Introduction
Joe and his team revisit McDonald’s in the US and UK to compare the differences in portion sizes, prices, and menu items. The popular “Food Wars” series has gained millions of views and become a cultural moment.
Portion Sizes
In the UK, drinks come in three sizes – small, medium, and large, while the US offers four sizes with the smallest being kids or extra small. UK fries come in three sizes, while US fries come in three sizes as well. Portion sizes for McNuggets and Big Macs vary between the two countries.
Menu Items
The UK and US menus feature exclusive items and variations. UK McDonald’s menu has expanded over the years, offering items like the triple cheeseburger, McPlant, and vegetable deluxe. In the US, a bacon double cheeseburger is not a standard menu item, unlike in the UK.
Chicken Options
There are exclusive chicken items in the UK, like the McCrispy and Chicken Selects. The UK offers more plant-based options like the McPlant and vegetable deluxe. The US has its exclusive chicken sandwiches like the spicy McCrispy and deluxe versions.
Travel Insights
Through “Food Wars,” Joe has explored various fast-food items and menus, broadening his horizon and trying new items he wouldn’t normally choose. The show has allowed for a deeper understanding of fast-food offerings and their differences across regions.
McDonald’s Statistics
McDonald’s has expanded its store count globally despite challenges like the pandemic and geopolitical conflicts. The company has made strategic decisions like pulling out of certain regions due to conflicts and controversies. Changes in menu items, prices, and store locations reflect the dynamic nature of the fast-food industry.
Questions:
1. How has the portion size of McDonald’s drinks and fries differed between the US and UK over the years?
– The portion sizes of drinks and fries in McDonald’s have varied between the US and UK, with differences in cup sizes and weights of items like fries.
2. What are some exclusive menu items found in UK McDonald’s that are not available in the US?
– UK McDonald’s offers exclusive items like the McPlant, vegetable deluxe, and different chicken sandwich variations that are not standard in US menus.
3. How have McDonald’s prices changed over the years in both the UK and the US?
– Prices at McDonald’s have increased above inflation rates in both the UK and the US, with varying percentage changes for different menu items over the years.
4. What global events have influenced McDonald’s store locations and menu decisions?
– Geopolitical conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war and controversies like the Israel-Hamas conflict have impacted McDonald’s store locations and menu decisions, leading to changes in operations.
5. How has the “Food Wars” series influenced Joe’s perspective on fast food and menu choices?
– The “Food Wars” series has allowed Joe to explore a variety of fast-food items, try new menu options, and gain a deeper understanding of the differences in offerings across regions, influencing his perspective on fast food.
