From 23rd to 27th February, McDonald’s India (West & South) is celebrating Protein Week: a five-day spotlight on customization, accessibility and nutrition, leading up to the Protein Day on 27th February.
This week is not just a celebration of protein. It is a celebration of how far our food journey has come and how we continue to evolve with our customers.
India’s Food Conversations are Changing
Across age groups, protein is no longer a niche fitness term. It has become part of everyday awareness. From gym-goers and college students to working professionals and families, more Indians today are consciously thinking about how to include more protein in their daily meals.
Yet, for many, the challenge remains the same:
How do you increase protein intake without changing your routine, your taste preferences, or your budget?
This is where meaningful innovation is needed.
Why Protein Week Matters in India
While awareness around balanced nutrition is growing rapidly, convenient and affordable protein-forward options that integrate seamlessly into popular eating habits are still evolving.
Consumers today are not necessarily looking to overhaul their diets. They are looking for small, impactful upgrades.
People want more protein. They do not want to compromise on taste. They do not want complicated changes. They want it to be accessible.
Making Protein an Easy Add-on
Last year, we launched something truly path-breaking, the Protein Plus Slice.
Developed in collaboration with Government of India’s apex food technology institute, CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute, the 100% vegetarian, plant-based slice adds 5 grams of protein to any burger.
For the first time in the QSR industry, customers could add not just one slice, but three slices in their burgers while still enjoying the taste they love. That is 15 gm of EXTRA PROTEIN in one easy step.
This innovation allows customers to personalize their protein intake without changing their favourite order. Whether it’s the McSpicy Paneer, McEgg, McChicken, McVeggie or even the iconic McAloo Tikki, the power of protein is now in your hands.
That’s the heart of our proposition:
Your favourite burger. Now powered by protein.
What Protein Week Stands For
Protein Week is our way of sustaining the awareness alive and inviting more customers to experience:
- The ease of adding protein to your existing favourites
- The flexibility to customize your burger
- The availability of Protein Plus Meals in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian formats
- The science-backed formulation developed with CSIR-CFTRI
- A vegan and vegetarian protein option providing 5 gm of protein
This week is about awareness and continued conversation around nutrition-led choices, without compromising on taste or joy. We believe food should adapt to you and not the other way around.
Protein Week celebrates that belief. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite between meetings, refuelling after a workout, or catching up with friends over your favourite burger, the Protein Plus Slice gives you one simple option:
Add protein. Keep the taste.
What Does 5g of Protein Really Mean?
To put it into perspective, 5 grams of protein, the boost you get from just one Protein Plus Slice, is roughly comparable to:
- Almost the protein in one regular egg (which typically contains ~6g of protein)
- About 200 ml (one cup) of low-fat yogurt/curd
- Approximately 40 grams of oats
- Around one small bowl of cooked rajma or chana (about 30–35g cooked)
In other words, with one simple add-on, you are meaningfully increasing the protein value of your meal. It’s a small addition with a tangible nutritional impact.
Science Meets Every day Eating
The Protein Plus Slice was formulated using 100% vegetarian ingredients, including soy and pea, and contains no artificial colours or flavours.
Our collaboration with CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute brings scientific expertise directly into the scale and legacy of McDonald’s. This partnership demonstrates how industry and food science institutions can work together to elevate everyday meals through nutrition.
Part of a Larger Journey
Our journey towards thoughtful menu innovation has always been guided by one philosophy: Real Food, Real Good.
Over the years, we have focused on removing artificial colours, artificial flavours and artificial preservatives from our menu, ensuring no added MSG in our chicken offerings, and sourcing high-quality ingredients from globally recognized local suppliers.
When we introduced the Multi-Millet Bun in collaboration with CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute, it marked a significant step in bringing food science and everyday indulgence together. Protein Plus slice is another milestone in our ongoing journey.
As we celebrate Protein Week from 23rd to 27th February, we invite you to rediscover your favourites, powered with added protein, across our restaurants in West and South India or through McDelivery.
i’m lovin’ it!
