Why is the Big Mac Bacon classified as ultra‑processed (NOVA 4) and which additives contribute to this rating?

The sandwich contains many industrial ingredients such as emulsifiers (E331, E330, E338, E450), stabilisers (E415), anti‑caking lecithin, colourants (beta‑carotene, paprika extract), flavourings, preservatives (sulphur dioxide and sulfites) and texture‑enhancing agents, all of which are typical of ultra‑processed foods and place it in the NOVA 4 category.

How does the salt content of the Big Mac Bacon affect a hypertensive or sodium‑restricted diet?

With 1.1 g of salt per 100 g (about 2.4 g in a 220 g serving), the sandwich provides roughly 10 % of the recommended daily limit of 5 g, which can contribute to elevated blood pressure and should be limited in hypertensive or low‑sodium diets.

Is the Big Mac Bacon suitable for specific dietary restrictions such as vegan, gluten‑free, or lactose‑free?

No; the product contains wheat gluten, dairy (cheese, milk powder, butter), egg yolk, soy and mustard, making it unsuitable for vegan, gluten‑free, lactose‑intolerant, or mustard‑allergic diets.

McDonald's • 220 g

Big Mac™ Bacon

Composite Foods

Product Insights

The Big Mac Bacon is a McDonald’s sandwich that belongs to the composite foods and sandwiches category. It carries a Nutri-Score of D and is classified in the ultra-processed NOVA 4 group, containing 12.3 g of fat, 4.5 g of saturated fat, 13.2 g of protein and 1.1 g of salt per 100 g, with sugar levels slightly below the average for similar products. The sandwich lists 18 allergens, including wheat, milk, eggs, mustard, sesame and soy, and includes numerous additives such as emulsifiers (E331, E330, E338, E450), colorants, anti‑caking agents and preservatives, which may be concerns for sensitive consumers.

Nutrient Levels

Traffic light indicators

Fat

moderate

Saturated Fat

moderate

Sugars

low

Salt

moderate

Nutritional Values

Values per 100 g

Energy Kcal240 kcal

Fat12.3 g

Saturated Fat4.5 g

Carbohydrates18.6 g

Sugars3.6 g

Comparative Analysis

Compared with the average sandwich/hamburger (per 100 g), the Big Mac Bacon has lower fat (12.3 g vs 19.0 g), lower saturated fat (4.5 g vs 6.5 g), less salt (1.1 g vs 3.2 g) and lower sugars (3.6 g vs 4.5 g), but also provides less protein (13.2 g vs 18.4 g) and fewer carbohydrates (18.6 g vs 29.4 g).

Ingredients

Pain (E932a, E471, E282, E281), Graines de sésame, steaks hachés (BŒUF), Salade, Oignon, Cornichon (E520, E433), Fromage fondu (Cheddar 51%, eau, fromage (9%), LAIT écrémé en poudre, beurre, sels de fonte (E331, E330, E338, E450), protéines de lait, arômes naturels, sel, colorants (beta carotène, extrait de paprika), antiagglomérant (lécithine de tournesol) Sauce (Eau, Huile de colza, vinaigre d'alcool, cornichons, sirop de glucose-fructose, sucre, amidon de maïs modifié, jaune d'ŒUF, MOUTARDE (eau, vinaigre, graines de moutarde, sel, son de moutarde, sucre, caramel, curcuma), épices (dont moutarde), sel de cuisine, épaississant (E415), arômes naturels, extrait de levure, affermissant (E509, E15, E433, E211,EDTA) En quantités inconnues : Anhydride sulfureux et sulfites, Gluten (blé), Gluten (Soja), Graine de sésame, Lait, Oeufs, Moutarde

84%

35%

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