Generation McNugget- How Fast Food Is Changing For The Modern Consumer

Note: While I was invited to attend an event  held by McDonald's, during my trip to #BlogHer2016, I was in no way compensated for sharing the following information or story- it is entirely of my doing.

What Momma Told Me: Baby steps.

I'm not going to lie, when I was a little girl the biggest fuss over eating out was whether I'd finish all of my food fast enough to get the toy that came inside my Happy Meal. We didn't eat 'fast food' often. As a result there were little rules to what I could order or eat when we did, so long as I ate the majority of my meal. Trust me, Momma made up for it with 27 other days in the month full of heaping piles of vegetables and a rotating concoction of 'grown up food' (as I called it). Yes, fast food, especially McDonald's was always considered a treat, something to indulge with on special occasions.

Let's face it, up until about a decade ago the term 'fast food' had a negative connotation. I'll admit, whenever I was asked by a coworker why I had for lunch and named one of the major chains on the corner I felt a sense of shame. Why couldn't I have delicious food prepared for me on the go, at an affordable value and convenient time frame? Of course several brands have made great strides to restructure their menu, and re-evaluate their food sourcing and preparation processes, to meet the growing demands of conscientious consumers. If you'd have asked me in 2003 if I'd buying salads at my local McDonalds on lunch breaks I would have laughed as if you were crazy.

 We give chains like McDonald's a bad wrap a lot. Yes, it is 'fast food'- but fast food no longer means 'junk food.' It's a mentality that I daresay will yet take generations more to embrace. Are golden delicious, freshly salted, french fries still on the menu, sure. It wouldn't be McDonald's without french fries! But the brand has made efforts to expand on the convenience of their delicious sandwiches as meals and offer alternative sides, and a smaller standard portioning of french fries when ordered. This was one of the first steps the brand made where I truly noticed a difference.

However, the concept that their most delicious menu items could be enjoyed in moderation wasn't the only message McDonald's worked to convey. Over the past 10 years the brand has listened fervently to consumer feedback across the United States and worked to make dramatic changes to everyday menu items, while innovating lighter, health minded, introductions to the traditional menu.

I, including myself, found myself frustrated from time to time with how slow it seemed this 'industry' was responding to the rapidly changing lifestyles and quality demands of its' consumers.What I didn't know was that something as simple as adding apple slices to the Happy Meal menu took over 3 years to achieve. And the monumental 'breakfast all day' roll out? Just consider the logistics challenges of sourcing a regular supply of quality eggs for over 15,000 locations nationwide, essentially up to tripling the chains previous product demand! It's no small undertaking- but the brand has made it very vocal that they do not intend to let such hurdles or slow progression stop them from continually bettering their brand. While you may scoff, the brand is committed to providing 100% cage free eggs for their 16k locations across the United States and Canada by 2025.

10 years? Why is it going to take 10 years? Well, you just try to hold yourself to a quality standard, while contracting enough fresh cage free egg farmers to supply and feed the customers of over 16k restaurant locations every day. I'm not an expert in the field, but something tells me there may not even be that many cage free chickens producing in the U.S. at this point in time! It IS quite the undertaking.

Of course one of the way the brand can innovate and meet customers demands for consistently fresher, never, better ingredients and recipes is by adding regional or even seasonal menu items to their lineup. The California HASS avocado is a local treat I indulge in every Summer, but McDonalds wants to look into the process of sourcing them potentially year round for fresh guacamole with pico de gallo- yes avocados are used in guacamole on McDonald's menu offerings now- but the use of real HASS avocados would add an extra depth of flavor and quality to further elevate the menu.

Speaking of elevating- raise your hand if you have happy feels (memories) when you think of grabbing a Happy Meal as a child. That 4 count McNugget box was always my treat of choice, and nothing made me squirm with delight quite like dipping a freshly nibbled nugget into that little cup of sauce. McDonalds might traditionally be a 'burger' joint, but it's their famous golden nuggets that I find myself, and my nieces and nephews craving. A Happy Meal is not just an affordable and simple solution to meals on the go at crunch time- it's a tool for connecting and making memories.

The brand understands this, and as a result have made several changes to the famous recipe throughout the years. McNuggets get a lot of flack y'all. I get it. I, too, am always skeptical of any meat product that is not served in it's original shape. But I have to admit, I feel heaps better about treating my nieces and nephews (and myself) to a McNugget meal now and then knowing that the brand has now made it's commitment to use only antibiotic free (*antibiotics important to human medicine) chicken. This in addition to their ongoing commitment that McNuggets shall always remain free of artificial colors and flavors. So go ahead, dip happy.

