By Julia Chaly '24
Most of us have had it. The juicy, greasy burger. The crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside French fries. The sweet vanilla milkshake with extra whipped cream and a cherry on top. It's called fast food, referred to by some as “America's finest creation.”
Recently, fast food has been altered to reflect popularized health trends and to appeal to a more wholesome lifestyle. Fast-food chains like Chipotle, Subway, McDonald's, and Taco Bell are straying away from the classic burger and fries combo and are providing healthier options for consumers. Vegetarian and vegan options have been added to the menus of big fast food companies, making eatery more accessible to all.
Certain chains even have been advertising hacks or products that can help you further lighten up your meal. For instance, at Taco Bell, ordering "fresco” eliminates calorie-laden dressings such as cheese and sour cream. McDonald's no longer serves chicken primarily raised on antibiotics, making this protein option healthier and more nutritious. Burger King has even listed more salad and fruit choices on their menu.
According to “Men's Journal,” the original McDonald’s Happy Meal included a burger, nuggets, fries, a sugary soda, and a toy. However, the Happy Meal was given a makeover in 2011: Mcdonald's halved the French fry portion, added a serving of apple slices or other fruit, and offered 1% milk and fat-free chocolate milk instead of soda. In 2011, San Francisco banned adding free toys to kids’ meals that don’t meet specific nutritional standards. This pushed fast-food corporations to tailor their products to healthier eating habits and cleaner diets.
In the recent decade, some fast-food restaurants have lost customers by not adapting to modern health standards. Experimenting with healthier options has expanded restaurants’ customer bases. Places such as Burger King and Wendy’s have created veggie burgers using items such as tofu for nutritious bases, thus boosting consumer interest.
As society’s eating habits move in a more health-conscious direction, turning fattening burgers and fries into apples and low-fat meats, fast food restaurants are adapting to the new nutritious standards and consumers’ changing expectations.
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