Food

McDonald's weighs smaller menu items for GLP-1 users

Higher protein and smaller portions could be on tap as McDonald's considers adding new menu items. ©Image Credit: Unsplash / José Miguel Rubio

It looks like GLP-1 users have hit the mainstream. Fast-food giant McDonald's is considering offering smaller food portions with increased protein. It's meant to appeal to GLP-1 users whose appetite and dietary choices don't exactly mesh with oversized portions.

Acknowledging changing customer habits

You never want to be the last business to recognize a change in consumer habits, and McDonald's is making sure of that by considering its GLP-1 customers.

With such a large portion of Americans using the weight loss drug, it makes sense to reexamine the menu. According to data from Gallup, in the past two years GLP-1 users have quadrupled.

“When people do go on GLP-1s they still crave our foods, but what they’re buying, the portions they are buying, changes,” McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski said. “We are going to evolve our menu to make sure it reflects what that consumer is looking for in the future.”

Portion flexible options could be the answer

Nothing has been made official yet, but McDonald's is reportedly considering smaller portion and high protein items such as egg bites, a crispy chicken bowl, and grilled chicken snack wraps.

The goal is to offer "protein-led choices" and "portion-flexible options" that appeal not just to GLP-1 users, but to anyone looking for healthier fast food. Customers are more mindful of the food they eat and are looking for options that fit into their lifestyle choices.

Data backs up the changing habits

McDonald's observations are based on facts, as data shows that when consumers begin taking GLP-1 drugs, they cut their spending at coffee shops, fast-food chains, and limited-service restaurants by 8%.

It changes how they think about food and what they eat. Rather than ignoring or fighting the new reality, McDonald's is looking for a way to acknowledge it and give customers the food that works for them.

You may want to keep your eye out for new menu items not just at McDonald's, but at fast food chains in general that are making the shift to healthier options.

Source: Click Orlando News 6

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