If the Big Mac doesn’t satisfy, the Big Arch just might.
McDonald’s launched this new burger earlier this summer in Portugal. It has two beef patties, melting cheese, crispy toppings, and tangy McDonald’s sauce, says Chris Kempczinski, CEO.
The Big Arch packs 1,065 calories. Adult women need 1,600-2,400 calories daily, men need 2,200-3,000. So, this burger could take up two-thirds of your daily calories before fries and a drink.
“Our global team created a more filling burger to meet demand and innovate our menu,” a McDonald’s spokesperson told Fortune. They’ll test it in a few markets this year.
McDonald’s is testing it in three international markets. They’ll gather data until year’s end, says Kempczinski. The Big Arch is in Portugal, Canada, and Germany now. He hinted at this bigger burger last December on CNN.
“In many markets, a larger burger is an opportunity,” Kempczinski told CNN. “We’re working on it. Expect it in the future.” No U.S. launch date yet.
Is bigger better?
The Big Arch aims to meet customer needs with a more satisfying burger, Kempczinski says. It has 36% more calories than the Double Big Mac, the most on McDonald’s menu.
“Great value for money” varies by franchise prices. In Lisbon, it’s $9.70 with fries and a drink on Uber Eats. Delivery apps often upcharge.
The Big Arch has 67 grams of fat, 96% of the daily recommendation, says Melissa Boufounos, a sports nutritionist in Canada.
“With two patties, it has 57 grams of protein,” Boufounos said. “But 1,065 calories is excessive. The fat content is worrisome.”
“Too much processed, fatty animal protein can cause high cholesterol, heart disease, and chronic conditions,” she said. “Heart disease is the top cause of death in the U.S. This burger is a step back.”
Kempczinski insists it’s a “quintessential McDonald’s burger with a twist.”
This Big Arch launch follows McDonald’s $5 value meal announced in June, which lasted a month. It included a McChicken or McDouble, nuggets, fries, and a drink for $5. Kempczinski promised more cost-effective options after poor Q4 2023 earnings.
McDonald’s missed Q2 2024 results. They reported $6.49 billion in revenue, up 2% from last year but below Wall Street estimates.
“Consumers are more selective with spending,” Kempczinski said. McDonald’s is also focusing on “strategic growth drivers like chicken and loyalty,” he added.