This summer, McDonald’s launched the Big Arch burger in all 205 of its restaurants across Portugal. The Big Arch features two beef patties, melting cheese, crispy toppings, and a tangy McDonald’s sauce.
McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski described it as a “quintessential McDonald’s burger with a twist on our iconic familiar flavors.”
A Caloric Giant
The Big Arch packs a whopping 1,065 calories. Considering the daily caloric needs for adults, this burger could take up more than two-thirds of an adult’s daily intake.
For reference, the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggest women need 1,600 to 2,400 calories per day, while men need about 2,200 to 3,000 calories.
More Than Just Calories
Aside from its calorie content, the Big Arch also contains 67 grams of fat, which is 96% of the recommended daily intake for adults. This has raised concerns among nutritionists.
Melissa Boufounos, a sports nutritionist, emphasized to Fortune that the high-fat content is “worrisome” and could contribute to health issues like high cholesterol and heart disease.
A High-Protein Option
Despite its high caloric and fat content, the Big Arch offers 57 grams of protein, thanks to its two beef patties.
While this might appeal to those looking to increase their protein intake, Boufounos advises against it, stating that there’s no need for a menu item to contain such a high number of calories and fat.
Meeting Customer Demand
According to McDonald’s, the Big Arch was created to meet customer demand for a more satiating burger.
“Our team of chefs from around the world have created a more satiating burger to meet customer demand,” a McDonald’s spokesperson said. This aligns with McDonald’s ongoing commitment to menu innovation and delivering value for money.
Testing the Waters
McDonald’s is piloting the Big Arch in Portugal, Canada, and Germany to gather feedback before considering a broader international rollout.
Kempczinski mentioned that they are focusing on learning from these markets throughout the year to ensure the burger has universal appeal.
Consumer Feedback
Initial feedback from consumers has been mixed. Some appreciate the burger’s size and flavor, while others are concerned about its nutritional content.
The pilot program will help McDonald’s decide whether to introduce the Big Arch to other markets, including the U.S.
Pricing Variations
The price of the Big Arch varies by location. In Lisbon, for instance, it is listed at $9.70 with fries and a drink on Uber Eats.
However, prices can differ between restaurants and regions, making it hard to determine its value for money universally.
A Move Towards Bigger Burgers
Kempczinski hinted at the introduction of larger burgers in a December 2023 interview with CNN.
He noted that having a larger burger is an opportunity in many markets around the world. The Big Arch is a step in this direction, aiming to cater to those with bigger appetites.
Comparing to the Double Big Mac
The Big Arch has 36% more calories than the Double Big Mac, making it the highest-calorie item on the McDonald’s menu.
This comparison highlights McDonald’s strategy to offer more filling and satisfying options to its customers.
Health Implications
Health experts have voiced concerns over the Big Arch’s high calorie and fat content. Eating highly processed and fatty foods can lead to serious health issues like heart disease.
The American Heart Association recommends limiting saturated fat intake to reduce the risk of heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the U.S.
Future Prospects
The future of the Big Arch depends on the results of the pilot program. McDonald’s will decide whether to roll out the burger to more markets based on customer feedback and sales performance.
For now, it remains an intriguing addition to the McDonald’s menu, stirring both excitement and concern.
