Coming Right Up: A Maharaja Mac With A Slice Of Protein

Jumping on to the protein bandwagon, McDonald's on Thursday announced the launch of its ‘Protein Plus slice’. The plant-based protein slice is vegetarian and adds 5 grams of protein to any burger.

Launching the protein plus range is a step towards keeping McDonald's relevant and to attempt to bridge the protein gap in India, said Akshay Jatia, CEO of Westlife Foodworld, the company that operates a chain of McDonald’s restaurants in West and South India.

The product has been developed in collaboration with the Central Food Technological Research Institute and is top of the line in terms of nutritional content, Jatia said. The product is a part of multiple steps being taken by the brand, including reducing sodium content and oil content, and introducing multi millet buns, he added.

While the company has had a challenging past couple of years from a macro and QSR perspective, the last three quarters have delivered positive sales per store growth, Jatia said in an interview to NDTV Profit. He anticipates an improving trajectory going forward on sales per store growth that should help drive sales and Ebitda margin for the ongoing fiscal, he added.

As a part of its vision by 2027, the company plans to open 580-630 stores, Jatia said.