McDonald's getting rid of items from menu
NEW YORK (AP) - McDonald's is getting rid of its Chicken Selects and Fruit & Walnut Salad and is considering the removal of Angus burgers.
The changeup comes as the world's biggest hamburger chain plans to step up the number of limited-time menu items in the year ahead.
Most recently, the chain introduced its Fish McBites. It plans to introduce McWrap chicken sandwiches with lettuce, tomato and cucumber and a choice of three sauces later this year. The McWrap sandwiches will be larger than the chain's Snack Wraps.
The Oak Brook, Ill.-based company said in an emailed statement that it is "evaluating options as it relates to the Angus Third Pounders," which were introduced in 2009. The Selects chicken fingers were introduced in 2004 and the Fruit & Walnut Salad was introduced in 2005.
Earlier this week, the Kentucky New Era quoted a McDonald's franchisee's Facebook post noting the discontinuation of the three items.
"Sorry if one of these were your favorite, they just did not sell well enough nationally," the site quoted McEnaney Enterprises as saying. That post has since been removed.
After years of outperforming rivals, McDonald's has been struggling as competitors including Burger King and Wendy's step up their marketing and menu offerings. Fast-food chains are also fighting to attract customers at a time when people are being more careful about where they spend their money.
In a shakeup late last year, McDonald's ousted the head of its U.S. business. The move came after a key sales figure dropped for the first time in nearly a decade. CEO Don Thompson, who took the top spot this summer, has said the company has a strong pipeline of new items for 2013.
In the meantime, some McDonald's operators may welcome the company's plans to stop serving some items.
"The menu at McDonald's has gotten so broad and so jumbled that nothing sells in large numbers," said Richard Adams, a former McDonald's franchisee who now consults for franchisees. "This business was built on simplicity, and that's kind of gone out of the window in the last decade."
The changeup comes as the world's biggest hamburger chain plans to step up the number of limited-time menu items in the year ahead.
Most recently, the chain introduced its Fish McBites. It plans to introduce McWrap chicken sandwiches with lettuce, tomato and cucumber and a choice of three sauces later this year. The McWrap sandwiches will be larger than the chain's Snack Wraps.
The Oak Brook, Ill.-based company said in an emailed statement that it is "evaluating options as it relates to the Angus Third Pounders," which were introduced in 2009. The Selects chicken fingers were introduced in 2004 and the Fruit & Walnut Salad was introduced in 2005.
Earlier this week, the Kentucky New Era quoted a McDonald's franchisee's Facebook post noting the discontinuation of the three items.
"Sorry if one of these were your favorite, they just did not sell well enough nationally," the site quoted McEnaney Enterprises as saying. That post has since been removed.
After years of outperforming rivals, McDonald's has been struggling as competitors including Burger King and Wendy's step up their marketing and menu offerings. Fast-food chains are also fighting to attract customers at a time when people are being more careful about where they spend their money.
In a shakeup late last year, McDonald's ousted the head of its U.S. business. The move came after a key sales figure dropped for the first time in nearly a decade. CEO Don Thompson, who took the top spot this summer, has said the company has a strong pipeline of new items for 2013.
In the meantime, some McDonald's operators may welcome the company's plans to stop serving some items.
"The menu at McDonald's has gotten so broad and so jumbled that nothing sells in large numbers," said Richard Adams, a former McDonald's franchisee who now consults for franchisees. "This business was built on simplicity, and that's kind of gone out of the window in the last decade."
Haven't been to McDonald's in more than twenty years, but curiosity brought me to read this article. Actually the Fruit and Walnut Salad is an item I might consider if it were not loaded with more junk than fruit and walnuts. I can understand why the chain would drop the item if it were nutritious because one who considers nutrition relative to food intake does not normally go to McDonald's. The thought of ingesting those fat saturated burgers and what passes for french-fries is enough to cause me to head the toilet and heave.
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As a retired Nurse I have first-hand knowledge (that) the "Golden Arches" Yellow is nearly IDENTICAL to the FAT this food puts into your body. No, I don't eat there, I have more respect for my body and what I put into it!Â
The chicken selects were real chicken, bummer.
Wow.. Â The Angus burgers were their best. Â Now I guess I don't need to eat there anymore for burgers. Â UNLESS, of course, they start offering anus beef instead. Â That's the highest quality is right around the rim meat.
Ever since a McDonald's had staff that did nothing to help a transgender customer while she was being beaten into a state of seizure, I will NOT buy a single thing from this "food" chain.
