Shrinkflation no more.

It probably comes as no surprise that in this period of inflation, consumers are always looking for a deal. However, because of those inflated prices at fast food restaurants, many customers are deciding to skip the drive-thru altogether. In fact, McDonald’s reported in its recent earnings call that fast food sales are down pretty much across the board among most chains.

But with rumored menu surge pricing and value menus getting smaller and more expensive, customers are fed up with paying more for what many view as “less than” what fast food chains used to offer.

McDonald’s understands that its customers expect the best from the Golden Arches, which is why it launched its “best burgers” earlier this year. The recipe change—which included new, pillowy toasted buns, melty cheese, caramelized onions, even more Big Mac sauce, and a new grilling method—meant all burgers are now hotter, juicier, and all-around more delicious than before. And, believe me, when I tried the OG and “best burger” side-by-side, the difference was extremely noticeable.

Now that Mickey D’s “best burger” is rolled out at all U.S. locations nationwide, the restaurant is already looking for more ways to improve its beloved burgers.

McDonald’s Plans To Test Bigger Burgers in 2024

Earlier this year, McDonald’s was in hot water when customers complained about the Filet-O-Fish sandwich looking smaller. While McDonald’s denied that its fish sandwich fell victim to shrinkflation, it had many customers calling out menu items they believed to have gotten smaller while the prices remained the same (or, even worse, increased). While the fast food giant has never admitted to down-sizing its food, it announced in its April earnings call that it’s committing to making its burgers even bigger.

“As we look to further build on our leadership in beef, our team of chefs from around the world have created a larger, satiating burger. We’ll be testing this burger in a few markets later this year ensuring that it has universal appeal before scaling it across the globe,” said Ian Borden, McDonald’s  Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

In a December CNN interview, Mickey D’s CEO mentioned that bigger burgers were on the company’s list of menu item improvements. So, while we knew the change was an upcoming possibility, it’s great to see the brand taking action to get the bigger burgers out this year.

There’s no information on where McDonald’s will market test the burgers—especially because its earnings call encompasses all global markets. Hopefully, at least a few locations in the U.S. will be part of the global test. If its “best burger” rollout was any indication, a few states on the West Coast might have the chance to try the bigger burger first, too.

In addition to the bigger burgers, Borden mentioned plans for menu innovations this year to attempt to drive more customers back to the restaurants. While he didn’t give many details, after the quiet drop of its new Bacon Cajun Ranch McCrispy, we can’t wait to see what Mickey D’s is reserving its big campaigns for this year.

After many months of negative pricing news, it's good to hear that Ronald and the gang are looking out for us.

Read the original article on All Recipes.