¼ lb Patty
1,110 Cal
35g
6,000 = Free
A ¼ lb fresh beef patty — never frozen, cooked when you order — topped with two slices of American cheese, slivered onions, tangy pickles, ketchup, and mustard on a sesame seed bun. Served with Medium World Famous Fries® and a Medium Coca-Cola®.
| Quick Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Combo Price | $11.29 (national average, April 2026) |
| QPC Price | $5.99 (sandwich only) |
| Meal Calories | 1,110 Cal (QPC + Med Fries + Med Coke) |
| Sandwich Calories | 520 Cal (QPC only) |
| Patty Weight | ¼ lb (4 oz) before cooking* |
| Beef Type | Fresh, never frozen — cooked to order |
| Total Fat | 41g (52% DV) |
| Protein | 35g — highest among standard combo burgers |
| Key Allergens | Wheat, Sesame, Milk, Soy |
| Cheese | Two slices of American cheese |
| Available Hours | 10:30 AM – Close (lunch/dinner) |
The Quarter Pounder® with Cheese Meal is McDonald’s premium burger combo — and the only one built around a ¼ lb fresh beef patty that is never frozen and cooked to order. For $11.29, you get the Quarter Pounder with Cheese, Medium World Famous Fries®, and a Medium Coca-Cola®. At 1,110 calories and 35g of protein, it delivers more protein than the Big Mac Combo (30g) despite having fewer total calories (1,110 vs 1,170).
The fresh beef commitment is what separates the Quarter Pounder from every other McDonald’s burger. In 2018, McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE: MCD) transitioned all Quarter Pounder patties to fresh, never-frozen beef at most contiguous U.S. locations — a move that cost hundreds of millions in supply chain upgrades. The patties are now cooked on a flat-top grill when you order, meaning wait times are slightly longer but the burger arrives hotter and juicier. This fresh beef is not available in Alaska, Hawaii, or U.S. Territories due to logistics.
This guide covers the current Quarter Pounder with Cheese Meal price, complete nutrition facts, every ingredient and allergen, how it compares to other combos, customization tips, and how to earn a free one through MyMcDonald’s Rewards.
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How Much Is a Quarter Pounder with Cheese Meal? — Price Breakdown
The Quarter Pounder with Cheese Meal costs $11.29 at the national average in April 2026. The QPC sandwich alone is $5.99. Ordering Medium Fries ($3.79) and a Medium drink ($2.49) à la carte totals $12.27 — the combo saves you about $0.98. While the savings percentage is lower than the Big Mac Combo, you’re getting the premium fresh-beef experience.
| Item | Price | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Quarter Pounder® w/ Cheese (Sandwich) | $5.99 | 520 Cal |
| Quarter Pounder® w/ Cheese Meal | $11.29 | 1,110 Cal |
| Double Quarter Pounder® Meal | $13.49 | 1,350 Cal |
| Bacon Quarter Pounder® Meal | $12.19 | 1,220 Cal |
| Deluxe Quarter Pounder® Meal | $12.49 | 1,160 Cal |
| Big Mac® Combo Meal | $9.29 | 1,170 Cal |
Quarter Pounder with Cheese Meal — Nutrition Facts
At 1,110 calories, this meal is slightly lighter than the Big Mac Combo (1,170 Cal) but delivers 5g more protein (35g vs 30g) thanks to the heavier ¼ lb patty. The added sugars are high at 78g (156% DV) — almost entirely from the Medium Coca-Cola. Switch to water or diet soda and this drops to near zero. The 1.5g trans fat comes from the fresh beef patty’s natural fat content.
