McDonald's exec says GLP-1 boom is 'an opportunity'

CHICAGO, IL — McDonald's plans to expand its protein-forward menu options to cater to the GLP-1 households that already eat at the fast food chain.

"Eighty-four percent of households with GLP-1 users visit McDonald's. This is an opportunity," McDonald's USA president Skye Anderson told investors at the company's investor day on Wednesday. "We need to keep giving them more reasons to make McDonald's their first choice as their eating habits evolve."

Anderson said customers on the weight-loss and diabetes medications tend to order Chicken McNuggets, Filet-O-Fish, and Happy Meals. She added that these customers are interested in food "that leaves them feeling satisfied without feeling like too much."

The company is considering expanding its bowl menu to include salads topped with McCrispy strips, grilled chicken, and egg bites, as well as other protein-forward options across breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

In 2020, McDonald's removed grilled chicken and salad options from the menu to simplify operations during COVID.

But don't expect the menu changes to come tomorrow and to every market, CEO Chris Kempczinski told Yahoo Finance.

"It's not like all the new menu items are going to show up on Jan. 1," he said. "This is a long-term strategy, and we're giving some visibility to how the menu could evolve over time."

Some markets might have faster GLP-1 adoption than others, leaving the decision up to local franchisees.

"In emerging markets where maybe GLP-1 usage isn't as pronounced, where some of the dynamics are a little bit different, you may not see that, so very much market by market," Kempczinski added.

According to PwC, consumers on GLP-1 drugs are craving menu updates. GLP-1 household spending at quick-service restaurants fell by nearly 9% after six to eight months of using the medications. Half of current and former GLP-1 users said that restaurants haven't caught up to GLP-1 preferences.

One-third of these users are looking for smaller portions at lower prices, while 32% want half-portions or split plates without the upcharge.

"GLP-1s reduce food noise, that constant background negotiation with the next snack, drink, or impulse food purchase," PwC consumer markets industry leader Ali Furman said. "That noise powered decades of growth in packaged food, sugary beverages, and QSR."

"With food noise reduced, so are the triggers that the modern consumer economy was built to monetize," Furman added. "For QSR and casual dining operators, now could be the time to rethink portion tiers and pricing, so smaller options sit naturally alongside full-size ones."

Brooke DiPalma is a reporter for Yahoo Finance. Follow her on X at @ BrookeDiPalma or email her at bdipalma@yahoofinance.com.