Low FODMAP at McDonald's - Complete Ordering Guide

Quick Summary

McDonald’s earns high marks for low FODMAP dining because of their willingness to customize orders and straightforward ingredient lists. Focus on plain beef patties (not Angus), eggs, and simple sides while avoiding chicken, wheat buns, and complex sauces.

Best bets: 100% beef patty (bunless), scrambled eggs, fries (if wheat derivatives don’t bother you)

Always avoid: All chicken items, regular buns, salad dressings, and Angus beef patties

How to Order

When ordering at McDonald’s on a low FODMAP diet, keep it simple:

1. Choose 100% beef patties - Seasoned only with salt and pepper (NOT Angus beef)
2. Skip the bun - Or bring your own low FODMAP bun from home
3. No onions - Always specify “no onions”
4. Simple toppings only - Lettuce, tomato, pickles
5. Avoid special sauces - Stick to mustard, salt, and pepper
6. For breakfast - Order eggs and meat without the bread

Understanding McDonald’s Beef

Safe: 100% Beef Patty

• Seasoned only with salt and pepper
• Perfect for low FODMAP dining
• Available in Quarter Pounder, hamburger, cheeseburger

NOT Safe: Angus Beef Patty

• Contains garlic powder and onion powder
• Avoid entirely on low FODMAP diet

The Chicken Problem

All McDonald’s chicken items are off-limits for low FODMAP followers:

Why chicken is problematic:

• Contains garlic powder and onion powder in seasoning
• Nuggets and fish filet have wheat batter
• No plain chicken option available

Avoid:

• Chicken McNuggets
• McChicken sandwich
• Grilled chicken
• Crispy chicken
• Chicken selects

Breakfast Guide

McDonald’s breakfast offers several low FODMAP possibilities with modifications:

Safe breakfast proteins:

• Scrambled eggs (prepared plain)
• Folded egg (from sandwiches)
• Sausage patty (spices below FODMAP threshold for most people)
• Canadian bacon (generally safe)

Breakfast strategy: Order breakfast sandwiches “deconstructed” - without the bread:

Egg McMuffin Modified:

• Skip the English muffin
• Keep the folded egg
• Keep the Canadian bacon
• Test tolerance for cheese (small amount of lactose)

Sausage McMuffin Modified:

• Skip the English muffin
• Keep the sausage patty
• Keep the egg
• Test tolerance for cheese

Breakfast sides:

• Hash browns (contain wheat derivatives but below threshold for most)
• Apple slices (if you tolerate apples)

French Fries: The Controversy

McDonald’s fries are a gray area for low FODMAP dieters:

What’s in them:

• Potatoes (safe)
• Vegetable oil (safe)
• Wheat derivatives (concern for celiac, but typically below FODMAP threshold)
• Natural beef flavor (contains dairy derivatives)

Should you eat them?

• If you have celiac disease: NO
• If you have dairy allergy: NO
• If following low FODMAP for IBS: USUALLY YES (test your tolerance)
• The wheat and dairy derivatives are typically below amounts that trigger FODMAP symptoms

Hash browns consideration: Similar to fries, hash browns contain wheat derivatives and natural flavors. Test for individual tolerance.

Condiments and Sauces

Safe condiments:

• Mustard (plain yellow mustard)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Ketchup (small amounts - can be high in fructose)

Bring your own:

• Low FODMAP ketchup
• Mayonnaise
• Your own special sauce

Avoid:

• Big Mac sauce (contains onion and garlic)
• Ranch dressing
• All salad dressings
• Special sauces
• Tartar sauce

Salad Strategy

Side Salad base:

• Lettuce (safe)
• Tomatoes (safe in small amounts)
• Carrots (safe)

Problems with salads:

• All dressings contain garlic, onion, or fructose
• Premium salads include chicken (high FODMAP)

Solution:

• Order side salad
• Bring your own low FODMAP dressing
• Consider adding a beef patty for protein

Beverage Choices

Safe beverages:

