McDonald's New U.S. Menu Platform Puts Calories Front And Center

OAK BROOK, lll., July 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- This week McDonald's USA is introducing "Favorites Under 400 Calories" – a new menu platform featuring existing popular food and beverage choices at counters and drive-thrus nationwide. Select items from the new menu are also spotlighted in McDonald's " Win When USA Wins Gold" promotion which brings customers the fun of the London 2012 Olympic Games through a unique online experience.

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"Favorites Under 400 Calories is one more way we're making nutrition information accessible. Like our mobile app, this platform aims to empower our customers and employees to make choices that are right for their nutrition needs," said Neil Golden, Chief Marketing Officer, McDonald's USA. "We've found that customers are surprised to learn about the calorie content of some of their favorite menu options at McDonald's. In fact, customers may be surprised to know that about 80 percent of national menu choices are under 400 calories for the standard recipe. ¹"

Recent research suggests only about one in seven Americans (15 percent) accurately estimates the number of calories they need to maintain their weight. ² In addition to listing calories, various promotional materials highlight the average adult needs about 2,000 calories a day, although individual calorie needs vary.

"McDonald's is bringing greater awareness to calories starting with some of customers' favorite menu items for under 400 calories," said Cindy Goody, PhD, MBA, RD, McDonald's USA senior director of nutrition. "With Favorites Under 400 Calories, we hope to help customers understand how their choices fit within their daily recommended calorie needs, particularly with portion sizing and eating in moderation."

Favorites Under 400 Calories also engages customers in the excitement of the Olympic Games through the "Win When USA Wins Gold" promotion, beginning July 24. Customers have two ways to win. Select items from the new menu contain a game piece and customers can peel and win prizes instantly including free McDonald's Favorites Under 400 Calories menu items. Additionally, all game pieces have a code that customers can enter at www.USAWinsGold.com. From this site, customers compete alongside the Team USA Olympians for a chance to win prizes whenever the USA wins a gold medal in a specified event. Prizes include $25,000 in gold, trips to London and Panasonic VIERA® HDTVs.

The new menu platform is one of many ways in which McDonald's continues to offer nutrition information to help customers make informed choices. The company started providing nutrition information more than 35 years ago and that commitment has continued to grow.

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