Selling Out Quickly on Debut: Massive Demand for McDonald's New 'Protein Plus Slice' in India Remains Unabated
McDonald's India has made a significant stride in the quick service restaurant (QSR) industry with the launch of its Protein Plus Slice. The innovation, a result of a partnership with CSIR-CFTRI, has seen exceptional sales performance in West and South India, selling over 32,000 slices within 24 hours of its launch in July 2025[1][5].
The Protein Plus Slice, a 100% vegetarian, plant-based protein slice, adds 5 grams of protein to any burger[2][3]. It is free from onion and garlic, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences. The slice, priced at ₹25 each, is made from soy, pea, and whey protein, and aimed primarily at vegetarians looking to boost their protein intake conveniently[2][3].
The customer response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many customizing their burgers by adding one or more slices, highlighting the appeal of added protein without compromising taste[1][4]. Key sales figures by city include:
- Mumbai: Over 11,000 slices sold
- Pune: Over 3,000 slices sold
- Ahmedabad: Over 3,000 slices sold
- Bengaluru and Chennai: Each over 1,500 slices sold[1]
Shri Yogesh Kadam, Honble Minister of State for FDA, Government of Maharashtra, emphasized the growing need for safer and nutritious food choices that meet the needs of today's consumers during the launch event[6]. Dr. Sridevi Annapurna Singh, Director of CSIR-CFTRI, expressed excitement about continuing their partnership with McDonald's India to elevate everyday meals through nutrition[6].
The Protein Plus Slice is part of the wider Protein Plus Range offered by McDonald's India. Akshay Jatia, CEO of Westlife Foodworld, stated that the Protein Plus Range allows customers to personalize their protein intake and enjoy their favorite McDonald's burgers without compromising on taste or nutrition[7]. The development of the protein slice took nearly a year, involving collaboration with the CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute to ensure acceptable texture, taste, and shelf life for Indian consumers[3][4][5].
The innovation aligns with the broader Indian protein market growth, which is estimated at $1.52 billion in 2025 and projected to reach $2.08 billion by 2030[2]. The campaign supports nutritional initiatives like the ‘Eat Right India’ movement, reflecting a focus on healthier eating choices[3]. The Protein Plus Slice, developed by CSIR-CFTRI, contains no artificial colours or flavours[7].
In summary, the Protein Plus Slice has been a significant sales success in West and South India, with robust customer enthusiasm for a customizable, vegetarian protein enhancement in their burgers, positioning the product well within India’s expanding protein market and consumer health trends[1][2][3][4][5]. For more information, please visit: mcdonaldsblog.in.
[1] McDonald's India Press Release, July 2025 [2] Economic Times, "McDonald's India Introduces Protein Plus Range", July 2025 [3] Business Standard, "McDonald's India Launches Protein Plus Range", July 2025 [4] NDTV Food, "McDonald's India's Protein Plus Slice: Here's What You Need to Know", July 2025 [5] Financial Express, "McDonald's India's Protein Plus Slice: A Nutritional Boost for Vegetarians", July 2025 [6] Live Mint, "McDonald's India Launches Protein Plus Slice: What You Need to Know", July 2025 [7] Hindustan Times, "McDonald's India's Protein Plus Slice: A Look at the New Addition", July 2025
- The Protein Plus Slice, an innovation in McDonald's Indias Protein Plus Range, has witnessed unprecedented success in West and South India, with more than 32,000 slices sold within 24 hours of its launch.
- This plant-based protein slice, a result of a partnership between McDonald's India and CSIR-CFTRI, caters primarily to vegetarians seeking to increase their protein intake conveniently, without compromising taste.
- With the growing emphasis on healthier eating choices, the Protein Plus Slice aligns with initiatives like the ‘Eat Right India’ movement, positioning itself within India’s expanding protein market and consumer health trends.
- To support a varied lifestyle, the Protein Plus Slice, a customizable vegetarian protein enhancement, is free from onion and garlic, making it suitable for diverse dietary preferences in food-and-drink choices, fitness-and-exercise routines, health-and-wellness programs, and overall lifestyle preferences.
