McDonald’s is set to give its burgers a major makeover, aiming to make them juicier and more flavorful.
The changes include grilling six patties at a time instead of eight to retain more burger patty juices, using buttery brioche buns with a thicker bottom to retain heat, and taking cheese out of refrigerators sooner so it melts more during cooking.
The onions will be rehydrated after purchase for more juiciness, and lettuce and pickles will be stored in smaller containers to be refreshed more often. The test kitchen at McDonald’s Chicago headquarters has been experimenting with a new methodology for burger flipping, and the changes are going into effect due to pressure from the burgeoning burger market, particularly an expedited process recently implemented at Five Guys.
These changes follow significant improvements from 2018, when McDonald’s eliminated artificial preservatives in its burgers. The improved burgers are currently available in select U.S. cities such as Los Angeles, Seattle, and San Francisco.
What are the specific changes that McDonald’s is making to its burgers?
McDonald’s is making several improvements to its burgers to enhance their quality and flavor. The specific changes include:
- Softer, freshly toasted buns to provide a more enjoyable texture.
- Meltier cheese for a richer and gooier experience.
- Juicier patties achieved by adding white onions to the grill while the burgers are cooking, resulting in a caramelized flavor.
- More Big Mac sauce to ensure customers get a consistent amount of sauce in every bite.
- Adjusting grill settings to improve the sear on the burgers.
Will the changes to McDonald’s burgers affect the price of the food?
The changes to McDonald’s burgers are not expected to significantly affect the price of the food. While the company is making several improvements to its burgers, such as using softer buns, meltier cheese, and adding more sauce, these changes are relatively small individually. McDonald’s CEO has stated that select price increases have been put in place, but the company is also mindful of pricing its menu relative to rivals like Wendy’s. Therefore, the overall impact on the price of the food is expected to be minimal.
