For years, McDonald’s menus across the globe have offered tantalizing variations, sparking curiosity and a touch of envy among American customers. One particular item, a beloved favorite in select international markets, has consistently generated buzz among U.S. fast-food enthusiasts. Now, whispers and hints suggest this popular overseas McDonald’s item may finally be making its long-awaited debut on American shores. Keep reading to learn which fan-favorite menu item it is and what its introduction could mean for McDonald’s U.S. customers.
Is McDonald’s Big Arch Burger Coming to the U.S.?
McDonald’s Big Arch burger is a towering creation featuring two quarter-pound beef patties, three slices of white cheese, crispy onions, slivered onions, pickles, lettuce, and Big Arch Sauce, all nestled between a sesame and poppy seed bun.
The burger made its debut in July 2024 across all 205 McDonald’s locations in Portugal. Following its launch, the fast-food giant expanded availability to Canada and Germany in August 2024, further solidifying its presence in international markets.
While the U.S. currently offers the Double Quarter Pounder, which shares some similarities with the Big Arch, the two are distinct offerings.
During an earnings call, McDonald’s CEO Christopher J. Kempczinski acknowledged the burger’s success and widespread appeal, highlighting plans to accelerate its expansion in 2025.
“The pilot of our larger burger offering, Big Arch, now in three international markets, Portugal, Germany, and Canada, shows that we’re listening to consumer tastes and delivering,” said Kempczinski. “We’ll work with franchisees and partners to deploy the Big Arch faster into more international markets in 2025,” he added.
Bringing the Big Arch—the largest burger currently available in Canada—to U.S. menus would align perfectly with customer demands for size, value, and innovation while also appealing to those eager to try something new.
However, McDonald’s has yet to confirm whether the U.S. will be included in the burger’s upcoming expansion. Still, the company’s commitment to rolling it out in more markets suggests a potential U.S. launch may be on the horizon.
Is McDonald’s Big Arch Burger Perfect for U.S. Consumers?
McDonald’s Big Arch burger would be a bold addition to the fast-food giant’s U.S. menu, as it offers a substantial and satisfying option for those craving a hearty meal. However, while it may appeal to those looking for a larger burger, its nutritional profile raises concerns.
A single serving of the Big Arch, excluding fries and a drink, contains a staggering 1,065 calories, making it the highest-calorie item on McDonald’s menu. For perspective, that’s 36% more calories than the Double Big Mac and accounts for more than two-thirds of an adult’s daily caloric intake based on the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Adult women generally need between 1,600 to 2,400 calories per day, while adult men require 2,200 to 3,000 calories, meaning this one burger alone takes up a significant portion of daily energy needs.
Beyond calories, the Big Arch also delivers 67 grams of fat, which equates to 96% of the recommended daily fat intake for adults. This has sparked concerns among nutritionists, who argue that while the burger provides a notable 57 grams of protein, its excessive fat and calorie content make it a questionable choice for regular consumption.
“As a sports nutritionist, I’m big on people eating an optimal amount of protein. With two beef patties, the Big Arch provides a whopping 57 grams of protein,” said Melissa Boufounos, a sports nutritionist and owner of MB Performance Nutrition in Canada, in an interview with Fortune. “But that doesn’t mean I recommend rushing out to order one. There’s truly no need for a menu item to serve up 1,065 calories.”
Boufounos also raised alarms about the burger’s high-fat content, emphasizing its potential health risks. “Eating too much highly processed and fatty animal-based protein can contribute to high cholesterol, heart disease, and other chronic health conditions. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., with someone suffering from a heart attack every 40 seconds. To me, this burger is a step in the wrong direction.”
While the Big Arch burger’s indulgent size and bold flavors might be enticing to U.S. consumers, its nutritional impact is a significant factor to consider. Whether it’s the perfect fit for American fast-food lovers depends on the balance between indulgence and health-conscious choices.
Sources: TheStreet, Fortune
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