McDonald’s breakfast burrito has been a fan favorite for years, but have you ever wondered what exactly goes into this convenient, handheld morning meal? The ingredients may seem simple at first glance—eggs, sausage, cheese, and vegetables wrapped in a soft tortilla—but the full picture is more complex. Let’s break down the mystery behind McDonald’s breakfast burrito ingredients and what makes it both delicious and controversial.
A Closer Look at the Main Ingredients
1. Scrambled Egg Mix
At the heart of the breakfast burrito is the scrambled egg blend. Unlike freshly cracked eggs, McDonald’s uses a pre-made egg mixture that contains more than just eggs. The official ingredient list includes:
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Whole eggs
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Nonfat milk
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Modified food starch (used to improve texture and stability)
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Salt
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Citric acid (helps prevent color changes)
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Sodium acid pyrophosphate (used to maintain the bright yellow color)
These additional ingredients ensure the eggs remain soft and fluffy, even after being stored and reheated.
2. Sausage Crumbles
McDonald’s breakfast burrito features small sausage pieces, which contribute to the burrito’s signature savory taste. The sausage is made from:
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Pork
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Water
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Salt
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Spices (including black pepper and sage)
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Dextrose (a type of sugar used for slight sweetness)
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Monosodium glutamate (MSG) (a flavor enhancer)
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Natural flavors (McDonald’s does not disclose specifics)
The use of MSG and other additives helps enhance the meaty and umami-rich taste of the sausage.
3. Cheese Blend
The gooey cheese inside the breakfast burrito is a processed American cheese blend. The cheese consists of:
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Cheddar cheese
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Milk
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Whey protein concentrate
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Sodium citrate (an emulsifier that helps the cheese melt smoothly)
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Annatto (for color)
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Preservatives like sorbic acid
This processed cheese is designed to stay melty for longer, even as the burrito is prepped in advance.
4. Vegetable Blend
McDonald’s breakfast burrito contains diced onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes. The veggies add a bit of sweetness and crunch to contrast the soft eggs and cheese. However, they are not freshly chopped on-site but rather come from a pre-mixed frozen blend to maintain consistency.
5. Soft Flour Tortilla
The outer layer of the burrito is a standard flour tortilla made with:
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Enriched bleached wheat flour
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Vegetable shortening
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Leavening agents (like baking powder)
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Preservatives (to extend shelf life)
This tortilla is designed to be pliable and hold its structure even when reheated.
Are There Any Hidden Ingredients?
Beyond the core ingredients, some hidden additives may surprise consumers:
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Artificial preservatives and stabilizers – Many of the ingredients, like eggs and cheese, contain preservatives that keep the burrito fresh for longer.
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MSG and natural flavors – Used in the sausage and cheese to enhance the taste, though some consumers prefer to avoid them.
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High sodium content – Each breakfast burrito contains around 800 mg of sodium, which is about 35% of the recommended daily intake.
Nutritional Breakdown
A single McDonald’s breakfast burrito contains:
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Calories: ~300
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Total Fat: 16g
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Saturated Fat: 6g
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Protein: 12g
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Carbohydrates: 26g
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Sodium: ~800mg
This makes it a relatively small but calorie-dense breakfast item.
Why the Recipe Works
McDonald’s breakfast burrito is engineered for consistency and convenience. The use of pre-cooked ingredients ensures that the flavor remains the same at every location. The blend of eggs, sausage, cheese, and vegetables creates a balanced combination of creamy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors.
Final Thoughts
While McDonald’s breakfast burrito is a tasty and convenient option, it contains more than just basic kitchen ingredients. Additives, preservatives, and flavor enhancers are used to maintain texture, taste, and shelf life. For those who prefer a cleaner breakfast option, making a homemade version allows for full control over ingredients while maintaining the same delicious experience.