McDonald’s is one of the most popular fast food chains, with restaurants all over the world serving up burgers, fries, and other classics. But when it comes to breakfast, many customers wonder – does McDonald’s have turkey sausage?
The availability of turkey sausage at McDonald’s remains a common question among those seeking a healthier meat alternative. In this in-depth article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about McDonald’s turkey sausage, including:
- A brief history of McDonald’s turkey sausage
- Ingredients and nutrition information
- Regional and seasonal availability
- Ordering tips and FAQs
Let’s take a closer look at whether you can enjoy the delicious taste of turkey sausage during your next McDonald’s breakfast visit
A Brief History of McDonald’s Turkey Sausage
McDonald’s first introduced turkey sausage to their breakfast menu in 2013, offering it as a lower-fat and lower-calorie alternative to their traditional pork sausage patties. The turkey sausage sandwich quickly became popular among health-conscious customers looking for a more nutritious meat choice to start their day.
The original McDonald’s turkey sausage sandwich featured a turkey sausage patty, American cheese, egg whites, and an English muffin. It provided a solid 20 grams of protein while cutting down on the fat and sodium compared to pork sausage options.
By 2016, McDonald’s phased out the dedicated turkey sausage sandwich at many locations. However, customers can still order turkey sausage as a customization on breakfast sandwiches and other menu items at participating restaurants.
While not a permanent nationwide staple, turkey sausage remains a menu option for those seeking that healthier meat choice for breakfast on-the-go.
Ingredients and Nutrition Information
So what exactly is in McDonald’s turkey sausage? Here are the typical ingredients:
- Ground turkey
- Water
- Salt
- Spices and natural flavors
The nutrition facts for a standard 2.9 oz turkey sausage patty are:
- 180 calories
- 16 g fat
- 370 mg sodium
- 1 g carbs
- 12 g protein
Compared to an equal serving of pork sausage, McDonald’s turkey sausage cuts the calories nearly in half and contains far less fat and sodium. It provides an excellent source of lean protein to help you power through your morning.
For breakfast sandwiches featuring turkey sausage, you can further modify the nutrition profile by requesting items like egg whites only, nixing the cheese, or opting for a lighter English muffin. Taking advantage of customization options lets you craft the healthiest turkey sausage breakfast possible.
Availability of McDonald’s Turkey Sausage
Here is a quick overview of where you can expect to find McDonald’s turkey sausage:
- United States – Available nationwide, but participation varies by location
- Canada – Found at most McDonald’s locations
- Europe – Offered at select restaurants in some countries
- Seasonal – Typically served March through November
- Hours – Only available during regular breakfast hours
Your best bet for scoring turkey sausage is visiting during normal breakfast times at participating McDonald’s restaurants. Confirm availability by checking the McDonald’s website or app for your location or asking at the counter.
While not every McDonald’s has turkey sausage, you’ll generally have the best luck finding it in areas where customers demand healthier menu options. Customization and substitutions also make it possible to swap turkey sausage into various breakfast sandwiches.
Ordering Tips for McDonald’s Turkey Sausage
If you want to enjoy turkey sausage during your next McDonald’s run, keep these tips in mind:
- Ask for it by name – Don’t rely on menu boards alone. Directly request turkey sausage on your breakfast sandwich.
- Try custom orders – Swap out pork sausage for turkey sausage in sandwiches like the Egg McMuffin.
- Check the app – The McDonald’s app shows all menu options for your location.
- Come during breakfast – Turkey sausage is treated as a breakfast-only menu component.
- Allergen info – McDonald’s provides allergen guides if you have food sensitivities.
- Go lighter – Ask for egg whites and nix the cheese to cut more fat and calories.
With a bit of customization, you can enjoy the delicious taste and nutrition of turkey sausage from McDonald’s. Don’t be shy about requesting it to build your ideal breakfast sandwich.
Frequently Asked Questions About McDonald’s Turkey Sausage
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about McDonald’s turkey sausage offering:
Does McDonald’s offer turkey sausage nationwide?
No, availability varies by location. It’s more commonly found in areas with health-conscious diners.
What’s in McDonald’s turkey sausage?
Ground turkey, water, salt, spices, and natural flavors. No pork.
Can I get turkey sausage on any McDonald’s breakfast sandwich?
You can request it on most sandwiches, though customization depends on the restaurant.
Is McDonald’s turkey sausage gluten-free?
Yes, it’s safe for gluten-free diets and does not contain wheat.
Is McDonald’s turkey sausage healthier?
Definitely. It has far fewer calories, fat, and sodium compared to pork sausage.
When is McDonald’s turkey sausage available?
During normal breakfast hours only, typically from 5-11am at most locations.
Can I buy packs of McDonald’s turkey sausage?
No, it’s only sold pre-cooked as part of a breakfast sandwich.
Are there any allergens in McDonald’s turkey sausage?
It contains spices and natural flavors to note for allergy concerns.
Getting clear answers to FAQs helps you enjoy McDonald’s turkey sausage if you desire a healthier and more balanced breakfast sandwich.
The Verdict on McDonald’s Turkey Sausage
While availability fluctuates by region, McDonald’s does provide turkey sausage as a lower-fat, lower-sodium alternative to its classic pork breakfast sausage. Customers seeking healthier meat options or looking to avoid pork can work with McDonald’s to enjoy delicious turkey sausage at select locations.
Just be sure to check ahead via the restaurant locator or ask at the counter, as McDonald’s turkey sausage remains more sporadic than a permanent nationwide menu item. With customization and substitutions, you can also integrate turkey sausage into various breakfast sandwiches.
Overall, turkey sausage from McDonald’s represents an excellent way to get lean protein for breakfast on-the-run while avoiding the higher fat and sodium content of pork. Don’t hesitate to request it directly to build a better-for-you breakfast sandwich during your next fast food stop.