@jbdean So which companies do you buy from, cause I could probably dig up something negative about every single one of them.  That same staff is probably working for someone else now, you want to boycott an entire company over one incident at one restaurant, never understood that position.
@oledawg @jbdean Unfortunately these are the same people who vote Democrat or Republican based on single issues. No thought is put into getting a more holistic picture.
I sure bought a lot of Happy Meals when my son was in the 2 to about 7 or 8 year range. What's critical is the consistency from one store to another. When you have a child that's hungry and cranky, you don't want any surprises. Now that he's older we go to Five Guys.
I don't usually go to fast food, and even more rare to McD's. I do remember quite a few years ago, I had a neighbor who was in her 70's and she ate at the McD's that was just across the street from our apartments for all 3 meals (!). I kid you not. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. She was thin and had no health problems at all. She lived to be in her mid 90's. Amazing... but she probably was the exception or maybe McD's was 'healthier' back then? Nah... :)
Angus burgers are the best thing on the menu after the fries. Â PLEASE!!!!!! don't take them off!
I do have to say that their french fries are the BOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
No matter what they serve, it is all crap!!! Either it's full of SUGAR and they say it's tootie fruitee or it's full of FAT and say it's delicious!! Their shakes are the worst!!! Can't get better than J&B for shakes!!!Â
The meat is not 100% beef, but 100% fat! The 1/4 Pounder has shrunk over the years and is really ridiculous!!!
I'm through with the HORSE MEAT, hamburger crap and Wendy's water worms mixed into their meat calling it "Hot and Juicy" Come on!! It was on 20-20 news years back!!Â
@reelin21Â Yeah, like the media is always telling the truth.
Who eats there? I mean really people still eat at this crappy place. Not only does the food suck, the portions reflect the corporate bottom line. This is the worst of the worst in garbage food!!
@signboy Nobody goes there anymore. It's too crowded.
@signboy every mcdonalds i go by are always full , or at least the drive up always has cars going through. Admit it signboy you eat there, yes you do , yes you do.
@sportbuff01 @signboy Yes, a lot of people DO patronize McDonald's but by no means is it everyone. I certainly eat my share of fast food but I haven't been in a McDonald's for at least fifteen years and that time was ONLY for French fries.
wish these fast food joints would quit trying to be all in one. Go back to making the burgers and fries McD and let the others do their own specialty foods.
40 years ago menu changes were considered after much thought and trials. What has happened? Who is in charge?
I feel that fast food chains should think more healthier. I know where I am from the McDonald main problem is the service from the workers. The workers are very rude or very lazy. You will have five workers just standing around while 2 people re in the back preparing all the food. BUt as far as the removal good ahead but replace with a healthier option.
Chicken strips ARE simple and in my mind a burger joint staple. Fish bites, nasty. I agree with others that a veggie burger would be an awesome addition to the menu.
McDonald's in India has their entire menu vegetarian. Not sure why they don't offer veggie options here.
@VÂ McDonald's in India offers chicken sandwiches. Â I bet that's not vegetarian. Â Also, there's a reason they offer so many veg choices - it's more popular considering local customs and religious beliefs. Â Therefore, it makes more money. Â BUSINESS 101 FOR THE WIN!
@dirtysoup @V If they tried they might find that a veggie burger sells very well in the US.Â
@IronWafflez @dirtysoup @V of course, it won't be healthy as making it your own and it will have to be cooked the same way as the burgers.
Yummy yummy give me a textured vegetable protein burger yum yum...
@SandyBeach So true. Vegetarians and Vegans think they are so "healthy" by adopting a lifestyle without meat or seafood when in actuality they are eating nearly 100%% GMO or processed foods (unless strictly shopping at health markets or Whole Foods, or making the majority of what they eat from scratch).... by just adopting a healthy lifestyle and eating organic fruits/vegetables/legumes and humanly raised meats/seafood, we can all be healthier in the end. Furthermore, maybe it would be a good option for McDonalds to through a Boca paddy on the menu, whose to say it won't be a big hit, but I'd rather drive down the street and grab a Subway Salad (if I must eat fast food)....Â
Perhaps "nationally" we in America can get the same healthier sandwich items that were available to Canadians around 2004-2006 (or later).  They were serving deli sandwiches, turkey, ham, etc... on whole wheat bread. Sure, processed meats are not "good" for you, but processed chicken, turkey, and ham are magnitudes better for you than fish Mcbites.  Quit frying everything  McDonalds - its obvious you prefer this method of cooking because it's cheaper and requires less skill for the declining intellect in today's society.
