Quarter Pounder with Cheese vs Big Mac: Which Is Healthier?
By Nom Score, the Big Mac is the healthier choice — it scores 63/100 (a C) to the Quarter Pounder with Cheese’s 56 (a C). The Quarter Pounder with Cheese has 520 calories to the Big Mac’s 580. The Quarter Pounder with Cheese has more protein (30g vs 25g), while the Big Mac has less sodium (1,060 vs 1,140 mg).
Full nutrition, side by side
Every value as published by the restaurant. A green check marks the better figure in each row; carbohydrates are shown without a winner because lower isn’t automatically better.
| Per item | Quarter Pounder with Cheese |
Big Mac |
|---|---|---|
| Nom Score | 56C | 63C✓ |
| Calories | 520✓ | 580 |
| Protein (g) | 30✓ | 25 |
| Total fat (g) | 26✓ | 34 |
| Saturated fat (g) | 12 | 11✓ |
| Sodium (mg) | 1,140 | 1,060✓ |
| Total carbs (g) | 42 | 45 |
| Fiber (g) | 2 | 3✓ |
| Sugars (g) | 10 | 7✓ |
| Protein / 100 cal | 5.8g✓ | 4.3g |
| Sodium / 100 cal | 219 | 183✓ |
Methodology. Nutrition is as published by McDonald’s and McDonald’s, current as of June 27, 2026. The Nom Score grades each item A–F on sodium, saturated fat, sugar, portion size, fiber, and protein per calorie against FDA Daily Values.
We compare published nutrition data only; the verdict is by Nom Score, not taste. Values may vary by location and over time. Product names and trademarks belong to their owners; Nom is an independent guide.
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Nom grades every fast food menu item A–F by the Nom Score, so you can order the best option at any restaurant.