When it comes to fast-food breakfast, two names dominate the American drive-thru: Burger King and McDonald’s. As consumers become more conscious about pricing, Burger King Breakfast quality, and health, the breakfast menu has evolved from a quick bite to a competitive battlefield.
In this detailed comparison, we break down the Burger King breakfast menu and the McDonald’s breakfast lineup across five essential categories: Menu Variety, Price, Taste, Nutrition, and Availability.
Whether you’re a fan of the Croissan’wich or crave the classic Egg McMuffin, here’s everything you need to know before you order.
1. Menu Variety: Innovation vs Tradition
Burger King Breakfast Menu
Burger King offers a rich and savory experience, focused on toasted croissants, fluffy eggs, and flame-grilled meat.
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Croissan’wich (Sausage, Bacon, Egg)
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Breakfast Burritos
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French Toast Sticks
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Hash Browns
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BK Café Coffee
McDonald’s Breakfast Menu
McDonald’s maintains a classic American-style approach with tried-and-true favorites.
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Egg McMuffin
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McGriddles
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Hotcakes
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Sausage Biscuit
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Hash Browns
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McCafé Drinks
Verdict:
McDonald’s wins for traditional variety, while Burger King appeals to those wanting a twist on the usual.
2. Price Comparison: Where’s the Best Deal?
| Item | Burger King | McDonald’s |
|---|---|---|
| Sausage Sandwich | $3.99 | $3.79 |
| Hash Browns | $1.79 | $1.89 |
| Medium Coffee | $1.99 | $1.69 |
| Breakfast Combo Meal | $5.99 | $6.49 |
Verdict:
Burger King offers more affordable combo meals, while McDonald’s stays competitive on drinks and individual items.
Taste & Quality: Bold vs Balanced
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Burger King’s Croissan’wich uses buttery croissants and flame-grilled sausage for a bold, satisfying bite.
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McDonald’s Egg McMuffin and McGriddles are more balanced with their light textures and sweet-savory combinations.
Verdict:
Tie. If you want hearty and rich, go for Burger King. For a classic, familiar flavor, McDonald’s delivers.
4. Health & Nutrition: Calories Count
| Item | Calories | Fat (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Croissan’wich (BK) | 450 | 28 | 16 |
| Egg McMuffin (McD) | 300 | 13 | 17 |
| Hash Browns (BK) | 250 | 16 | 2 |
| Hash Browns (McD) | 150 | 9 | 1.5 |
Verdict:
McDonald’s is generally lighter and more calorie-conscious, making it the better choice for health-focused consumers.
5. Breakfast Hours: Who’s Open When?
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Burger King: Typically 6:00 AM to 10:30 AM
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McDonald’s: Breakfast available from 5:00 AM; some locations offer all-day breakfast
Verdict:
McDonald’s wins for longer availability and flexible timing, especially with its limited all-day options.
Final Verdict: Who Takes the Breakfast Crown?
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Menu Variety | McDonald’s |
| Price | Burger King |
| Taste | Tie |
| Health/Nutrition | McDonald’s |
| Hours | McDonald’s |
Overall Winner: McDonald’s
McDonald’s edges out Burger King in health, menu tradition, and accessibility. However, for flavor-packed, filling breakfast meals, the Burger King breakfast menu remains a powerful contender.