooth, soft surface. The maple flavor comes from syrup baked into the batter during cooking, not from a separate syrup drizzle.
This is one of the most commonly asked questions about McGriddles, likely because the sweet flavor makes people associate it with waffles. But structurally and texturally, it’s a pancake sandwich.
FAQs
Final Thoughts
The Bacon Egg & Cheese McGriddles has earned its place as one of McDonald’s most beloved breakfast items and for good reason. That sweet-savory combination of maple griddle cakes, smoky bacon, fluffy egg, and melted cheese is genuinely hard to replicate.
Nutritionally, it’s a mixed picture. The 17g of protein is a genuine plus. The 1230mg of sodium and 215mg of cholesterol are worth watching. If you enjoy it a few times a month, there’s no reason to feel guilty. If it’s becoming a daily habit, it’s worth considering alternatives.The one thing to do today: Next time you’re at McDonald’s for breakfast, check the app first. You’ll almost always find a McGriddles deal that saves you $1–$2. Small win, but worth the 10-second check.
