Boneless Chicken Takes Center Stage: How Fast-Food Chains are Cashing In – Insights from The Food Institute

McDonald’s is making a comeback with its Snack Wrap! After a nine-year break, this favorite will return to menus on July 10. It’s not just McDonald’s; other chains like Popeyes are also introducing new chicken wraps.

The Snack Wrap got discontinued in 2016 as part of McDonald’s plan to streamline its offerings. But fans missed it, prompting McDonald’s to bring it back, right after launching McCrispy Strips. The timing seems perfect—chicken wraps are popular as quick, tasty meals.

In recent years, the demand for wraps has surged. Many fast-food chains, including Burger King and Wendy’s, have added wraps to their offerings. This trend highlights consumers’ desire for easy-to-eat meals, especially with boneless chicken options.

“Wraps are portable and convenient,” said food industry expert Sunny Khamkar, CEO of MenuData. “They cater to diverse tastes while being affordable to make.”

Wraps typically require just adding a tortilla to the kitchen inventory. Combining existing ingredients like chicken, sauces, and veggies makes it easy to create interesting new flavors. It’s a win-win for restaurants looking to boost sales.

The chicken love doesn’t stop there. In 2024, top chicken chains saw nearly a 15% sales increase, while the overall fast-food industry only grew by 3%. McDonald’s is now selling as much chicken as beef, reflecting this rising demand.

With consumers craving wraps and chicken, restaurants will continue to adapt their menus. It’s an exciting time for fast food, where creativity meets convenience.

For more about the current trends in the food industry, you can check out insights from Restaurant Business or discover more data from Nation’s Restaurant News.

Source link