Of course you don't have to crave 'fast food' to crave McDonalds- I'd say the majority of my trips over the past year were actually for something very 'not' fast food- a salad. And I'm not talking about a 'side salad instead of fries with my Big Mac' sort of deal- I'm talking a full blown, artisan inspired, entree salad like the Southwest Grilled Chicken Salad featuring a Southwest Vegetable Blend, Cilantro Lime Glazed Grilled Chicken, and Chili Lime Tortilla Strips. It jut so happens to pair perfectly with a McCafe Smoothie (which I hear is being tested with a Greek yogurt base!)

This 'food journey' the brand proclaims it's on is not one that reaches it's destination overnight. Then again, when you're working to change an entire industry, nothing does. We, as consumers think of McDonalds as a 'fast food' chain, and, as a result we expect the ingredients and food to be in line with the affordable pricing and speed. As it turns out, there is nothing fast or simple about ensuring the freshest ingredients and flavors make it to your local drive-thru window every day. Not only do I, personally, have a newfound appreciation for the business of 'convenient' revolution, but I feel a little bit of pride in knowing I choose a brand that is so actively listening to it's customers and striving to meet their needs. Now, tell me, what do you look for most on a fast food menu? Are you the type only heading in to indulge in something sinfully greasy? Or are you the consumer demanding fresher, more lifestyle driven selections on the menu?


What Daughter Says: Fast food has a bad wrap. But it's come a long way from my mother's childhood, and it continues to evolve for future generations.

5 Common Fast Food (Service) Mistakes: And How To Avoid + Handle Them!

Momma Told Me: You get what you pay for.

When I was growing up, visiting a fast food drive through, or sit down, was a treat. Momma was a stay-at-home mother and most often preferred to prepare our meals with her own hands than rely on those operating a fryer. However, more and more modern fast food chains are beginning to take cues from consumers who demand healthier options and modifications to traditional fast food offerings. With the emergence of whole chicken breast 'burger' substitutions, and widely popular side salad 'combo' options, more and more consumers are turning to fast food when they feel strapped for time. Whether you're a fast food junkie, or only stop in to indulge a craving now and then, there are a few things about fast food that seemed to have never changed; the service.

Let's run down a few common issues with fast food service; how to avoid them, and how to handle them:

Portion Size: In the early 2000s a shocking documentary was released bringing consumer attention to portion size and the fast food industry's enabling impact on modern obesity epidemics. As a result, 'extra' size upgrades that once cost a mere couple of coins left major chain menus, and greasy or fried side favorites actually increased in average price per serving. Since then consumers have become more discerning about the consistency of portioning in packages and presentation. Have you ever pulled out your fries, in two different sizes, and noted the portions looked almost identical (like the photo above?)

Many fried sides, such as french fries are often placed in open containers, and literally tossed into the bags or boxes the order is presented in. You may find half your french fries are actually residing on the bottom of the bag, rather than in the box. If you don't have a side by side comparison of portion sizes, it can be hard to present a case for under-portioning. Most employees are taught to tell consumers that the 'contents settle' or the packages 'expand' and portion appearance may vary from time to time. However, as the customer you have the right to satisfaction; simply hand the employee the offending side and ask them to scoop you a fresh one; more often than not they will deliberately overfill the container simply to see you satisfied.

Incorrect Orders: Even at the locations where I find I receive best service, I still have trouble with incorrect orders from time to time. As a consumer, unless you have worked the industry recently, it is easy to forget that there are many people working to get your order to you, quickly. The more people processing an order, naturally, the more opportunities for errors. To help avoid simple order mistakes always, ask the order taker to repeat your order back to you, double check your order immediately upon receipt, take note of repeated mistakes and emphasize your specific concerns at the time of ordering.

Drive-Thru Communication: This brings us directly to one of the number one frustrations with modern fast food convenience; the drive thru. An estimated 30% more errors occur on drive-thru orders, over in store counter orders. Naturally, the inconvenience feels all the more exaggerated when you were visiting a drive-thru for the 'convenience' of time and speed, in the first place. Communicating through the 'speaker box' system can contribute to many misheard order specifications; if there is no working digital screen displaying your current order request to place your order directly at the fist window manned by an employee.

Do not worry about the precious seconds of time building on the car waiting before you; when you receive your food take the extra moment to double check your order for all it's components, and any condiments, or even straws/napkins you may need. Many national chains are being instructed not to provide, or offer, even ketchup to a customer without prompt, and one of the most common left out fast food aids is the napkin!

