No alternative protein coming for McDonald’s

Aug 12, 2019

All burgers in Canada will be made with Canadian beef, the restaurant said

By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com

McDonald’s won’t change the key ingredient in its Big Mac or other hamburger offerings.

The restaurant chain’s 1,400 Canadian locations will continue to serve 100 per cent Canadian beef in its burgers and has no current plans to introduce veggie burgers or plant-based proteins, the company announced last week.

“We’re a classic burger company at the end of the day, but we’re always looking at what other variety we can add to our menu,” Nicola Pitman, director of menu innovation with McDonald’s Canada, told CTV News on Aug. 6.

Beef producers are pleased with the ongoing support.

As trade challenges create market uncertainty and the industry is targeted in climate change reports, companies continuing to stand by Canadian beef farmers is a welcome sight, said John MacArthur, a beef producer from Fairview, Alta.

“It’s definitely good news for us,” he told Farms.com. “We’ve been getting a litany of bad news about climate change and the trade embargo coming at us all the time, so for McDonald’s to make a decision to support beef farmers is something we can smile about.”

Other farmers, however, would like to see McDonald’s reconsider.

Food processors use peas, lentils and other pulses to make veggie burgers and other plant-based proteins.

Customers have shown an interest in these products, said Shaun Dyrland, a pulse producer from Kyle, Sask.

“I think it’s a missed opportunity,” he told Farms.com. “There’s definitely demand for those kinds of products. I’ve tried some from other restaurant chains and I find them enjoyable.”

McDonald’s is, however, making some changes to the way it prepares food.

Beef will be cooked in smaller batches for hotter and juicier burgers, onions will be placed directly on the patties as they cook, and a new bun recipe will allow burger buns to hold more heat.

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