McDonald's Adapts Menu Focusing on High Protein and Flavor Innovation

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - McDonald's, the global fast-food giant, made another breakthrough with a significant menu adjustment in February 2026 that highlights high-protein items.

This innovative move is inextricably linked to the increasing use of GLP-1 weight-loss medications, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, which are influencing many people's dietary preferences.

CEO Chris Kempczinski said in an earnings call Wednesday that McDonald's is testing menu items to appeal to customers taking GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy, who prefer protein-rich foods, according to Benzinga.

“As adoption grows, we know that consumers’ behavior changes,” Kempczinski said, noting these customers tend to lean toward more protein-rich and lower-calorie meals.

McDonald's Corporation is actively adapting its offerings to cater to customers taking GLP-1 weight-loss medications.

These medications have changed portion sizes, snacking habits, and beverage choices among consumers.

Therefore, McDonald's is focusing on higher-protein items and portion-controlled options to meet this demand.

Vice President Jill McDonald also emphasized the high-protein options already available on their menu.

Some of these include Snack Wraps, Sausage Biscuit sandwiches, and McCrispy Strips, which have long been customer favorites.

Furthermore, McDonald's plans to roll out its "Best Burger" initiative to nearly all markets by 2026.

This initiative includes softer buns, perfectly melted cheese, juicier and caramelized flavors, and the addition of more Big Mac sauce.

In an effort to meet consumer demand for protein-rich foods, McDonald's is introducing several exciting new menu items.

One of these is the Hot Honey Sausage Egg Biscuit, which offers 17 grams of protein.

In addition, McDonald's is also launching the Bacon Hot Honey McCrispy Sandwich and the Hot Honey McCrispy Sandwich, both featuring their signature McCrispy fillet.

The Hot Honey Snack Wrap, filled with McCrispy strips, will also be available, complemented by a Hot Honey Sauce Dip Cup.

The Grilled Chicken Sandwich is one of the highest-protein options, with around 31-35.8 grams of protein and less saturated fat than the fried version.

The Egg McMuffin provides a good balance of protein and carbohydrates, with approximately 298-310 calories and 17 grams of protein.

Meanwhile, the Sausage McMuffin with Egg is the breakfast option with the highest protein content, boasting 20-22 grams of protein, despite being around 480 calories.

For meat lovers, the Double Quarter Pounder offers the most protein of any single item on the McDonald's menu, with 47-48 grams of protein.

McCrispy Chicken Sandwiches are also a good choice, each containing approximately 26-34 grams of protein.

In addition to focusing on protein, McDonald's is also introducing other flavor innovations in February 2026.

One of the most anticipated is the Hot Honey sauce, available at participating locations starting January 27th for a limited time.

This sauce is expected to add a unique sweet and spicy touch to a variety of dishes.

In the UK market, several exciting additions to the core menu have been introduced.

These include the Tikka Chicken Wrap, available with crispy or grilled chicken, and the Philly Cheese Stack, a layered burger with two beef patties, melted cheddar cheese sauce, grilled onions, and crispy shallots.

For the US market, McDonald's is surprising you with the McNugget Caviar Kit, a limited-edition kit that includes caviar, a pearl spoon, crème fraîche, and a $25 McDonald's Arch card, as a unique Valentine's Day twist.

McDonald's in the UK is also introducing official "secret" menu items like the Chicken Cheeseburger, a combination of beef and chicken patties, and the Surf N' Turf burger, which combines a beef patty and a fish fillet.

Meanwhile, the "Big Arch," a massive double-patty burger that has been introduced overseas, may soon debut in the US.