Written by CalorieData Nutrition TeamReviewed by a Registered DietitianLast Updated: March 2026

Breakfast Cereal vs Big Mac: Nutrition Comparison

Which is healthier? Compare calories, protein, carbs, and more

Complete side-by-side nutrition comparison per 100g serving | Updated 2026

Which is Healthier?

Big Mac is generally healthier

Big Mac comes out ahead in this comparison, winning in 4 out of 5 key nutritional categories. It has fewer calories (257 vs 379), more protein (13g vs 7g), less sugar (5.2g vs 24g), less sodium (480mg vs 760mg)making it the better choice for most health goals.

Quick Summary

Fewer Calories

Big Mac

257 kcal

More Protein

Big Mac

13g

More Fiber

Breakfast Cereal

6g

Less Sugar

Big Mac

5.2g

Visual Comparison

Caloriesper 100g
Breakfast Cereal
379
Big Mac
257
Proteinper 100g
Breakfast Cereal
7g
Big Mac
13g
Carbohydratesper 100g
Breakfast Cereal
84g
Big Mac
25g
Fatper 100g
Breakfast Cereal
1.9g
Big Mac
13g

Side-by-Side Nutrition Table

NutrientBreakfast CerealBig MacDifference
Calories379kcal257kcal+122.0kcal
Protein7g13g-6.0g
Carbohydrates84g25g+59.0g
Fat1.9g13g-11.1g
Fiber6g1.2g+4.8g
Sugar24g5.2g+18.8g
Sodium760mg480mg+280.0mg

Serving Size Comparison

All values above are per 100g. Here's how they compare in common serving sizes:

Breakfast Cereal

Per 100g:379 calories
Per cup (150g):569 calories
Per serving (85g):322 calories

Big Mac

Per 100g:257 calories
Per cup (150g):386 calories
Per serving (85g):218 calories

Diet Compatibility

Breakfast Cereal

VeganVegetarian

Big Mac

No specific diet tags

When to Choose Breakfast Cereal

  • More fiber (6g vs 1.2g)

Common Uses

Side dishesBreakfastMeal baseEnergy food
View full Breakfast Cereal nutrition →

When to Choose Big Mac

  • Lower in calories (257 vs 379)
  • Higher in protein (13g vs 7g)
  • Lower in carbs (25g vs 84g)
  • Less sugar (5.2g vs 24g)
  • Lower sodium (480mg vs 760mg)

Common Uses

Quick mealsDining outSocial eatingConvenience
View full Big Mac nutrition →

Breakfast Cereal vs Big Mac: Nutritional Analysis

Breakfast Cereal is more calorie-dense at 379 calories per 100g compared to 257 for Big Mac, a difference of 122 calories. On the protein front, Big Mac delivers more with 13g per 100g versus 7g, which matters for muscle maintenance, satiety, and overall metabolic health. These differences become meaningful when you consider how each food fits into your daily dietary pattern rather than looking at any single nutrient in isolation.

Macronutrient Breakdown

The macronutrient profiles of Breakfast Cereal and Big Mac tell different nutritional stories. Breakfast Cereal provides 84g of carbohydrates, 1.9g of fat, and 6g of fiber per 100g, while Big Mac contains 25g carbs, 13g fat, and 1.2g fiber. The higher fiber content in Breakfast Cereal supports digestive health, helps regulate blood sugar after meals, and contributes to longer-lasting satiety. Sugar content also differs: Breakfast Cereal contains 24g while Big Mac has 5.2g per 100g. Lower sugar options are generally preferable for blood sugar management and dental health.

Key Takeaways

  • For weight management: Big Mac is the lower-calorie choice at 257 cal/100g, making it more suitable for calorie-controlled diets.
  • For muscle building: Big Mac provides more protein (13g/100g), supporting muscle repair and growth.
  • For sustained energy: Breakfast Cereal offers more fiber (6g/100g), which slows digestion and provides steadier energy release.
  • Overall: Neither food is universally "better" than the other. The right choice depends on your specific nutritional goals, meal context, and dietary preferences. Both can play a role in a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has more calories, Breakfast Cereal or Big Mac?

Breakfast Cereal has more calories with 379 kcal per 100g, compared to Big Mac with 257 kcal. That's a difference of 122 calories per 100g serving.

Is Breakfast Cereal healthier than Big Mac?

Based on our nutritional analysis, Big Mac is generally the healthier choice, winning in 4 out of 5 key nutritional categories. Big Mac has 257 calories, 13g protein, and 1.2g fiber per 100g. However, the best choice depends on your specific dietary goals.

What is the protein difference between Breakfast Cereal and Big Mac?

Big Mac has more protein with 13g per 100g, compared to Breakfast Cereal with 7g. Big Mac provides 6.0g more protein per 100g serving.

Which is better for weight loss, Breakfast Cereal or Big Mac?

For weight loss, Big Mac is the better choice with only 257 calories per 100g compared to 379 calories in Breakfast Cereal. Breakfast Cereal also offers 6g of fiber per 100g, which helps you feel fuller longer.

Does Breakfast Cereal or Big Mac have fewer carbs?

Big Mac has fewer carbs with 25g per 100g, compared to Breakfast Cereal with 84g. If you're following a low-carb diet, Big Mac is the better option with 59.0g fewer carbohydrates.

About Our Data

All nutrition data in this comparison is sourced from the USDA FoodData Central, the official food composition database maintained by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Values are based on 100g servings for accurate comparison.

Health Disclaimer: This comparison is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or dietary advice. Nutritional needs vary by individual. The best food choice depends on your personal health goals, dietary requirements, and preferences. Consult a healthcare provider or registered dietitian for personalized nutrition guidance.