July 7th 2024.
McDonald's has recently made the decision to stop offering salads on their menu in the United States. While salads may not be the first thing that comes to mind when we think of McDonald's, they have been a staple on the menu for some time now. And let's be honest, after indulging in a few too many Big Macs and Chicken McNuggets, the thought of a crispy chicken and bacon salad can sound pretty appealing.
Unfortunately, for those of us in the US, this will no longer be an option. The company's president, Joe Erlinger, explained that the decision was made due to the lack of demand for healthier options on their menu. This was further reinforced during the pandemic when the production of salads was halted in order to streamline operations. Simply put, not enough people were ordering them.
During a recent interview at the Wall Street Journal Global Food Forum in Chicago, Erlinger stated, "The demand just isn't there. They're looking for great french fries, a $5 meal deal, a hot, fresh sandwich. And that's what we're going to continue to provide them." So, it seems that for now, the focus will remain on their more popular items.
But for those of us across the pond in the UK, there is no need to panic. According to McDonald's, there are currently no plans to discontinue any of the five salads on their menu. Salads were first introduced in the US back in 2000 with the McSalad Shaker, which was heavily marketed. However, it didn't quite catch on with customers as it was not considered substantial enough. In 2003, the Shaker was replaced with Premium Salads, which included grilled chicken, mix-ins, and dressing. But even with the heartier portion, the item did not gain popularity with consumers.
For those in the UK, the salad options include a grilled chicken salad with lettuce, cucumber, tomato, and red onion, along with a crispy chicken salad. The company prides itself on using 30g of their own Balsamic Dressing, which they claim only adds 1.4g of fat to the meal. And for those looking for plant-based options, the McPlant burger, made with Beyond Meat from pea and rice proteins, has been successful in other countries such as the UK, Germany, Holland, and Portugal. However, it was not well received in the US and has since been removed from the menu.
So, while our friends in the US may no longer have the option to order a salad at McDonald's, those of us in the UK can still enjoy this healthier alternative. And who knows, maybe one day salads will make a comeback in the US, but for now, it seems that customers are more interested in indulging in their favorite classics from the fast-food giant.
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