The big change on Macca’s menus that has customers doing a double take

McDonald’s has unveiled a major menu change across the country, with select food items now displaying their exact protein count in grams in a large font.

Customers have noticed this on digital ordering screens and on the My Maccas app. This protein feature was initially introduced in US stores in April.

This shift comes days after the fast food giant confirmed the return of Diet Coke to its menu after four-year absence.

Protein has become one of the biggest health buzzwords around the world, with protein count and content highlighted across several food categories and brands, and McDonald’s is the latest to jump on the bandwagon.

A Big Mac contains 28g of protein, according to the new display, while a Double Big Mac gives you 42g of protein.

A Double Quarter Pounder includes 54g of protein, and a McChicken has 16g of protein. Not a burger fan? You can look forward to 43g of protein in a box of 20 nuggets.

McDonald’s has been contacted for comment.

While this extra menu information is welcome news for Australians counting their daily protein intake, health experts have expressed concerns over the new feature.

Leading Australian dietician Susie Burrell warned that while some McDonald’s menu items “may offer protein”, they generally come with “a massive load of fat, saturated fat in particular, as well” but few other nutrients such as fibre, which can be found in salads and some breads.

“Even their plain chicken burgers have a lot more fat and calories than other chains,” Burrell told nine.com.au.

“Of what’s there, the Bacon & Egg McMuffin is better at 21g of protein for roughly 330 calories, but they need to share the fat too for it to be meaningful nutritionally.”

Food scientist Dr Emma Beckett said while McDonald’s can be included in a balanced diet, customers should always consider the overall nutritional value of food items rather than single health claims such as this.

“People think that having protein means it’s a health food, but that’s not the case at all,” she told nine.com.au.

“My advice to consumers is to stop having your head turned by specific ‘hero’ nutrients and to consider your food choices and diet on balance,” she said.

Dr Beckett added balance, when it comes to diet, includes thinking about “energy, macros, and micros, but it also includes balancing enjoyment and effort and everything else”.