If you have food allergies, dining at restaurants can be a stressful experience. You may worry about which foods are safe to eat and how to avoid an allergic reaction. Some food allergies cause severe allergic reactions. So, it’s important to know what’s in your food, especially when dining out. In the allergen guide, we break down the food allergens in McDonald’s common food to help you make safe choices.
Soy Allergens
Soy can be found in various forms at McDonald’s, including soybean oil, soy lecithin (an emulsifier), and soy protein used in some sauces, dressings, and fried foods. The following list includes common food products at McDonald’s that contain soy.
- Breakfast biscuits
- McGriddles
- Big Macs
- Pasteurized American Cheese
- Sweet ‘N Sour Sauce
- Tangy Barbeque
- Most of the desserts and sweets menu items
Peanut and Tree Nut Allergens
McDonald’s has a policy of avoiding peanuts in their standard menu items, but cross-contamination can occur, and some products may contain traces of peanuts or tree nuts. It’s important to note that McDonald’s restaurants also offer various desserts and treats that contain tree nuts.
- Some McFlurry flavors
Milk Allergens
Milk is a common allergen and is found in various McDonald’s products such as milkshakes, ice cream, some dressings, and some breakfast items.
- Cheeseburgers
- Chicken McNuggets
- McFlurry desserts
- Milkshakes
- Baked goods
Egg Allergens
Breakfast has become a popular mealtime at Mcdonald’s. Eggs are prevalent in many breakfast items at McDonald’s. Eggs are used in breakfast sandwiches and some baked goods.
- Egg McMuffin
- Sausage McMuffin with Egg
- Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit
- Hotcakes and Sausage
- Some baked goods
Wheat Allergens
Wheat-containing ingredients are present in buns, tortillas, and other bread-based products used in burgers, sandwiches, wraps, and some breakfast items.
- Crispy Chicken
- Filet-O-Fish
- Many dipping sauces
- McCafe Bakery items
It’s important to remember that McDonald’s prepares food in shared cooking and preparation areas, so cross-contamination between allergenic and non-allergenic ingredients is possible. If you have specific dietary concerns or allergen-related questions, it’s advisable to contact McDonald’s directly or consult their official allergen information resources for your region.
If you have food allergies, book an appointment with the allergy specialists of NY Allergy & Sinus Centers for a personalized food allergy management plan. We are available six days a week to care for your food allergies.