McDonald’s recently introduced a new burger called the Big Arch, which is available at all of its Portugal locations. This burger features two beef patties layered with cheese, toppings, and McDonald’s sauce, totaling a hefty 1,065 calories. For reference, adult women typically need 1,600 to 2,400 calories a day, while men require about 2,200 to 3,000 calories. This means that the Big Arch could make up more than two-thirds of one’s daily caloric intake, even before adding fries and a drink.
The company plans to test the Big Arch in select international markets, including Portugal, Canada, and Germany. McDonald’s CEO, Chris Kempczinski, mentioned the possibility of a larger burger in various markets around the world in a previous interview. The goal of launching the Big Arch is to meet customer demands for a more satisfying burger while providing value for money.
Despite the high calorie content of the Big Arch, the fat content is also a concern. With 67 grams of fat, it makes up 96% of the recommended daily fat intake for adults. Sports nutritionist Melissa Boufounos warns against consuming too much processed and fatty animal-based protein, as it can lead to health issues like high cholesterol and heart disease.
While McDonald’s is focused on offering cost-effective menu options, such as the $5 value meal that was recently introduced but lasted only a month, the company faced challenges with its second-quarter results. Although revenue increased by 2% compared to the previous year, it fell short of Wall Street estimates across various metrics. Kempczinski mentioned that consumers are becoming more selective with their spending.
In addition to the Big Arch, McDonald’s is also prioritizing strategic growth drivers like chicken offerings and loyalty programs. The company aims to adapt to changing consumer preferences and boost its performance in the market. Subscribe to the Fortune Next to Lead newsletter for valuable insights and resources for emerging business leaders.
