Does McDonald’s Really Offer Turkey Sausage? An In-Depth Look at Availability of This Healthier Breakfast Meat

As one of the largest fast food chains worldwide, McDonald’s needs little introduction. Billions served and all that. But when it comes to breakfast, many customers wonder – does McDonald’s actually offer turkey sausage?

The availability of turkey sausage remains a common question for those seeking a healthier lower-fat meat alternative from the Golden Arches. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about McDonald’s turkey sausage including

• A brief history of McDonald’s turkey sausage offering
• Ingredient and nutrition analysis
• Regional and seasonal availability
• Ordering tips and FAQs

Let’s closely examine whether you can enjoy the delicious taste of turkey sausage during your next McDonald’s breakfast visit

A Short History of McDonald’s Turkey Sausage

McDonald’s first introduced turkey sausage to their breakfast menu in 2013, positioning it as a lower-calorie, lower-fat alternative to their traditional pork sausage patties. The turkey sausage sandwich quickly garnered popularity among health-conscious consumers seeking more nutritious meat choices to begin their day.

The original McDonald’s turkey sausage sandwich contained a turkey sausage patty, American cheese, egg whites, and an English muffin. It delivered a solid 20 grams of protein while reducing fat and sodium compared to pork 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 various breakfast sandwiches at participating restaurants.

While not a permanent nationwide menu item, turkey sausage remains available for those wanting that healthier meat choice for their on-the-go breakfast.

Turkey Sausage Ingredients and Nutrition Info

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 calories nearly in half and contains far less fat and sodium. It delivers quality lean protein to fuel up for the day.

For breakfast sandwiches with turkey sausage, you can further tweak the nutrition by asking for egg whites only, no cheese, or lighter English muffin. Customization provides the healthiest turkey sausage breakfast possible.

Where to Find McDonald’s Turkey Sausage

Here’s a quick overview of where you can expect to find McDonald’s turkey sausage:

• United States – Available nationwide but participation varies by location
• Canada – Offered at most McDonald’s restaurants
• Europe – Served at select locations in some countries
• Seasonal – Typically March through November
• Hours – Only during regular breakfast hours

For the best chance at scoring turkey sausage, visit during normal breakfast times at participating McDonald’s. Confirm availability by checking online or via app for your location or asking at the counter.

While not every McDonald’s has turkey sausage, you’ll generally have better luck finding it in areas where customers want healthier menu options. Customizing also allows swapping turkey sausage into various breakfast sandwiches.

Handy Tips for Ordering McDonald’s Turkey Sausage

If you hope to enjoy turkey sausage on your next McDonald’s visit, keep these tips in mind:

• Ask for it by name – Don’t rely solely on menu boards. Directly request turkey sausage.
• Try custom orders – Substitute turkey sausage in sandwiches like the Egg McMuffin.
• Check the app – The McDonald’s app displays all menu options for your location.
• Come during breakfast – Turkey sausage is considered a breakfast-exclusive menu item.
• Allergen info – McDonald’s provides allergen guides if you have food sensitivities.
• Go lighter – Ask for egg whites and no cheese to further reduce fat and calories.

With a bit of customization, you can enjoy delicious and nutritious turkey sausage from McDonald’s. Don’t hesitate to request it when building your ideal breakfast sandwich.

Frequently Asked Questions About McDonald’s Turkey Sausage

Here are answers to some of the most common FAQs about McDonald’s turkey sausage offering:

Is McDonald’s turkey sausage available nationwide?

No, availability varies by location. It’s more commonly found in areas with health-focused 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 gluten-free and does not contain wheat.

Is McDonald’s turkey sausage healthier?

Definitely. It’s much lower in calories, fat, and sodium compared to pork sausage.

When is McDonald’s turkey sausage available?

Only during regular breakfast hours, typically 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.

Any allergens in McDonald’s turkey sausage?

It contains spices and natural flavors to note for allergy concerns.

Getting clear answers to FAQs ensures you can enjoy McDonald’s turkey sausage if desiring a more balanced breakfast sandwich.

The Verdict on McDonald’s Turkey Sausage

While availability fluctuates regionally, McDonald’s does offer turkey sausage as a lower-fat, lower-sodium substitute for its classic pork breakfast sausage. Customers looking for healthier meat choices or avoiding pork can request it at select locations.

Just be sure to check ahead via the restaurant locator or ask at the counter, since McDonald’s turkey sausage is sporadic rather than a permanent nationwide menu component. With customization, you can integrate turkey sausage into various breakfast sandwiches.

Overall, turkey sausage from McDonald’s is an excellent way to get lean protein for breakfast on-the-go while dodging the higher fat and sodium of pork. Don’t hesitate to request it when building a better-for-you breakfast sandwich during your next fast food stop.