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 1,110 Cal | – |
| Total Fat | 41g | 52% |
| Saturated Fat | 14g | 72% |
| Trans Fat | 1.5g | – |
| Cholesterol | 95 mg | 32% |
| Sodium | 1,360 mg | 59% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 155g | 55% |
| Dietary Fiber | 6g | 23% |
| Total Sugars | 80g | – |
| Added Sugars | 78g | 156% |
| Protein | 35g | – |
| Calcium | 205 mg | 17% |
| Iron | 5 mg | 29% |
| Potassium | 1,080 mg | 23% |
| Vitamin D | 0 mcg | 0% |
How to Reduce Calories in the Quarter Pounder Meal
| Swap | Calories Saved | New Meal Total |
|---|---|---|
| Diet Coke / Water | ~210 Cal | ~900 Cal |
| Medium → Small Fries | ~110 Cal | ~1,000 Cal |
| Both swaps (Diet + Small) | ~320 Cal | ~790 Cal |
| Remove One Cheese Slice | ~50 Cal | ~1,060 Cal |
| Swap Fries → Apple Slices | ~305 Cal | ~805 Cal |
| All swaps combined | ~470 Cal | ~640 Cal |
What’s in a Quarter Pounder® with Cheese Meal? — Ingredients
The Quarter Pounder is built with six core components. The star is the ¼ lb (4 oz pre-cooking) fresh beef patty — 100% pure USDA-inspected beef with no fillers, no extenders, and no preservatives. Unlike McDonald’s other burgers (Big Mac, McDouble) which use frozen patties, the QPC patty is delivered fresh and kept refrigerated until it hits the flat-top grill. This is why it takes slightly longer to prepare — but the difference in juiciness and flavor is noticeable.
| Component | Key Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Quarter Pound Bun | Enriched wheat flour, malted barley flour, water, sugar, yeast, soybean oil, sesame seeds, salt, wheat gluten, guar gum, vinegar. Contains: Wheat, Sesame. |
| Fresh Beef Patty (¼ lb) | 100% pure USDA-inspected beef — no fillers, no extenders. Seasoned with salt and black pepper. |
| American Cheese (×2) | Milk, cream, water, sodium citrate, cheese cultures, enzymes, soy lecithin. Contains: Milk, Soy. |
| Ketchup | Tomato concentrate, distilled vinegar, high fructose corn syrup, salt, natural flavors. |
| Mustard | Distilled vinegar, water, mustard seed, salt, turmeric, paprika. |
| Slivered Onions | Onions. No allergens. |
| Pickle Slices | Cucumbers, water, vinegar, salt, calcium chloride. No allergens. |
Allergen Information — Quarter Pounder with Cheese Meal
| Component | Allergens Present |
|---|---|
| Quarter Pound Bun | Wheat, Sesame |
| Fresh Beef Patty | None |
| American Cheese (×2) | Milk, Soy |
| Ketchup / Mustard | None |
| Onions / Pickles | None |
| Medium Fries | Wheat, Milk (beef flavor derivatives) |
| Coca-Cola | None |
Quarter Pounder vs Big Mac — Head-to-Head
| Feature | Quarter Pounder® Meal | Big Mac® Combo |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $11.29 | $9.29 |
| Calories | 1,110 Cal | 1,170 Cal |
| Protein | 35g | 30g |
| Beef Type | Fresh, never frozen ¼ lb | Frozen 1.6 oz patties (×2) |
| Cheese | 2 slices | 1 slice |
| Sauce | Ketchup + Mustard | Big Mac Special Sauce |
| Bun | Standard sesame bun | 3-part sesame bun |
| Egg Allergen | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (sauce) |
| Trans Fat | 1.5g | 1g |
| Iron | 5 mg (29% DV) | 5 mg (29% DV) |
The Quarter Pounder wins on protein (35g vs 30g), uses fresh beef (vs frozen), and has no egg allergen. The Big Mac is $2 cheaper, has the iconic Special Sauce and unique three-part bun. Pick QPC for a meatier, more straightforward burger — pick Big Mac for the classic sauce-driven flavor.
