McDonald's Adds Protein Badges Show Protein Content on 17 Menu Items

McDonald's just made it a lot easier to eat high-protein at the drive-thru.

The fast food giant is rolling out a nationwide menu makeover this week, adding protein callouts to its ordering kiosks and the McDonald's app. Starting now, 17 different McDonald's menu items across breakfast, lunch and dinner will display their protein content front and center.

Who Will Appreciate the McDonald's Menu Overhaul Most?

For anyone tracking macros, bulking, cutting or simply trying to eat more protein without giving up convenience, it's a significant quality-of-life upgrade from one of the most visited restaurants in the world.

"People want food that fits their lives - and that includes more protein without giving up great taste," said Gina Hardy, Vice President of U.S. Marketing and Menu Strategy at McDonald's. "The options they're looking for have been on our menu all along, made with real, quality ingredients, the flavors our fans love, and the convenience and value they count on every day."

McDonald's has quietly been a solid high-protein option for years - the new callouts just make that easier to see. The chain has more than 30 menu items with 15 grams or more of protein, spanning everything from breakfast sandwiches to burgers to grilled chicken options.

The new kiosk and app features put that information front and center at the moment it matters most: when you're actually ordering. Instead of pulling up the nutrition page separately or estimating on the fly, customers can now see protein content as part of the standard menu display.

How to Maximize Protein at McDonald's

The callouts are just the starting point. McDonald's is also highlighting customization options that can push protein numbers even higher. Adding an extra burger patty is one of the easiest ways to boost your meal, as is adding an additional egg to breakfast items like the Egg McMuffin - a sandwich that already delivers a solid protein punch before any modifications.

For full nutritional and ingredient information, customers can visit the McDonald's app or the company's website.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Apr 25, 2026, where it first appeared in the Food section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published April 25, 2026 at 6:19 AM.