McDonald’s Corp. said it plans to roll out an oatmeal item to its more than 14,000 restaurants on Jan. 3.
Fruit & Maple Oatmeal, which has been in test since earlier this year, will be available all day long, with or without brown sugar, for $1.99. The item contains 290 calories with sugar and 260 calories without it.
The giant quick-service chain said its oatmeal contains half a cup of fruit — red and green apples, dried cranberries, and golden and regular raisins — as well as five grams of dietary fiber and two-thirds of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s recommended daily allowance of whole grain.
McDonald’s joins a small but growing number of chains that serve oatmeal for breakfast, including Starbucks, Caribou Coffee, Jamba Juice and Prêt à Manger.
Oatmeal has proven to be a popular item at Starbucks since the Seattle-based coffee chain began offering it in 2008.
Cindy Goody, senior director of nutrition for McDonald’s USA, said the Oak Brook, Ill.-based chain would be assessing consumer feedback following the launch to determine whether the line might be extended or other items might be developed.
Goody said she worked with other members of McD’s product development team to help ensure a desirable nutritional profile for the product, with a focus on portion control and appropriate levels of fruit, whole grain and dietary fiber.
The details of McDonald’s oatmeal launch were announced at a media event in New York City, at which the chain highlighted healthful lifestyles by making health, beauty and fashion experts available for interviews.
Laura Posada, author of “Fit Home Team,” Jeannie Mai, host of the Style Network’s “How Do I Look,” and style and fashion expert Bevy Smith all attended the event.
Contact Bret Thorn at [email protected].