Quarter Pounder Family — All Variants
| Variant | Price | Calories | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quarter Pounder® with Cheese | $5.99 | 520 Cal | 30g |
| Double Quarter Pounder® | $7.99 | 740 Cal | 51g |
| Bacon Quarter Pounder® | $6.99 | 620 Cal | 35g |
| Quarter Pounder® Deluxe | $6.49 | 530 Cal | 30g |
How to Customize
- No Cheese — saves ~100 Cal (removes both slices), drops milk allergen
- No Ketchup — for those who prefer a cleaner flavor
- Add Bacon — ~$0.89, Applewood smoked, crispy
- Add Lettuce & Tomato — makes it a Deluxe for ~$0.50
- Extra Patty — ~$1.99, turns it into a Double Quarter Pounder
- Swap Coke → Diet Coke / Water — saves ~210 Cal
- Swap Med → Small Fries — saves ~110 Cal
Fresh Beef: Availability & Limitations
The fresh, never-frozen beef is available at most McDonald’s in the contiguous 48 U.S. states. It is not available in:
- Alaska
- Hawaii
- U.S. Territories (Puerto Rico, Guam, etc.)
At these locations, the Quarter Pounder is still served — but with a frozen beef patty identical to what other burgers use.
How to Order for Free — MyMcDonald’s Rewards
Through MyMcDonald’s Rewards in the McDonald’s App, earn 100 points per $1. A free Quarter Pounder with Cheese costs 6,000 points — about $60 in purchases. The app also features BOGO, $1 off combos, and free fries Friday promotions.
When Can You Order?
- Available: 10:30 AM – Close (lunch/dinner hours)
- Not available: During breakfast (before 10:30 AM)
Frequently Asked Questions — Quarter Pounder® with Cheese Meal
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Everything about the Quarter Pounder® with Cheese Meal — price, calories, allergens, and ordering.
How much is a Quarter Pounder with Cheese Meal?
The meal costs $11.29 on average at U.S. McDonald’s in 2026. The sandwich alone is $5.99.
How many calories are in the Quarter Pounder Meal?
1,110 calories with Medium Fries and Medium Coca-Cola. The sandwich alone is 520 Cal. Switch to Diet Coke and the meal drops to ~900 Cal.
Is the Quarter Pounder made with fresh beef?
Yes. Fresh, never-frozen beef cooked to order at most contiguous U.S. locations. Not available in Alaska, Hawaii, or U.S. Territories.
What does “¼ lb before cooking” mean?
The patty weighs 4 ounces (¼ lb) raw. After cooking, moisture loss reduces it to about 2.8–3 oz. This is standard for all ground beef cooking.
What allergens are in this meal?
Contains Wheat, Sesame (bun), Milk, Soy (cheese), and Wheat, Milk (fries). Unlike the Big Mac, there is no egg allergen.
Is it better than the Big Mac?
Different strengths. QPC has more protein (35g vs 30g), fresh beef, and no egg allergen. Big Mac is $2 cheaper and has the iconic Special Sauce.
Is the Quarter Pounder Meal gluten-free?
No. The bun contains wheat flour and wheat gluten. The fries also contain wheat derivatives in the beef flavoring.
Can I customize it?
Yes. Remove cheese, ketchup, pickles, or onions. Add bacon (~$0.89), lettuce/tomato, or an extra patty (~$1.99). Swap drink or fry size.
Can I order via McDelivery®?
Yes. Available via McDelivery®, DoorDash, Grubhub, and the McDonald’s App. Delivery prices are 15–20% higher.
What’s the difference between QPC, Double QPC, and Bacon QPC?
QPC: single ¼ lb patty (520 Cal, 30g protein). Double: two ¼ lb patties (740 Cal, 51g protein). Bacon: single patty + Applewood bacon (620 Cal, 35g protein).
Why does it have trans fat?
The 1.5g trans fat is naturally occurring from the fresh beef patty — not from artificial hydrogenated oils. Ruminant trans fats are a normal component of beef.
How do I get a free Quarter Pounder?
Through MyMcDonald’s Rewards, earn 100 points per $1. Free at 6,000 points — about $60 in purchases.
👉 View Full: McDonald’s Menu with Prices | Big Mac® Combo Meal | Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit Meal