McDonald’s (6pc) Chicken McNuggets Nutrition
The famous tender and juicy side dish is made from all white chicken meat. There are no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Choose from a variety of dipping sauces, including Tangy Barbecue, Creamy Ranch, or Honey Mustard, among others.
One serving of 6 Chicken McNuggets® has 250 calories (excluding any sauce), 15 grams fat, 15 grams carbohydrates, and 14 grams protein.
This guide is an in-depth overview of the nutrition facts, ingredients, and allergens in a six-piece order of McDonald’s McNuggets.
Nutritional Information
The nutrition facts, including calories, are presented based on one serving measured as six chicken nuggets.
Reference to percentage daily value (% DV) illustrates how a nutrient in a single serving contributes to a daily diet of 2,000 calories.
Calories
One serving has 250 total calories.
Over half of the total calories are derived from dietary fat. Carbohydrates make up nearly one quarter of the total calories and the remaining 22% is from protein.
- Fat: 135 calories
- Carbs: 60 calories
- Protein: 55 calories
- Total: 250 calories
Calories may vary depending on choice of dipping sauce and amount consumed.
The summary of calories by nutrient is a rounded estimate based on the nutrition facts provided by McDonald’s.
Sodium
Each serving of six Chicken McNuggets contains 500 milligrams of sodium. That is considered high.
It also means there are approximately 83 milligrams of sodium in one nugget.
Ingredients and Allergens
Ingredients
Here is the list of ingredients used to make McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets.
Ingredients: White Boneless Chicken, Water, Vegetable Oil, Enriched Flour, Bleached Wheat Flour, Yellow Corn Flour, Vegetable Starch, Salt, Leavening, Spices, Yeast Extract, Lemon Juice Solids, Dextrose, Natural Flavors.
What is Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate?
Sodium Acid Pryophosphate (sometimes referred to as SAPP) is an inorganic water-soluble compound comprised of sodium cations and pyrophosphate anion.
The raw material in phosphates is phosphoric acid. SAPP is created through a manufactured process of neutralizing phosphoric acid with sodium hydroxide or sodium carbonate.
The result is monosodium phosphate. Dehydrated monosodium phosphate is SAPP.
It is commonly used in the food industry as a leavening acid in breads and other baked goods.
The additive produces gas and increases the volume of dough, which is the primary reason it’s an important additive in self-rising flour and baking powder.
In short, sodium acid pryophosphate is an inorganic compound used as leavening agent and/or to enhance flavor and color.
Other fast food menu items that contain sodium acid pyrophosphate include:
Brief Definitions of Certain Ingredients
Allergens
McDonald’s McNuggets are made with wheat.
Note that the product may also be cooked in a common fryer that is used to prepare other menu items that contain allergens.
Comparison of Fast Food Chicken Nuggets
Here is a table summarizing the nutrition facts of chicken nuggets available at select fast food restaurants. You can use the small arrows in the top row to sort by restaurant, calories, fat, carbohydrates, or protein.
| Restaurant | Menu Item | Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burger King | Chicken Nuggets (4pc) | 190 | 12g | 11g | 9g | 490mg |
| Burger King | Chicken Nuggets (8pc) | 390 | 25g | 23g | 18g | 990mg |
| McDonald's | Chicken McNuggets (6pc) | 250 | 15g | 15g | 14g | 500mg |
| Wendy's | Spicy Chicken Nuggets (4pc) | 190 | 12g | 9g | 10g | 480mg |
| Wendy's | Spicy Chicken Nuggets (6pc) | 280 | 18g | 13g | 15g | 720mg |
| Wendy's | Spicy Chicken Nuggets (10pc) | 470 | 31g | 22g | 26g | 1190mg |
| Shake Shack | Chicken Bites (6pc) | 300 | 19g | 15g | 17g | 780mg |
| Shake Shack | Chicken Bites (10pc) | 510 | 32g | 26g | 29g | 1,300mg |
Ingredients, allergens, and nutrition facts are based on available information as of the date this article was published and/or updated. Restaurants and food manufacturers may change their recipes without notice. Check directly with the food provider for the most accurate and up-to-date information. NutritionandIngredients.com does not provide health or wellness advice or dietary recommendations. Our aim is to research commercially processed food and publish articles for informational purposes only. Unless otherwise stated, % Daily Value is based on 2,000 calories per day, but calorie needs vary by individual. Always consult your physician for any healthcare or dietary advice.
Nutrition facts and ingredients source: McDonald’s
