What is the difference between the Quarter Pounder and the Big N Tasty burgers? None of the people dining at my local McDonald’s today knew for sure. Some said it was completely different from top to bottom. Others said it was the same beef patty with a fancier bun, and of course the BNT has extra vegetables. One man said he didn’t care, and asked me to leave him alone. He was eating Chicken McNuggets.

McDonald’s fact as told to FFC — The Big N Tasty is simply a Quarter Pounder with Leaf Lettuce and Tomato added, plus it substitutes Mayo for Mustard. Everything else is the same. The beef patty, bun, slivered onions, pickles and ketchup are all standard QP ingredients. And both sandwiches offer Cheese as an option for extra cost.

Now we know, for sure. Therefore, one needs to only imagine lettuce and tomato on their Quarter Pounder to understand the BNT. The mustard versus mayo choice is often a moot point, because people frequently substitute one for the other already.

So, how does it taste? Like a Quarter Pounder with lettuce and tomato. No surprises. It’s definitely an upgrade, but seems odd to brand it as such a different item, instead of just calling it a Quarter Pounder Deluxe or similar. I’m sure the marketing geniuses at McDonald’s know what they’re doing, and I won’t dwell on that issue. Still, it makes me wonder what they call the regular QP behind closed doors… Big N Tasteless?

I’ve eaten the BNT on three occasions recently. The tomatoes were juicy and flavorful, and the lettuce was crisp and fresh tasting. No complaints about the veggies.

The Big N Tasty from McDonald’s is a ‘decent’ fast food burger, but that’s as high of praise as I can give it. Read my Quarter Pounder review for more details. Frankly I just feel it’s time McDonald’s flexed it’s corporate muscles to come up with something new. They’ve already made solid improvements in their line of chicken products, with the premium strips and southern style sandwich. Maybe they can focus on creating a better burger now. If anybody can do it, the Fast Food McGiant can. Right?

Price: $2.89 / Website: McDonalds.com

Fast Food Critic Score: C+

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Nutrition Facts - McDonald’s Big N Tasty.

Calories - 460
Calories from Fat - 220
Total Fat - 24 grams
Carbs - 37 grams
Saturated Fat - 8 grams
Trans Fat - 1.5 grams
Cholesterol - 70 milligrams
Sodium - 720 milligrams
Protein - 24 grams