‘Protein Plus Slice’ is an innovative product that offers high nutritional content while maintaining McDonald’s taste. The Protein Plus Slice is made from 100% vegetarian ingredients.
McDonald’s India (West & South), operated by Westlife Foodworld, has recently launched of its innovative ‘Protein Plus Range’, which includes a first-of-its-kind 100% vegetarian, plant-based ‘Protein Slice’ that adds 5 grams of protein to every burger. This breakthrough provides customers with more healthy options without sacrificing the delicious taste they love.
The slice integrates seamlessly into McDonald’s existing burgers, allowing customers to increase their protein consumption with ease. For example, with the Protein Slice added, the McSpicy Paneer offers 25.29g of protein, the McChicken delivers 20.66g, the McVeggie has 15.24g, and even the iconic McAloo Tikki, a balanced meal by itself, provides 13.5g of protein, redefining possibilities in a QSR.
- Each Protein Plus slice contains 5 grams of protein
- The Protein Plus slice is 100% vegetarian – made of pea protein and soy protein, containing gluten and refined soy oil too
- Protein Plus has NO onion, garlic, or root vegetables in its making
- Classifying as McDonald’s Real Food, Real Good – NO Artificial Colours and NO Artificial Flavours OR preservatives are used to make Protein PLUS (We use annatto food colouring and vinegar)
- The Protein Plus slice comes from its cheese base note and buttery top note!
Yogesh Kadam, Hon’ble Minister of State for Food and Drugs Administration, Government of Maharashtra, inaugurated this nutrition-focused initiative in Mumbai, emphasizing the growing need for safer and nutritious food choices that meet the nutritional needs of today’s consumers.
At the occasion Kadam stated, “Initiatives like these align with the preamble of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, which aims to ensure the availability of safe and wholesome food for human consumption. They also reflect the vision of the ‘Eat Right India’ movement by FSSAI — promoting safe, nutritious, and sustainable food choices across the country”.
“It is heartening to see scientific research institutions and industry leaders come together to contribute toward national nutrition goals. This partnership model is vital for strengthening our public health landscape”, Kadam added.
The Protein Plus Slice was created in collaboration with the prestigious CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), which is part of the Ministry of Science and Technology in India. The Protein Plus Slice is made from 100% vegetarian ingredients, including soy and pea, and contains no artificial colors or flavors. It is also free of onion and garlic, making it suitable for a variety of dietary preferences.
The CFTRI scientists took nearly six months to develop the product in partnership with McDonald’s. The team involved in creating the slice included Jyothilakshmi, Chetana R., Sachin Eligar, Giridhar, Prabhasankar, Aashitosh Inamdar, and Sudheer Yanam, the institute said.
Akshay Jatia, Chief Executive Officer, Westlife Foodworld said, “At McDonald’s India, we have always believed in giving our customers more choice, and this time, we are giving them the power to personalize their protein intake. The Protein Plus Range allows them to enjoy their favourite McDonald’s burgers without compromising on their protein needs or the taste”.
“It also reflects our ongoing commitment to our ‘Real Food, Real Good’ philosophy, bringing together flavour, nutrition, and food science. We are grateful to CSIR-CFTRI for partnering with us to bring this forward-thinking product to life,” he further added.
CSIR-CFTRI’s scientific expertise and deep understanding of protein research contributed to the development of a slice that provides high nutritional content while preserving McDonald’s characteristic taste, texture, and quality standards. This is McDonald’s India’s second strategic cooperation with CSIR-CFTRI, following the successful introduction of the Multi-Millet Bun last year.
Dr. Sridevi Annapurna Singh, Director, CSIR-CFTRI said, “Building on our earlier success with the Multi-Millet Bun, we are excited to continue our partnership with McDonald’s India to advance nutritional innovation in the QSR space. The Protein Plus slice is an outcome of science-backed formulation and a shared vision to elevate everyday meals through nutrition. This partnership showcases how industry and scientific institutions can come together to bring meaningful nutritional upgrades to mainstream eating.”
The Protein Plus Meals will be available in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. The vegetarian Protein Plus Meal includes a burger enhanced with the Protein Slice, paired with a protein-rich corn cup and Coke Zero. The non-vegetarian option consists of the McCrispy Chicken with Protein Slice, 4-piece Chicken McNuggets, and Coke Zero, delivering a wholesome, protein-enriched meal.
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