McDonald's to test protein-rich menu items and fund franchise upgrades

At its Investor Day presentation, McDonald’s outlined a strategy to introduce new, protein-focused menu items in response to changing consumer preferences linked to the use of GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic. President Skye Anderson said about 30 million Americans are on these drugs, which are prompting diners to seek smaller, protein-rich meals and to pay a premium for them. > “This is an opportunity. We need to keep giving them more reasons to make McDonald’s their first choice,” Anderson said.

The company said it will test egg-bite style breakfast products that compete with similar offerings from Starbucks, and it plans to launch a lunch-time bowl concept intended to rival Chipotle’s burrito bowls, likely featuring meat. Additional items under consideration include a grilled chicken sandwich and wraps.

McDonald’s also disclosed a commitment of roughly $8.5 billion to assist franchisees with restaurant upgrades through 2036 as part of its “NEXT” growth strategy. The upgrades may include delivery lockers, larger play areas, and redesigned kitchen layouts. The chain will expand use of its ArchIQ artificial-intelligence system, developed with Google, to improve order accuracy and automate tasks such as inventory management and staff scheduling.

Franchisees, who typically spend about $450,000 on periodic remodels, would otherwise need to invest an additional $800,000 to $1 million for the planned modernisation; McDonald’s said it will cover part of those costs. The company did not respond to requests for further details on the new menu items.