McDonald’s has just introduced a new heavyweight contender to its menu: the Big Arch. Designed for those with a serious appetite, this burger could soon become a favorite, rivaling the iconic Big Mac. With two beef patties, three slices of white cheddar, and a unique sauce, the Big Arch is making waves in Canada and Portugal, offering a heartier option for those looking to satisfy their cravings.
A Hearty Addition to the Menu
The Big Arch was crafted with the goal of providing customers with a substantial, value-packed meal. Chris Kempczinski, McDonald’s CEO, emphasized that this burger is all about delivering “great value for money.” It’s built to be bigger and bolder, with a combination of flavors that are both familiar and fresh.
This burger is packed with two beef patties, three slices of white cheddar cheese, crispy onions, fresh onions, pickles, lettuce, and the brand-new Big Arch sauce, all sandwiched between sesame seed buns. It’s a flavor explosion designed to satisfy even the most voracious appetites.
A Caloric Powerhouse
Unveiled for the first time last December, the Big Arch is currently being tested in three international markets, with plans to expand further based on customer feedback. It made its debut in Portugal’s 205 McDonald’s restaurants at the beginning of this month, where it’s priced at €10.50. Meanwhile, in Canada, the burger has been available in select Ontario and Alberta locations since late June, with plans to roll it out across the country by the end of the summer.
At a hefty 395 grams, the Big Arch packs a punch with 1,065 calories and 67 grams of fat. That’s 96% of the daily recommended fat intake for an average adult—a figure that has raised eyebrows among health professionals. Melissa Boufounos, a sports nutritionist and owner of MB Performance Nutrition in Canada, expressed concern over the high calorie and fat content, stating, “There’s really no need for a meal to provide 1,065 calories.” Boufounos warns that excessive consumption of high-fat, processed animal proteins can lead to chronic health issues like high cholesterol and heart disease.
McDonald’s New Direction
The introduction of the Big Arch is part of McDonald’s broader “Accelerating the Arches” strategy, launched in November 2020. This initiative focuses on enhancing the company’s core menu, which includes burgers, chicken, and coffee—items that account for about 65% of global sales. Interestingly, McDonald’s has shifted its focus from premium burgers to larger, more substantial options. Ian Borden, McDonald’s CFO, admitted that the previous focus on premium offerings was a misstep, noting that customers seem to prefer bigger burgers.
Alongside the Big Arch, McDonald’s has also rolled out the “Best Burger” initiative, aimed at improving the quality of ingredients and cooking methods for its burgers. According to Kempczinski, this initiative is already active in over 80% of McDonald’s markets and is expected to be implemented almost universally by the end of 2026.
Whether the Big Arch will dethrone the Big Mac remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: McDonald’s is committed to offering something substantial for those who crave a bigger bite.
My name is Noah and I’m a dedicated member of the “Jason Deegan” team. With my passion for technology, I strive to bring you the latest and most exciting news in the world of high-tech.