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McDonald’s is jumping on the protein bandwagon, with CEO Chris Kempczinski expressing interest in introducing more GLP-1-friendly foods to the popular chain’s menu.
During an earnings call on Feb. 11, where the company reported significant growth in the final quarter of 2025, Kempczinski cited increased use of GLP-1 receptors among customers.
In response to a question about “changes in consumption” amid the increasing use and availability of different types of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) drugs, such as Ozempic and Wigovy, Kempczinski said, “We are certainly spending a lot of time and paying close attention.”
“We’ve looked at it pretty intensely and we’ve yet to find any evidence that it (weight loss drugs) actually has a material impact on our business,” Kempczinski added. “Luckily for us, protein is one of the areas that this consumer, the GLP-1 consumer, is still very interested in, and we have great proteins on our menu.”
But he said McDonald’s recognizes how quickly these drugs are becoming popular and expects changes in consumer behavior, including reducing calorie intake, snacking less and modifying diets.
“All of these things are factored into some of the things that we’re experimenting with and testing, and eventually, as we learn more about it and get feedback from our customers, those things may be incorporated into the menu,” Kempczinski added.
However, the CEO did not elaborate on what the GLP-1-focused menu would look like.
McDonald’s is ‘very positive about protein’, executive says
Jill McDonald, executive vice president and chief restaurant experience officer, who also attended the earnings call, said McDonald’s is “pretty forward on protein,” offering options such as fish, chicken strips, snack wraps and sausage biscuits.
“We have a number of menu options that our customers on GLP-1 enjoy,” McDonald said, adding, “We have a history of working closely with our customers and innovating and adapting our menus as needed.”
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McDonald’s added that the fast food chain will “continue to learn” and see what interests customers.
“We already have some ideas that we’re looking at long-term.[It]will be guided by our customers and what they want from us,” McDonald concluded.
GLP-1 drug use among men and women will more than double between 2024 and 2025, with 12.4% of respondents admitting to taking the drugs, compared with 5.8% in February 2024, when the research firm first measured it, according to a Gallup National Health and Wellbeing Index study released Oct. 28.
The drug, approved as a weight loss drug by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2021, is booming as an effective way to lose weight, stay full longer and reduce food intake, USA TODAY previously reported. People taking GLP-1 drugs are advised to consume sufficient amounts of protein, as rapid weight loss can also lead to muscle loss.
Protein is the moment
From wellness-focused Target to Starbucks and Dunkin’ adding protein drinks to their menus, more and more companies are rolling out protein-focused foods and beverages and drawing attention to food ingredients.
Other brands that have capitalized on the protein trend include Subway, which added protein pockets to its menu, and Chipotle, which introduced a high-protein menu that includes 4-ounce cups of meat.
On January 7, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced new U.S. dietary guidelines that recommend eating more protein and less sugar and ultra-processed foods.
“My message as Secretary of Health and Human Services is clear: Eat real food,” Kennedy said.
Contributor: Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY
Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Contact her at sshafiq@usatodayco.com and follow X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.
