How many Big Macs does McDonald’s sell each year? Not as many as this top menu item

With a staggering 44,000 locations spanning the globe, it is no surprise that McDonald’s moves massive quantities of beef. According to official company data, the chain sold 719 million pounds of burgers throughout 2023.

The Big Mac Legacy

Much of that beef is funneled into one of the most iconic sandwiches on the planet. As noted by Taryn Pire in an article for Mashed, the Big Mac remains a titan of the fast-food industry. In the United States alone, McDonald’s moves roughly 550 million Big Macs annually. While that figure is massive, it does not account for the sales across the more than 100 other countries where the burger is served.

The Fries Reign Supreme

Despite the notoriety of the Big Mac, it isn't actually the chain's best-selling item. That title belongs to McDonald’s French fries, which the company reports reach 3.6 billion servings sold each year in the U.S. A 2022 McDonald’s report highlighted that fries held the top spot for orders, followed by the cheeseburger and the McChicken.

From Pitcairn to Popularity

The Big Mac holds a unique place in culinary history, originating in 1968 thanks to Pittsburg-based McDonald’s owner Jim Delligatti. Interestingly, the burger contains less beef than a Quarter Pounder with cheese, keeping it at a lower price point. And for those curious about its branding, the iconic name was actually the brainchild of a secretary in the McDonald’s advertising department—beating out other contenders like 'The Aristocrat' and the 'Blue Ribbon Burger,' 205focus.com reports.