There’s something undeniably comforting about grabbing a warm McDonald’s breakfast roll to kick-start the morning.
Whether it’s the savoury blend of sausage, bacon and egg, or the nostalgic memory of road trips and morning commutes, this breakfast staple has become a firm favourite across the UK.
But what’s really inside it, and is it still available in 2025? Let’s explore its ingredients, calories, nutritional value and the current menu alternatives available today.
What Is the McDonald’s Breakfast Roll?
The McDonald’s Breakfast Roll is one of those classic UK fast-food items that has earned cult status among early risers. Known for its comforting taste, hearty ingredients, and affordable price, the breakfast roll combines British breakfast favourites into one easy-to-hold sandwich.
With elements like crispy bacon, juicy sausage, fluffy egg, cheese, and your choice of brown sauce or tomato ketchup, it delivers a satisfying punch whether you’re on the go or enjoying a slower start to your morning.
In recent years, McDonald’s UK has seen growing enthusiasm around its morning menu, especially for items that combine multiple breakfast elements. The breakfast roll stood out for its rustic simplicity, which made it a go-to for customers looking for a full English breakfast-style bite in a bun.
Yet, as of 2025, many customers have noticed its quiet disappearance from some locations, sparking discussions across forums and social media platforms.
Despite this, its legacy continues, and there’s still much to explore in terms of its nutritional content, ingredients, alternatives, and future availability.
What Ingredients Are in the McDonald’s Breakfast Roll?
The McDonald’s Breakfast Roll was built for flavour. It typically included:
Core Ingredients
- Pork Sausage Patty: 97% pork, seasoned with spices like black pepper and sage.
- Bacon: Lightly smoked and cooked to a tender finish.
- Egg: Free-range egg prepared with a vegetable and dairy fat blend.
- Cheese: Processed cheddar slices, rich in calcium and flavour.
- Bread Roll: A toasted soft white bun.
- Tomato Ketchup or Brown Sauce: Optional, depending on your taste.
Although some restaurants have replaced the traditional roll with a tortilla wrap version, the base ingredients remain largely the same.
Here’s how it compares ingredient-wise with the current Breakfast Wrap with Ketchup:
Ingredient Table: Breakfast Wrap (2025 Data)
| Ingredient | Energy (kJ) | Energy (kcal) |
| Egg | 610 | 146 |
| Large Tortilla Wrap | 719 | 170 |
| Potato Rosti | 532 | 128 |
| Pork Sausage Patty | 533 | 128 |
| Tomato Ketchup | 81 | 19 |
| Processed Cheddar Cheese | 196 | 48 |
| Bacon | 97 | 23 |
| Total | 2768 | 662 |
Each ingredient brings its own character, whether it’s the smokiness of the bacon or the warmth of the sausage. These combinations make it an iconic item for McDonald’s UK breakfast customers.
How Many Calories Are in a McDonald’s Breakfast Roll?
Calorie content has always been a major point of interest for customers. When available, the McDonald’s Breakfast Roll offered around 500 to 550 kcal, depending on the sauce option and the portion sizes of ingredients used.
However, in most 2025 McDonald’s UK branches, the Breakfast Wrap with Ketchup is currently the closest available alternative. This wrap contains:
- 662 kcal
- 2768 kJ
This puts it at around 33% of the daily reference intake (RI) for an average adult. It’s not the lightest item on the breakfast menu, but it is filling and offers protein and fibre, which can help you stay full longer.
What Is the Nutritional Breakdown of the McDonald’s Breakfast Roll?
For a better understanding, let’s look at the nutritional content of the Breakfast Wrap, which closely mirrors the Breakfast Roll’s components.
Nutritional Summary (Per Portion)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Reference Intake (RI) |
| Energy | 662 kcal | 33% |
| Fat | 34g | 48% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Carbohydrates | 52g | 20% |
| Sugars | 5.9g | 7% |
| Fibre | 5.2g | – |
| Protein | 35g | 70% |
| Salt | 2.5g | 41% |
Key Nutritional Insights
- High in protein for a fast-food breakfast option.
- Contains moderate carbohydrates, mostly from the wrap or roll.
- The salt content is relatively high at 41% RI, so it’s something to be mindful of if consumed frequently.
- Fat and saturated fat are both substantial, reflecting the inclusion of sausage, bacon and cheese.
Is the McDonald’s Breakfast Roll Healthy?
Whether or not the McDonald’s Breakfast Roll is considered healthy depends on what you’re comparing it to. In fast food terms, it’s relatively balanced, especially with a decent protein to calorie ratio. But it’s not ideal for those watching their sodium or saturated fat intake.
Health Considerations
- Protein-rich: Helps with muscle repair and satiety.
- High sodium: 2.5g of salt can be over 40% of your daily recommended intake.
- Contains allergens: Including egg, milk, wheat, and possibly sesame, barley and rye.
When Is It Best to Eat?
For active individuals or those skipping lunch, a Breakfast Roll or Wrap can serve as a high-energy, on-the-go option. But for lighter eaters or those with dietary restrictions, alternatives on the McDonald’s breakfast menu may be more suitable.
What Are the Alternatives to the McDonald’s Breakfast Roll on the Menu?
If the Breakfast Roll is unavailable in your local branch, McDonald’s UK has a variety of breakfast items to choose from. These range from protein-heavy McMuffins to lighter porridge options.
