McDonald’s is changing its menu for the Ozempic era

McDonald’s is trying to step into the Ozempic era.

As part of an $8.5 billion overhaul of the restaurants planned over the next decade, the fast food giant is planning to meet customers amid a new era of eating habits. 

According to data from Gallup, around 11% of the US population is currently using a GLP-1 medication for weight loss purposes. Due to the rapid effects of the medication, those using drugs like Ozempic or Mounjaro need to prioritize protein intake to prevent muscle loss—a habit that has since led to a boom in protein-packed products. 

And now, McDonald’s is looking to jump on board with the protein craze, McDonald’s executives announced during the company’s investor day in Chicago on Sept. 23.

The plan announced is set to roll out new menu items across various markets, including new wraps and grilled chicken sandwiches. Additionally, the new menu items may include bowls and egg bites, providing customers with high protein options at various sizes.

“This is an opportunity. We need to keep giving them more reasons to make McDonald’s their first choice,” Skye Anderson, the president of McDonald’s USA, said during the investor day event.

In addition to tapping into a growing customer base looking for protein, McDonald’s is also looking to modernize the restaurants as a whole. For instance, stores are set to be equipped with lockers for delivery orders, improved kitchen layouts, and AI-enabled technology to help improve the restaurant’s productivity. 

Developed with Google, the restaurant’s AI system includes the deployment of the ArchIQ system, which helps track inventory and schedule, as well as take orders in Spanish and English via the drive-thru system.

The plan also looks to improve the in-dining experience including larger play areas and more visible coffee preparation areas.

“It’s not AI is bad or AI is good. We try to be really thoughtful about how we use it,” McDonald’s Chairman and CEO Chris Kempczinski said during the investor day.

But the price for the improvements seems to be scaring away some investors, with McDonald’s shares dropping by almost 5% the day following the announcement. For franchise owners, the overhaul is set to be an expensive road ahead, with individual franchises needing to spend almost double of their current remodel costs per decade.