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“I think protein is going to be a big trend that you see, with people looking to get increased protein consumption,” Kempczinski said. “Protein is hot. Everybody’s into protein.”
McDonald’s is already banking on this trend, expanding its menu to offer more protein-packed options, particularly in its chicken lineup.
One of the biggest changes on the horizon? The long-awaited return of the beloved Snack Wrap.
“This year, there is incredible energy for the return of Snack Wraps in the U.S. along with a few other markets,” Kempczinski told investors.
Originally removed from the menu in 2016, Snack Wraps featured crispy or grilled chicken wrapped in a tortilla with lettuce, cheese, and a choice of ranch or honey mustard.
McDonald’s USA President Joe Erlinger acknowledged their cult-like following, telling ABC News, “I get so many emails into my inbox about this product.”
And that’s not all. Kempczinski also teased the return of chicken strips, another fan favorite that was dropped in 2015 and briefly revived in 2017 before being discontinued during the pandemic.
Fast food is embracing the tech revolution, and McDonald’s is no exception. Kempczinski sees artificial intelligence (AI) as the next big game-changer for the industry.
“Everybody’s talking about AI, and AI certainly has a lot of applications in our business,” he explained. “We’ve got a number of teams looking at how we can use AI to deliver an even better experience for our customers, even better experience for our crew members.”
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Other fast-food chains, including Wendy’s, have already experimented with AI to handle drive-thru orders, reducing labor costs as states continue pushing for higher minimum wages.
McDonald’s, meanwhile, has partnered with tech giants like Google and Cognizant to integrate AI into its operations, a move that could reshape how fast food is served across the country.
If there’s one thing McDonald’s knows, it’s that customers love their sauces. Kempczinski predicts an explosion of new flavors in 2025.
“Spicy is certainly always in. I think you might see some honey or some sweet stuff in,” he said. “But sauces are also going to be a big thing, in my estimation, for 2025.”
Last year, McDonald’s tested limited-time offerings like a garlic dipping sauce for Chicken McNuggets, and it looks like more experimental flavors are on the way.
With McDonald’s doubling down on protein, automation, and exciting new flavors, it’s clear the fast-food giant is preparing for a major transformation in 2025.
And for Trump supporters watching Biden’s economic chaos unfold, McDonald’s big bet on affordability and innovation might just be the kind of business move America needs right now.
