NEW ZEALAND – A veggie packed alternative to the traditional burger has come to the South Pacific this season; McDonald’s has introduced its latest offering, “The Loaded Lettuce,” to the New Zealand market.
“No Bun? No problem,” touts the fast food chain’s regional website. Available with either a beef patty or grilled chicken breast alongside an egg, cheddar cheese, bacon, and condiments; while the Loaded Lettuce is high on meat-based proteins traditionally associated with the chain and its burgers, this particular offering is also brimming with fruits and veggies.
With its whole leaf lettuce wrap, two tomatoes, caramelized onions, tomato onion relish, and even beetroot, the Loaded Lettuce seems keen to prove its produce bona fides, too, and live up to its loaded moniker.
The Loaded Lettuce offers more protein and significantly fewer carbs than the Big Mac, Quarter Pounder, and McChicken noted local news source Newshub; it does however contain more calories than any of these signature dishes—weighing in at a substantive 545 calories, with 36 grams of fat (compared to the Big Mac’s 26).
No plans are currently forthcoming for McDonald’s to introduce the Loaded Lettuce to new markets, but with consumers clamoring for lower carb options and still demanding decadence from fast food providers, a North American version feels likely to this trade news reporter.
For more produce news in retail, foodservice, and beyond, stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
