McDonald’s is preparing to change its menu as the growing popularity of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs begins to influence what customers want to eat.
The fast-food giant is exploring new protein-focused meals, including grilled chicken sandwiches and wraps, egg bites and different types of bowls. The company says many customers are increasingly looking for smaller portions, more protein and food that feels filling without being excessive.
Grilled Chicken Makes A Comeback
One of the biggest changes could be the return of grilled chicken to McDonald’s US menu.
The company removed grilled chicken from its US menu in 2020 as part of an effort to simplify its offerings during the pandemic.
However, McDonald’s says grilled chicken has now become the most requested item among customers looking for higher-protein choices.
The company is considering grilled chicken sandwiches and wraps for the US and other international markets.
Burger Bowls And Chicken Bowls Being Tested
McDonald’s is also experimenting with new bowl-based meals.
One option being tested is a crispy chicken bowl served on a bed of lettuce, cheese and tomatoes with ranch dressing.
The company is also exploring a burger bowl and other combinations that could provide protein while offering customers greater control over portion sizes.
These products are still being tested, and McDonald’s has not announced when they will officially launch.
Egg Bites Could Join Breakfast Menu
The protein-focused strategy extends to breakfast as well.
McDonald’s is testing egg bites as another potential menu option for customers looking for smaller, protein-rich meals.
The company is looking at how such products could fit across different parts of the day rather than limiting the strategy to lunch and dinner.
GLP-1 Users Are Changing Food Choices
The growing use of GLP-1 medicines such as Ozempic and Wegovy is changing eating habits for many consumers.
People taking these medicines can experience reduced appetite and may prefer smaller meals rather than large bundled combinations.
McDonald’s says these customers are increasingly interested in protein and portion flexibility while being less interested in sugary drinks and oversized meals.
The company says about 84% of US households with GLP-1 users already visit McDonald’s.
McNuggets And Happy Meals Already Popular
McDonald’s says GLP-1 users are already choosing several existing products from its menu.
Chicken McNuggets, Filet-O-Fish and Happy Meals are among the items attracting these customers.
The company therefore sees an opportunity to expand its existing protein-focused options rather than completely redesigning its menu.
Protein Demand Extends Beyond GLP-1 Users
The shift is not exclusively about weight-loss medication users.
McDonald’s says around 60 million American consumers are actively trying to increase the amount of protein in their diets.
That creates a much larger potential customer base for products such as grilled chicken, egg bites and protein-focused bowls.
The company is therefore positioning the menu changes as part of a broader shift in consumer eating habits.
McDonald’s Is Investing Billions In Its Restaurants
The menu changes are part of a much larger transformation planned by McDonald’s.
The company has announced plans to invest $8.5 billion over the next decade to modernise its global restaurant network.
The overhaul will include updated kitchens, dedicated delivery lockers, expanded play areas and greater use of artificial intelligence for tasks such as scheduling and inventory management.
More Menu Changes Could Follow
McDonald’s has not finalised all the products it is testing, meaning customers could see additional protein-focused options in the future.
The company is attempting to balance changing eating habits with the traditional fast-food experience that has made its menu popular worldwide.
For McDonald’s, the rise of GLP-1 drugs represents a challenge to some established eating patterns but also an opportunity to attract customers looking for smaller, protein-rich meals.
Summary
McDonald’s is exploring grilled chicken sandwiches, wraps, chicken bowls, burger bowls and egg bites as it adapts to changing consumer eating habits. The company says GLP-1 users are increasingly seeking smaller portions and more protein, while millions of other consumers are also trying to increase protein intake. Grilled chicken, removed from the US menu in 2020, could make a comeback.
