As people often like to say, go big or go home, and McDonald's is taking that idea to heart with its new burger that surprisingly, doesn’t sport a ‘Mc’ in the name. The Big Arch, as it's being called, is a brand new (and much bigger) take on classic McDonald’s burgers, and it’s on a trial run in countries like Canada and Portugal. But seeing as the testing window is set to close in "early August," soon we’ll be hearing whether or not this mammoth Big Arch will descend upon the menus of McDonald’s around the world.
Why is McDonald’s releasing The Big Arch?
Officially, according to McDonald’s, “this new sandwich is McDonald’s response to guests' desire for a satiating burger with more of the great-tasting, quality ingredients fans of McDonald’s love.”
But it may really be a marketing scheme to help recoup losses, seeing as McDonald’s recently reported a loss in global sales for the first time in almost four years due to inflation — people just don’t want to buy or can’t afford burgers at current prices. In response, McDonald’s has vowed to make adjustments, starting with the rollout of $5 Meal Deals. And this burger seems to be part of the comeback strategy.
Is this really the biggest McDonald’s burger ever?
The Big Arch is reportedly the biggest burger McDonald’s has ever served at 14 ounces, just two ounces shy of a whole pound. It clocks in at 1,025 calories. Oh, and while this burger is massive, so is its price at $9 for a meal. So much for being cost-effective.
What is in The Big Arch?
So, what’s in this burger donning the name of its logo? Could it really be that different from McDonald’s current selection of burgers? McDonald’s wants you to think so. The Big Arch features two burger patties topped with three slices of “white processed cheese,” crispy and raw onion, lettuce, pickles, and maybe most importantly, a new specialty sauce called, well, “Big Arch sauce.” This new sauce has been described as “tangy,” but will it be able to beat out the famous Big Mac sauce? That remains to be seen — or will remain a mystery forever if the burger doesn’t go global.
It also appears, according to Portugal McDonald’s website, that the burger will be served on a sesame and (poppy?) seed covered brioche bun. So the burger looks like a feast for the eyes, but will it taste as good as it looks?