Popular 2025 McDonald’s UK Breakfast Items
McMuffins
- Sausage & Egg McMuffin
- Bacon & Egg McMuffin
- Double Bacon & Egg McMuffin
- Double Sausage & Egg McMuffin
- Egg & Cheese McMuffin
Wraps and Rolls
- Breakfast Wrap with Ketchup or Brown Sauce
- Bacon Roll with Ketchup or Brown Sauce
Other Options
- Cheesy Bacon Flatbread
- Pancakes & Syrup
- Pancakes & Sausage with Syrup
- Porridge (Plain, with Sugar, Strawberry Jam or Lyle’s Golden Syrup)
- Flahavan’s® Quick Oats®
- Apple Slices
- Muffin with Jam
- Hash Browns
These alternatives allow you to mix indulgence with moderation depending on your preferences.
Why Is the McDonald’s Breakfast Roll Rumoured to Be Discontinued?
In 2025, several Reddit discussions and local reports mentioned the Breakfast Roll being phased out in some locations. This has been attributed to menu streamlining and the rising popularity of tortilla wraps.
According to several employees on Reddit and menu announcements, McDonald’s UK is rationalising its offerings to simplify kitchen operations and improve service speed.
The Breakfast Roll may be replaced by a Sausage Patty in a Hamburger Bun or Breakfast Wraps, which are easier to assemble and transport.
While not officially confirmed as a permanent discontinuation, the absence of the roll from many menus suggests that it’s unlikely to return in all branches.
Can You Still Order the McDonald’s Breakfast Roll with McDelivery?
As of 2025, the McDonald’s Breakfast Roll is no longer universally available through McDelivery or in-store at most locations.
Instead, customers are encouraged to order alternatives like the Breakfast Wrap with Ketchup or Brown Sauce, which closely matches the roll’s flavour profile.
Ordering Tips
- Use the McDonald’s App: To check if your local branch still offers the roll.
- Opt for Customisation: You can request specific sauces or skip ingredients in the wrap.
- Earn Rewards Points: Through the McDelivery app or McDonald’s Rewards system.
What Should People with Allergies Know About the McDonald’s Breakfast Roll?
McDonald’s kitchens handle a wide variety of ingredients, and cross-contamination is always a possibility. Even if specific allergens are removed upon request, there’s no guarantee of a fully allergen-free item.
Known Allergens in the Breakfast Roll
- Egg
- Milk
- Wheat
- Possible traces of sesame, rye, barley
All buns, rolls and wraps are toasted in shared equipment, so individuals with severe allergies should consult McDonald’s allergen information or speak to staff before ordering.
How Does the McDonald’s Breakfast Roll Compare to Other Fast Food Breakfast Options?
When compared to breakfast offerings from other major UK fast-food chains, McDonald’s Breakfast Roll or its wrap equivalent stands out for its:
- Rich flavour and classic ingredients
- High protein content
- Customisation options
However, rivals like Greggs or Pret a Manger offer lower-salt, vegetarian, or vegan breakfast choices that cater to different dietary needs. In terms of calories, McDonald’s is on the higher side but delivers value and satiety for the portion size.
What Tips Can Help You Enjoy a Healthier McDonald’s Breakfast?
Eating out doesn’t have to derail your healthy eating habits. Here are a few ways to keep it balanced.
Healthier Choices
- Swap sauces: Choose ketchup over brown sauce for fewer calories.
- Skip cheese or bacon: To reduce saturated fat.
- Go for porridge or apple slices: On lighter days.
- Order one item only: Avoid pairing a heavy wrap with hash browns if you’re calorie conscious.
Smart Ordering Tips
- Check nutrition info in the app
- Go early: Breakfast is served until 11.00 AM
- Use loyalty rewards to try new items without overcommitting
Conclusion
Despite its unclear future, the McDonald’s Breakfast Roll remains one of the brand’s most nostalgic and flavourful breakfast items. It offers a substantial meal that blends traditional British breakfast elements into one satisfying option.
While it may be absent from many 2025 menus, the Breakfast Wrap with Ketchup stands in confidently as its spiritual successor.
For those seeking a hearty start to their day with a good dose of protein and indulgence, the roll or wrap delivers. However, it’s important to be mindful of the sodium and fat levels if consumed frequently.
Whether or not it makes a full comeback, its place in UK breakfast culture is undeniable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is McDonald’s breakfast served in the UK?
McDonald’s breakfast is served until 11.00 AM every day across the UK.
Is the McDonald’s Breakfast Roll permanently discontinued?
It is not officially confirmed as permanently discontinued, but it is not available in most branches as of 2025.
Can I still get a breakfast wrap at McDonald’s?
Yes, the Breakfast Wrap with Ketchup or Brown Sauce is still available and closely resembles the original roll.
Is the breakfast roll healthier than a McMuffin?
The Breakfast Roll typically has more calories and fat than a single McMuffin but also offers more protein and satiety.
Are there vegetarian options in McDonald’s breakfast menu?
As of 2025, vegetarian options are limited but include porridge, pancakes, and hash browns.
Can I customise my McDonald’s breakfast order?
Yes, you can customise sauces and skip certain ingredients through the McDonald’s app or in-store ordering screens.
Does McDonald’s breakfast contain nuts?
McDonald’s UK states that while no breakfast items contain nuts as ingredients, they cannot guarantee they are nut-free due to cross-contamination.
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