McDonald’s has long been a leader in the fast-food industry, serving a variety of sandwiches that appeal to diverse tastes. While the brand is known for its iconic burgers, the menu offers a wide range of choices, from classic beef patties to chicken sandwiches and unique limited-time offerings. In this ranking, we’ll break down the best and worst McDonald’s sandwiches based on taste, popularity, and overall appeal.
1. Big Mac
The Big Mac is arguably McDonald’s most famous sandwich, and for good reason. With two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, and onions, all nestled in a sesame seed bun, the Big Mac has a flavor profile that has stood the test of time. Its unique special sauce is often the star of the show, giving the sandwich a tangy and slightly sweet taste. The combination of ingredients and its nostalgic value make it a top-tier choice.
2. McChicken
The McChicken is a simple, no-frills sandwich that focuses on the chicken patty. With a crispy chicken breast, mayonnaise, and lettuce on a soft bun, it’s a crowd-pleaser for those who prefer a lighter, less greasy option than beef. It’s not the most exciting sandwich on the menu, but it is consistent and affordable, making it a reliable go-to for many customers.
3. Quarter Pounder with Cheese
For those who crave a heartier, more substantial burger, the Quarter Pounder with Cheese delivers. The sandwich features a quarter-pound beef patty, two slices of cheese, onions, pickles, ketchup, and mustard, all on a sesame seed bun. The thicker patty offers a more robust beef flavor, which sets it apart from the thinner burgers on McDonald’s menu. It’s a fan favorite for its satisfying size and meaty taste.
4. Spicy McChicken
For those who like a little heat, the Spicy McChicken is an upgrade to the classic McChicken. The spicy mayo adds a nice kick to the crispy chicken patty, while the lettuce and bun balance out the spice. While not too fiery, it provides just enough heat to make things interesting without overwhelming the palate. This version offers something a bit different for spice lovers.
5. Filet-O-Fish
The Filet-O-Fish is one of McDonald’s more unique offerings, and while it has a dedicated fanbase, it doesn’t always get the love it deserves. Featuring a breaded fish filet with tartar sauce and a slice of cheese on a steamed bun, it’s a great option for those who want something lighter or avoid beef. The fish is mild, the texture is flaky, and the tartar sauce complements it well. However, it’s not as universally beloved as the beef options, so it might not be for everyone.
6. McDouble
The McDouble is a more affordable alternative to the Quarter Pounder with Cheese. Featuring two beef patties, a slice of cheese, ketchup, mustard, pickles, and onions, it’s a great value for the price. While it doesn’t have the same robust beef flavor as the Quarter Pounder, it still delivers a satisfying burger experience for those on a budget. It’s a simple and reliable choice, though some might prefer a more premium option.
7. Chicken McNuggets (Although Not a Sandwich, Worth Mentioning)
While not technically a sandwich, McDonald’s Chicken McNuggets are worth mentioning in any discussion of the chain’s best options. These crispy, bite-sized pieces of chicken are loved for their perfect crunch and tender interior. Paired with dipping sauces like BBQ, Sweet and Sour, or Honey Mustard, they make a great meal or side option.
8. Double Cheeseburger
The Double Cheeseburger is a fan-favorite for those who want more beef and cheese without jumping to the more expensive burgers. It consists of two beef patties, two slices of cheese, ketchup, mustard, pickles, and onions. While it’s a good sandwich overall, it lacks the unique qualities of a McDouble or Quarter Pounder with Cheese. For some, the combination of the two patties feels a bit redundant.
9. Cheeseburger
The Cheeseburger is one of McDonald’s classic offerings, but it ranks lower due to its simplicity. A single beef patty, slice of cheese, ketchup, mustard, pickles, and onions make it a basic yet dependable option. However, it doesn’t stand out much compared to other sandwiches on the menu. While it’s still a solid choice for a quick snack or meal, it can feel like a letdown for anyone who’s seeking more flavor or variety.
10. McRib (Limited Time)
The McRib is an occasional favorite for some, but it often gets mixed reviews. It’s a pork patty shaped like a rack of ribs, slathered in barbecue sauce and topped with onions and pickles. While some customers eagerly anticipate its return, others find the McRib too messy or unappetizing. The texture of the pork patty doesn’t always feel authentic, and the barbecue sauce can be too overwhelming. It’s a hit or miss for many people, making it a polarizing sandwich.
11. Bacon McDouble
The Bacon McDouble takes the standard McDouble and adds crispy bacon to the mix, which sounds like a dream for bacon lovers. However, despite the added bacon, the sandwich doesn’t offer much more than a slightly saltier version of the original. The bacon doesn’t have the chance to shine, and the overall flavor profile feels too familiar. It’s not a bad choice by any means, but it doesn’t quite live up to the potential of a bacon-topped burger.
12. Egg McMuffin
The Egg McMuffin is the breakfast sandwich that helped McDonald’s dominate the morning market. Featuring a freshly cracked egg, Canadian bacon, cheese, and a toasted English muffin, it’s a hearty and satisfying breakfast option. However, for those who are looking for a sandwich during regular hours, it can feel out of place. Despite its popularity in the breakfast menu, it doesn’t quite hold up in comparison to the rest of McDonald’s lunch or dinner sandwiches.
13. McChicken Deluxe
The McChicken Deluxe tries to elevate the McChicken by adding lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise. While the fresh veggies add some nice crunch and flavor, the sandwich overall doesn’t offer much more than the standard McChicken. It can be a better choice for someone who prefers a bit more freshness, but in terms of overall flavor, it’s still not a standout compared to the other chicken options.
14. Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad (Not a Sandwich, but Worth Mentioning)
Another non-sandwich item worth mentioning is McDonald’s Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad. This item features tender grilled chicken, mixed greens, cheese, and Southwest-inspired toppings like corn, black beans, and a creamy dressing. While it’s a salad and not a sandwich, it’s a great option for someone seeking a lighter, healthier alternative to a sandwich.
15. McPlant (Limited Time)
McDonald’s McPlant sandwich was their attempt to cater to the growing plant-based movement. It features a plant-based patty with lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise. While the intention behind the McPlant is good, it falls short in terms of taste and texture. The plant-based patty doesn’t quite have the same mouthfeel as a beef patty, and the overall flavor can be bland, making it one of the lesser choices on the menu.
Conclusion
McDonald’s offers a broad selection of sandwiches, ranging from classic beef options to unique offerings. Whether you’re a fan of the timeless Big Mac, the simple McChicken, or looking for something spicier like the Spicy McChicken, there is a sandwich for everyone. However, some options, like the McRib or the McPlant, can be hit or miss for customers. Ultimately, the best sandwich comes down to personal taste and preference, but the timeless classics tend to reign supreme in most rankings.