• Water (always the safest)
• Orange juice (if you tolerate citrus)
• Coffee - black (no milk, cream, or syrups)
• Sugar, Equal, or Splenda for sweetening

Proceed with caution:

• Sodas (carbonation can worsen bloating, some contain HFCS)
• Liquid sugar (may be safe, but syrups are often high fructose)

Avoid:

• Coffee drinks with milk or cream
• Milkshakes (dairy-based)
• Smoothies (contain apple juice concentrate and yogurt)
• Flavored syrup drinks

The “Bring Your Own Bun” Strategy

One huge advantage of McDonald’s: you can bring your own low FODMAP bun!

How to do it:

1. Purchase low FODMAP buns from your grocery store
2. Bring them to McDonald’s in a bag
3. Order a Quarter Pounder with cheese - no bun, just the patty
4. Add your own bun
5. Assemble your own burger

What to order for DIY burgers:

• Beef patty with cheese
• Add lettuce and tomato
• Ask for pickle on the side
• Request mustard packets
• Bring your own bun and condiments

Staff Communication Tips

McDonald’s staff are accustomed to special orders. Here’s how to communicate clearly:

“Can I please have a Quarter Pounder with just the beef patty, lettuce, and tomato? No bun, no onions, no special sauce. Just the meat, lettuce, and tomato in a container.”

For breakfast:

“I’d like an Egg McMuffin without the English muffin. Just the egg and Canadian bacon in a container, please.”

Pro tip: Use the McDonald’s app to customize your order ahead of time. It’s easier than explaining at the counter.

Making the Most of Limited Options

Lunch/Dinner combinations:

1. Double Quarter Pounder patties (no bun) + fries + side salad
2. Two beef patties with cheese + fries + water
3. Bunless burger + apple slices + orange juice

Breakfast combinations:

1. Scrambled eggs + sausage patty + hash browns
2. Two folded eggs + Canadian bacon + apple slices
3. Deconstructed Egg McMuffin + hash browns

Pro Tips for Success

1. Mobile app ordering - Customize everything before you arrive
2. Bring additions - Pack your own bun, condiments, dressing
3. Keep other meals clean - If eating McDonald’s, keep your other meals very low FODMAP that day
4. Test tolerance - Fries and hash browns may be fine despite wheat derivatives
5. Don’t be shy - McDonald’s is used to special requests

Is McDonald’s Good for Low FODMAP?

Pros:

• Very willing to customize
• Simple ingredient lists
• Consistent across locations
• Plain beef patties are truly plain (salt and pepper only)
• Available everywhere
• Mobile app makes ordering easier

Cons:

• Limited protein options (only beef)
• No low FODMAP bun option
• All chicken is problematic
• Salad dressings are off-limits
• Can feel restrictive

Bottom line: McDonald’s is one of the better fast-food options for low FODMAP dining, especially if you’re willing to skip the bun or bring your own.

Allergen Menu Notes

McDonald’s provides comprehensive nutrition and allergen information through their website and mobile app.

How to access allergen info:

1. Visit mcdonalds.com/us/en-us/about-our-food/nutrition-calculator.html
2. Use the McDonald’s mobile app
3. Select “Nutrition & More” → “Nutritional Information”
4. Search for specific items
5. View “Ingredients & Allergens” tab

Key allergens:

• Wheat (buns, nugget batter, fries derivatives)
• Dairy (cheese, milk products, fries derivatives)
• Eggs (breakfast items)
• Soy (various items)

Important: Cross-contact is possible in the kitchen. McDonald’s does not certify menu items as gluten-free, even if ingredients are gluten-free.

Similar Restaurant Guides

Looking for more burger-focused fast food? Check out these similar restaurants:

• Wendy’s - Plain beef patties and baked potatoes
• Burger King - Similar customization options
• Five Guys - Bunless burgers with lots of toppings

Last verified: January 2025. Menu items and ingredients can change. Always confirm with restaurant staff about current ingredients. McDonald’s updates their allergen information regularly - check their website or app for the most current details.