Fast-Food Chains Add High-Protein, Low-Calorie Menus to Target GLP-1 Users

Major fast-food chains are reshaping menus to court customers taking GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, aiming to retain diners whose eating habits are shifting toward protein and smaller portions. McDonald's said this week it will add healthier, high-protein items, including grilled chicken sandwiches, wraps and egg bites. The move follows its plan announced last week to spend $8.5 billion over the next decade to refresh restaurants globally. CEO Chris Kempczinski told CNBC that GLP-1 users "still crave our food," adding the menu will evolve to match future consumer demand. McDonald's USA President Skye Anderson told analysts on Wednesday the chain aims to remain customers' first choice rather than recruit a new base. Shake Shack in December introduced a "Good Fit Menu" featuring gluten-free, vegetarian and "GLP-1-friendly" options, mostly served in lettuce wraps. Chipotle lists low-calorie and high-fiber chicken bowls for the "GLP-1 journey." Research in the Journal of Marketing Research shows households with at least one GLP-1 user cut restaurant spending 8% within six months of starting the drugs.