big mac makeover
'I Visited A McDonald's Test Kitchen To Try Its Biggest Menu Overhaul In A Decade'
McDonald's burgers are getting a new look. The menu shakeup comes as the fast food chain prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary, and constitutes the biggest change the chain has made to its food in 10 years.
Business Insider's Harry Kersh visited the McDonald's UK head office in East Finchley, London, to hear more about the changes, and to get a side-by-side comparison of the old and new burgers.
[Everything inside the test kitchen is the same as you'd find in an actual McDonald's restaurant. Harry Kersh/Business Insider]
The test kitchen is modelled on an actual McDonald's restaurant, with a similar layout and the same equipment you would find in an average store.
[The new-look buns are glossy and easy on the eye. Harry Kersh/Business Insider]
McDonald's has overhauled its buns. The new recipe is described as "a buttery, brioche-style" bun with a "soft and pillowy" texture. McDonald's has also scaled back the number of sesame seeds on each bun.
They look great, taking on a shine thanks to a light glaze. It's worth noting that while they are "brioche-style" they do not contain any egg, milk, or butter like a traditional brioche does.
[The quarter pounder patties had a good sear on either side. Harry Kersh/Business Insider]
The beef patties at McDonald's are now getting a "tighter sear" on the grill. The idea is that by exposing them to more heat, you seal more moisture inside the patties for a juicier bite and a stronger grilled flavor.
[The McDonald's lettuce display, or a buffet for rabbits. Harry Kersh/Business Insider]
Every ingredient has had a rethink, even the lettuce. The lettuce used at McDonald's stores isn't changing, but the way it is handled is. It will now only be kept out of the refrigerator for a maximum of 30 minutes, and kept at colder temperatures once out to retain more crunch.
[It was time for McDonald's to put their burger where my mouth is. Harry Kersh/Business Insider]
So how do these method and ingredient tweaks actually taste?
Armed with all of the information Kersh needed about the new recipes and cooking methods, it was time for him to try some new and old style burgers to see how the changes stacked up.
[You vs the guy she tells you not to worry about. Harry Kersh/Business Insider]
First up was the McDonald's Double Cheeseburger.
The visual differences were pretty striking. The new bun looks much more appealing thanks to its glossy finish and darker toasty color. It was clear that the cheese had melted more in the newer burger, with the slice's edges drooping while the original burger's slices stayed rigid.
[Ronald, you've done it again. Harry Kersh/Business Insider]
This change definitely felt like an upgrade. The Double Cheeseburger is one of Kersh's favorite McDonald's menu items so he was apprehensive to try a new version, but it was a definite improvement. The bun has more bite to it now with a satisfying bready chew, and a stronger toasted taste.
[The new and the old Big Mac burgers. Harry Kersh / Business Insider]
Then it was time for the revamped Big Mac.
The new Big Mac looks great. The glossy bun catches the eye once again, and the reduced sesame seed count emphasizes that even more.
[Tastes like a wasted opportunity. Harry Kersh/Business Insider]
Sadly, the new Big Mac didn't pass the taste test. Biting into the new Big Mac ultimately led to disappointment. There were some definite areas of improvement — the sandwich felt hotter and fresher, the beef was juicier, and Kersh was still enjoying the chewier bun.
The main issue for Kersh was the brioche flavor added to the new buns. When combined with the other Big Mac ingredients, specifically the Big Mac sauce, it created a strange, overly sweet taste in his mouth which he just couldn't seem to get past.
To read more about McDonald's latest menu changes, head to Business Insider.