There really is nothing at McDonalds that I would consider delicious (well, except maybe the M&M McFlurry).  I like a quarter pounder well enough on the rare occasion I go there with friends or family but none of the menu really appeals to me.  It's all very cheap and obviously unhealthy food.  Go ahead and get rid of the Angus burgers, they're terrible salty gobs of "meat" and bread.  I've always felt ill after eating one, same goes for the Big Mac.
Wendy's is probably the best of the common fast food joints (I love their Apple Pecan chicken salad!) and they have better variety than most places. Â If I crave a burger though I'd rather go to In-N-Out or Five Guys.
Ultimately though, you'll always get healthier food for far less expense if you prepare it yourself!
Start by getting rid of Fish McBites.
All of it is garbage.
Well on the rare occasion I eat there maybe like once a year or two I get chicken selects because it does not taste like rubber.
The Angus Swiss Mushroom burger is about the only burger they have I like.
People really want cheap and healthy that tastes good. I know there has got to be a way for someone to create a fast food restaurant with no frying and all healthy options with only100% whole grain breads, etc.
@trulyloved I'm there with you. I can't tell you how many times I've said: "If someone would just come up with a fast food joint that makes organic, non-hydrogenated, healthier food, I'd be there!" It's so handy to just pop in/drive through and get fast food, especially with kids and sports and the crazy schedule. And one can only eat so much subway; and their meats are cured anyhow. I know it could be done.
@Thunder They DO have that, it's called Chipotle. The food is fast, the ingredients are quality, and everything is prepared to order in front of you. If you're still eating processed, pre-sliced Subway sandwiches instead of spending money at the healthier options like Chipotle (or the analogs thereof) then you're not making it a profitable enough market that fast food restaurants will change their model to resemble it.
If you want to see businesses take a certain approach, you have to show them it'd be worth it to their bottom line. Put your money where your mouth is -- somewhat literally.
@Rach Williams Thanks for the suggestion, but I'm thinking more along the lines of a McDonalds, but using truly healthy ingredients to make similar fare. Mexican is great too and I may try a Chipotle, although the nearest one is over 20 miles form me and certainly not "fast".
It's a wonder why 60% of Americans are obese. Â Amazing that people still eat at any of these places. Â
@The206Â You're right of course - too many people pay attention to too may ads. Â This should be, at most, a once in awhile thing. Â Many folks eat it daily. Â Though my diet is far from perfect, I sure don't eat this junk. Â It should at least taste good - & this stuff doesn't. Â And I do worry about the growing cost of an increasingly obese America - drives up health costs for everyone. Â
When they sell a "Wopper Jr." I'll patronize them.
Rock on Ronald McDonald
The fast food places today are all the same, horrible. Â I remember when we used to have Gil's in Seattle. The food tasted real, not like the junk they serve today.
@Denise Harrington Yeah, so don't go there. Pretty simple solution, we all know it's bad.Â
I won't go there unless they bring back the 2 Macs for 2 bucks deal.
         ". . . . and for dessert ?"Â
"How 'bout an angioplasty ?"
Seeing what chicken nuggets really are... makes me gag at the thought of eating them ever again..... for fries.. if I want fries... I just buy the potato and cut them myself... I get more of them too!.... only reason I ever bought a deep fryer...and it paid for itself when I have anything potato...
@FreespeechÂ
That is not what chicken nuggets are. I HATE McDonalds but I hate lies spread through the internet also. McDonalds hasn't used MSM/MSP for over a decade. The Jamie Oliver demonstration which got huge air play does not show MSP being made, but BLBT. BLBT is made from beef for starters.
The popular picture of the "pink slime" that still floats around on the internet as Chicken McNugget fodder isn't even a picture of chicken, it's beef for starters. And the outrage it caused basically put every company that made MSM and "pink slime" or "finely texture beef product" as the USDA liked to call it, out of business.
http://www.snopes.com/food/prepare/msm.asp
McDonald's website lists the following as the ingredients in their chicken McNuggets:
White boneless chicken, water, food starch-modified, salt, seasoning [autolyzed yeast extract, salt, wheat starch, natural flavoring (botanical source), safflower oil, dextrose, citric acid], sodium phosphates, natural flavor (botanical source)
They also point out the natural flavoring is from "botanical" sources so no beaver gland juice in there either.
