McDonald's, the iconic fast-food chain, is set to introduce significant changes to its most popular menu item, the Big Mac, as part of a major overhaul of its burger offerings.
The Wall Street Journal reports that these changes are part of McDonald's effort to produce what it calls "our best burgers ever."
Chris Young, McDonald’s Senior Director of Global Menu Strategy, emphasized the company's commitment to quality, stating, "We can do it quick, fast, and safe, but it doesn’t necessarily taste great. So, we want to incorporate quality into where we’re at."
The new Big Mac will feature over 50 modifications, including two all-beef patties cooked in smaller batches for a more uniform sear.
The revamp also includes an increase in the amount of the secret special sauce and improvements to the lettuce, cheese, and pickles, making them fresher and meltier. The traditional sesame seed bun will be replaced with a buttery brioche, sprinkled with sesame seeds in a more random pattern to give a homemade appearance.
At McDonald's headquarters in Chicago, Chef Chad Schafer has been perfecting the new burger patties for seven years.
He demonstrated the difference between a double cheeseburger made in the current standard way and one made using the new method. Schafer noted a significant improvement in the new burger, describing it as hotter, meltier, and more aromatic compared to the older version, which he found to be somewhat dry.
The new burger patties, first tested in Australia, are expected to be available in the U.S. by early 2024, starting with the West Coast and the Midwest.
This initiative is part of McDonald's broader strategy to enhance its menu offerings and customer experience.
