McDonald’s removes salads and plant-based items from menu

McDonald’s US President Joe Erlinger recently explained why the McPlant and salads have been removed from menus across the United States. 

During the WSJ Global Food Forum, Erlinger cited a lack of customer demand for these items as the primary reason for their discontinuation. 

“If people really want salads from McDonald’s, we will gladly relaunch salads,” Erlinger stated. “But what our experience has proven is that’s not what the consumer is looking for from McDonald’s.” Similarly, the vegan McPlant, tested in two US locations in 2022, failed to gain popularity. “I don’t think the U.S. consumer is coming to McDonald’s looking for the McPlant or other plant-based proteins,” Erlinger added.

In contrast, McDonald’s has seen significant success in 2024 with its $5 meal deal, which includes a choice of a McDouble or McChicken sandwich, small fries, 4-piece Chicken McNuggets, and a small soft drink. This value meal was introduced to combat rising fast food prices and make dining out more accessible for customers.

McDonald’s french fries remain a customer favourite, with the company selling over 9 million pounds daily.