Is McDonald‘s Processed Food in 2024? A Thorough Investigation

ByCharles Scott Last Update on

McDonald‘s has faced no shortage of accusations about serving heavily processed food loaded with artificial ingredients. But in reality, the answer isn‘t so black and white. As a food industry analyst with over 10 years of experience, I‘ll leverage my expertise to unravel whether McDonald‘s food counts as processed or not.

Defining the Processing Spectrum

The big question is – what exactly constitutes processed food? According to the International Food Information Council (IFIC), processing refers to any methods used to turn raw food into consumable food products [1]. However, not all processing is equal.

Here is an overview of the processing spectrum, from minimally to heavily processed [2]:

  • Minimally processed – Simply preserves or prepares raw foods. This includes washing, chilling, freezing, or packaging fruits, vegetables, grains, etc. to extend shelf life. Does not fundamentally alter foods‘ nutritional makeup.

  • Processed culinary ingredients – Isolates ingredients like oils, sugar, salt to use in home cooking. May involve pressing, crushing, grinding or refining methods.

  • Processed foods – Alters raw foods to improve flavor, shelf life, or convenience. Includes canning, salting, baking, and fortifying with vitamins. Examples are canned tuna, cheeses, and frozen vegetables.

  • Ultra-processed foods – Extensive industrial processes using many artificial additives. Often involves hydrogenation, hydrolysis, extruding, molding, and preservatives. Examples are frozen pizzas, packaged snacks, and fast food.

Evaluating McDonald‘s Ingredients & Preparation

Now that we‘ve defined processing levels, we can analyze how McDonald‘s makes its food and where it fits on the spectrum.

Burgers

The beef patties at McDonald‘s are created from 100% real beef trimmed of fat then formed into patties [3]. Only salt and pepper are added during processing for flavor. The patties are partly pre-cooked and flash frozen to prevent spoilage and ship to restaurants [4].

While pre-formed and frozen off-site, the preparation here is relatively minimal, aligning more with moderately processed foods.

Buns

McDonald‘s sources its buns and baked goods from approved vendors. According to McDonald‘s, these items contain no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives [5]. The ingredients are basics like enriched wheat flour, sugar, oil, and raisin juice.

The ingredients and production methods for the buns also indicate a moderate level of processing.

Chicken

McDonald‘s states its chicken contains no artificial preservatives or flavors. While prepared off-site, the chicken arrives at restaurants fresh, never frozen [6]. Dedicated poultry suppliers process the chicken according to McDonald‘s specifications.

With no artificial additives, McDonald‘s chicken preparation classifies as lightly processed.

French Fries

McDonald‘s fries start from real potatoes washed, peeled, cut and partly fried off-site. The potatoes contain only potato, plant-based oil and dextrose (a natural sugar) [7]. The fries are finished frying on-site.

Again, the ingredients are real and preparation minimal, putting fries in the processed foods category.

Shakes & Desserts

One area where McDonald‘s likely utilizes more additives and artificial flavors/colors is in shakes, ice cream and baked desserts. For example, the ingredients for their strawberry shake contain "natural and artificial flavors" [8].

So shakes and sweets may qualify as more heavily processed foods.

The Verdict

Based on my expertise, the majority of McDonald‘s core food products like burgers, chicken, and fries align closer to processed foods than ultra-processed. While pre-prepared for consistency, their ingredients and cooking methods remain relatively simple.

That said, some menu items like desserts and breakfast sandwiches likely contain more artificial additives and qualify as ultra-processed. But overall, I would not categorize McDonald‘s entire menu as heavily processed junk food, as some critics argue.

In my opinion, responsible consumption of minimally processed menu items from McDonald‘s can absolutely fit into a healthy diet. However, those looking to avoid processed foods should limit or avoid items like shakes, breakfast sandwiches and chicken nuggets. Moderation and customization remain key when indulging in fast food.

References

[1] https://foodinsight.org/everything-you-need-to-know-about-processed-foods/

[2] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/processed-foods#processing-methods

[3] https://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us/about-our-food/our-food-your-questions/burgers.html

[4] https://www.mashed.com/178309/the-untold-truth-of-mcdonalds-hamburgers/

[5] https://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us/about-our-food/meet-our-suppliers.html

[6] https://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us/about-our-food/chicken-food-safety.html

[7] https://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us/about-our-food/our-food-your-questions/fries.html

[8] https://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us/product/chocolate-shake-small.html

Charles Scott is a dynamic professional whose academic and career achievements demonstrate a strong commitment to excellence in the retail and consumer service industry. Graduating with an MBA from New York University in 2013, Charles has built a diverse and impressive career portfolio. He has held significant roles as a manager, advisor, and marketer, showcasing his multifaceted skills and deep understanding of the industry.

Beyond his direct professional engagements, Charles has made a notable mark as the head writer and founder of ExpertBeacon.com. This platform stands as a testament to his dedication to consumer empowerment and education. ExpertBeacon.com is a resource designed to assist consumers in addressing their persistent questions about products, services, and companies. Under Charles's leadership, the site provides in-depth, well-researched, and accurate information, all structured in easy-to-follow guides and articles. His work here not only highlights his expertise in the field but also his commitment to providing valuable, actionable information to the public.

Charles's approach is centered on a keen understanding of consumer needs and market dynamics, making him a respected voice in the industry. His contributions through ExpertBeacon.com and his professional roles reflect a blend of strategic thinking, practical knowledge, and a genuine desire to enhance consumer experiences in the retail and consumer service sectors.

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