For over 55 years, McDonald’s has been a mainstay in most communities. It has at times been beloved by some and demonized by others but over the years it has continued to evolve into what it is today.
And recently the fast-food giant announced big changes to their popular menu.
McDonald's is aware of the fact that their customers are changing and looking for healthier alternatives to traditional fast food. They make decisions based on what the customer wants and needs, and it was clear to them that updates needed to be made.
But one thing they say customers can always count on is their commitment to offering high quality, affordable food that tastes great.
Here are the recently announced nutrition updates happening at McDonald's nationwide:
First of all, McDonald's rolled out menu board labeling in September 2012 so customers can see the calorie information for every menu item, both at the counter and in the drive-thru. All of the 14,000 US McDonald’s locations now have the new menu boards.
Secondly, McDonald's has plans to continue to enhance and expand their menu in 2013 to include more recommended food groups for customers, helping to make nutritious choices easy for parents.
Thirdly, McDonald's presented their first-ever Nutrition Progress Report, showcasing the advancements that they’ve made in support of their nutrition announcements and menu changes.
In 2013, the world's biggest burger restaurant is telling their fans to be on the look-out for the following menu-items and expansions:
1. The McWrap – a McDonald's Europe-inspired wrap that features fresh cucumbers and quality chicken and starts at only 350 calories
2. An Egg McMuffin of egg whites on a whole grain English Muffin, with Canadian bacon and cheddar cheese, all for only 260 calories
3. More seasonal fruits
4. Additional produce side options and grilled, reduced sodium chicken choices for children's Happy Meals
The changes and updates to the menu reflect the pressures that fast food restaurants are under from critics who blame them for the current obesity epidemic, as well as competitors who bill themselves as healthier options, like Subway.
During summer 2012, McDonald's rolled out a "Favorites Under 400" campaign that focused on menu items that had fewer than 400 calories. Surprisingly to some, McDonald's says around 80 percent of the items on their menu fall in the "under 400 calories" category.
Providing calorie counts and more nutritious options will not cure the problem of obesity in the United States, but if customers make even slightly better choices, those things can add up. McDonald's is showing its customers that more knowledge, not calories, is powerful.
Sources:
McDonald's new menu item: Calorie counts. Fox news.com. Web Oct. 10, 2012.
http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2012/09/12/mcdonald-new-menu-item-calorie-counts
Press release: McDONALD’S USA ADDING CALORIE COUNTS TO MENU BOARDS, INNOVATING WITH RECOMMENDED FOOD GROUPS, PUBLISHES NUTRITION PROGRESS REPORT. Web Oct. 10, 2012.
http://www.aboutmcdonalds.com/content/dam/AboutMcDonalds/Newsroom/Electronic%20Press%20Kits/Nutrition%20EPK/McDonalds%20USA%20Adding%20Calorie%20Counts%20to%20Menu%20Boards.pdf
Reviewed October 11, 2012
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith