Is a McDonald's hamburger pork? What’s Really Inside

What meat is used in a McDonald’s hamburger?
Let’s cut right to it: a classic McDonald’s hamburger patty is made from 100% pure beef. That’s what McDonald’s officially claims, and yep, it's not pork.
Now, before you roll your eyes and say, "Yeah, but is it really just beef?" — fair question. The patty itself contains no additives, no fillers, no pork. It's just ground beef, shaped, frozen, and cooked with a dash of salt and pepper when you order it.
But wait—what kind of beef?
Ah, now we’re getting into the nerdy bits. McDonald’s uses cuts like chuck, round, and sirloin — the standard stuff you'd find at a supermarket. No fancy filet mignon here, obviously, but it's still legit cow.
Are there McDonald's items that do contain pork?
Oh yes. If you're avoiding pork for religious, dietary, or personal reasons, keep reading because this part matters.
The McRib
This is the big pork offender. Despite looking like some weird science project, the McRib is made from pork shoulder meat, pressed into a rib-like shape. So, yeah, very much pork. Also limited edition and controversial, but hey.
Breakfast menu items
Sausage McMuffin? Pork.
Bacon Egg & Cheese? Pork (bacon, duh).
Sausage Burrito? Yep, that sausage is pork-based unless otherwise stated.
Pro tip: ask about chicken sausage or veggie options if you’re unsure — some regions offer those swaps.
Why do people think the hamburger contains pork?
Funny you should ask. A few reasons:
Confusing menu language in some countries (I once saw a “ham” burger in Spain that actually had ham — wild).
Urban legends and rumors online (someone’s cousin’s uncle swears he found pork in his Big Mac).
Some international McDonald's menus do use pork in burgers (like in Germany or Japan). So if you're traveling... read the fine print.
What about cross-contamination?
Here’s where things get dicey.
If you’re super strict — like halal, kosher, or vegetarian — McDonald’s kitchens might not be ideal. Even though beef and pork are cooked on separate equipment where possible, it’s not always a guarantee.
In short: no, the hamburger isn’t pork. But the grill it touches? Might be a different story.
Can you trust the labeling?
Look, it’s okay to be skeptical. Fast food isn’t exactly famous for transparency. But McDonald’s has been under major scrutiny for years, and they’ve doubled down on ingredient disclosure lately.
Visit their official site (mcdonalds.com) or even better, use the McDonald’s app. You’ll find full nutrition breakdowns and allergen info. It’s surprisingly detailed. And not just in the U.S. — many local versions of the app worldwide offer the same.
Final thoughts: So, is it pork or not?
Nah, the hamburger? It’s beef. Pure, plain, no-pork-in-sight beef. But always double-check your specific menu — especially if you're ordering internationally or have strict dietary rules.
Oh, and next time someone at the table whispers, “I heard McDonald’s burgers are made with pig parts,” you can roll your eyes with authority.
How much height should a boy have to look attractive?
Well, fellas, worry no more, because a new study has revealed 5ft 8in is the ideal height for a man. Dating app Badoo has revealed the most right-swiped heights based on their users aged 18 to 30.
Is 172 cm good for a man?
Yes it is. Average height of male in India is 166.3 cm (i.e. 5 ft 5.5 inches) while for female it is 152.6 cm (i.e. 5 ft) approximately. So, as far as your question is concerned, aforesaid height is above average in both cases.
Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?
The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.
Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?
How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).
How tall is a average 15 year old?
Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years
Male Teens: 13 - 20 Years) | ||
---|---|---|
14 Years | 112.0 lb. (50.8 kg) | 64.5" (163.8 cm) |
15 Years | 123.5 lb. (56.02 kg) | 67.0" (170.1 cm) |
16 Years | 134.0 lb. (60.78 kg) | 68.3" (173.4 cm) |
17 Years | 142.0 lb. (64.41 kg) | 69.0" (175.2 cm) |
How to get taller at 18?
Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.
Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?
Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).
Can you grow between 16 and 18?
Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.
Can you grow 1 cm after 17?
Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.