Here is Tyson chicken nuggets:
Boneless chicken breast with rib meat, water, salt and natural flavor.Â
Although the list is shorter, they don't break down what is in the "natural flavoring" like McDonalds does. If you took the McDonalds list above and did, you would get:
White boneless chicken, water, food starch-modified, salt, seasoning, sodium phosphate, natural flavor
Interestingly as I dug around writing this, the McDonalds McNugget has less sodium per serving - go figure.
With all this said - I'm with you - make it at home. However to get "crispy" fries you have to twice fry them. That is why store bought frozen fries come out golden and crispy if you deep fry finish them at home. They were blanched and lightly fried at the factory. Do a search on Alton Brown and he has a great explanation on how to make perfect homemade French Fries - problem is - it is crazy labor intensive!
@Howard Beale @Freespeech Interesting info! Modified food starch is MSG - or very often is. As is autolyzed yeast extract. They can hide it that way & don't have to specify. And, as you've stated, "natural flavor" can hide a host of things too. Food and it's labeling is a whole other topic in and of itself.
I read an interesting book years ago called "Excitotoxins, the Taste that Kills." Very interesting.
Personally, i wouldn't eat anything from McDonald's any more. They have no healthy food choices. At least Wendy's offers some fresh, healthy salad choices (especially if you don't use the salad dressing). I've been diagnosed with pre-diabetes, and find that  only Wendy's and Taco Time offer some healthier choices with tasty food that limits fats and simple carbs.
@Gnirk Warning: Sorry if this sounds "teachy" and annoying. Apologies up front. If you know this info, just ignore. If not, perhaps it may help.Â
"Simple" carbs include ALL grain products, including "whole" grain. The only truly complex carbs (i.e. slow-to-absorb, slow to spike BS and therefore insulin) are some veggies. Not corn, beans or starchy veggies. If you want to reverse your insulin resistance, try to cut out high carb breads/grain-based products of all kinds. You will find that some of the "white" breads have lower carbs, than the "healthy" grain breads. And the sugary snacks are ONLY different than bread in that they usually have added sugar. And if you like beans - you may be able to find black soy beans at the local health food store. MUCH lower in carbs than other beans. You can use for soups, chili, salads etc. Then you're getting their good protein without all the carbs.
Eating protein with each meal to slow the spike of insulin that needs to be released can help too.
Ultimately what will reverse insulin resistance is reducing the insulin stress on your cells through eating as much protein and veggies as you can and very little bread. It has nothing to do with fat or types of fat i.e. hydrogenated, saturated, etc. Those things are a different story all together and come into the picture separate from the insulin facet. You can cut out fat completely and become type 2 diabetic. Many low fat/no fat diets consist primarily of carbs. Candy? Sure, no fat there! But, good for insulin resistance: nope.
Plus, of course, exercise to use up the glucose in your system before your body has to produce insulin to store it.
Not to mention, magnesium is necessary to allow insulin into cells, so taking a solid dose of the mineral each day (bound with glycine or tuarine, or orotate (amino acids)) can help significantly.
@Gnirk Yea..but Wendy's are scarce about Puget Sound compared to McDonald's. I live and work in the two most Wendy's devoid areas in the region..south Bellevue and downtown Seattle.
@Ankle Biter @Gnirk my nearest Wendy's is over one hour away.
go to the grocery store buy smoked salmon it has the omega 3 fats you need, add some fat free cream cheese and wheat thins. Makes a great lunch for more than one day, especially if you buy some fruit to go with it. Plus the salmon is an anti inflammatory, makes swelling go away. Very healthy cheap satisfying and healing.
@Gnirk My husband purchases McSalads and just skips on the salad dressing that is offered with the meal. He has been to Arby's, Wendy's and a few other places and they offer less veggies in their salads than McDonald's does. So your comment about McDonalds not offering healthy choices is simply wrong. Maybe you should either a) look at their menu on their website or b) actually step foot into a McDonalds once in a while to at least back up your claim.Â
I don't eat at McDonalds, myself but that is out of personal preference.Â
@Gnirk It's not any of my business but if you're pre-diabetes you should avoid all fast food joinsÂ
Just my 2 cents
@Gnirk If you are going to fast food for a salad you are better off spending the $4 and buying your own pieces... you'll get several meals from the cost of one or two 'salads' sheesh...