General Service Complaints: A fast food restaurant generally does not have the motivation for good service a sit-down, or gratuity base establishment would. However, most major national chains do have internal rewards programs for good service and general performance targets (low waste, feedback card responses, average order time.) Many fast food issues are often a result of a single instance of poor team communication or a bad shift. As frustrating as an incorrect order can be, it often shouldn't call for you to speak with a manager or contact corporate.

In the instance that you experience poor service or accuracy/food quality on multiple visits, however, it is valuable to bring this to the attention to the management on staff directly. Try to remember that it is not a single individual's fault, but a myriad of mistakes resulting from several employees. Instead of listing specific instances point out key themes like 'my portions are often inconsistent,' 'my special orders usually come out wrong,' or 'I often wait longer than 5 minutes to receive my food.'

If the instances continue to happen after speaking with management, communicate with the chain directly online. If you are clear that the instance has occurred on multiple occasions they will often send a regional or district manager in within 24 hours to assist with re-training and coaching to correct the mentioned problems. In some cases the general moral of an establishment may be down due to improper management, overly-critical or a lack of discipline, or even long hours and unsafe working conditions leading to lack of employee wellness in general. Whether the business is a national chain, or more local set-up, keep in mind how a business values their employees, through the offering of proper breaks, an abundance of healthy snack and meal-time options, or sufficient work moral directly impacts the way the employees interact with the customers!

Product Presentation: Lastly, many consumers feel that fast food is improperly portrayed in menu board photos and advertisements. Seeing a beautifully handcrafted, stacked, burger and receiving the  grease stained, smashed, wrapper is never ideal; but the reality of the nature of the business. If you are eating fast food, you should either assume the presentation will be haphazard, but compositionaly accurate to the product's description, or frequent establishments that spend the extra time in packaging to help preserve product continuity. In most cases this means ordering premium items that are served in more sturdy boxes.

What Daughter Says: Though the nature of 'fast food' is to be quick and frugal; it is still a business, and should be expected to run like one.

Licensing Trends In Your Local Freezer- Do They Belong?

Momma Told Me: Life isn't universal.

In the world of product marketing I envision a board of stuffy old men pushing their team of hip, generational, marketers to come up with a new way to turn spaghetti sauce into a common beauty product. If it sounds crazy to you consider that nearly every mainstream ingredient, eggs, pork, avocado, grains, have their own 'committee' and these committees are essentially in place to figure out ways to get you to buy and use more of the everyday staples you are already buying and using. Toilet paper, for example, is a product that truly hasn't changed in 100 years, and yet we find witty commercials telling us about how much we need this play, or how this roll gives off a lavender scent when spun (that products in my bathroom at this very moment.) A product that we buy constantly, and will buy until our last shopping trip on this Earth, and it's still being marketed towards us.

Why? Because every category of product is broken into brands. Branding makes the advertising world go round, and few things exemplify this as well as modern fast food and fast casual chains. Last year Taco Bell even developed an entire campaign to get it's consumers to buy the very same sauce I hoarded in my cupboards. A sauce you could grab by the handful when dining in, a sauce which held no other claim to fame by ingredient or flavor, other than the fast food chain with which it bore a logo of.

If you're like me and you're tired of seeing a new 'chain' brand show up in the freezer section of your local grocery store, you're probably not thrilled to note the recent trend of ready-made branding that has swept this convenience aisle. TGI Fridays and Chilis are two major brands of note local to me, that have overwhelmed my ad streams with their promotions for their new range and additions to the frozen food assembly. What confuses me, however, is that these meals and appetizers often don't replicate beloved chain favorites, but themes off-shoots of recipes the brands feel consumers would like. And other than a hefty mark up for carrying the brand name, seldom carry any other addition over existing competitors in the category. That is to say I find myself being less blinded by the glitz of 'branding' and reaching for the frozen staples my family has known and trusted for generations (Stouffer's for example.)

Regardless, a recent marketing study sought to understand the modern consumers desires in this unique crossover branding of fast food/fast casual chains to grocery store freezer. The study, not so surprisingly revealed a demand for fast casual quality brands such as Panera and Chipotle to make an appearance in the market, while consumers were less likely to trust value and fast food brands such as McDonald's. The study went on to summarize that consumers had expressed a lack of interest in breakfast food expansions, even feeling overwhelmed by the existing options in the frozen category, and the biggest category of flavor profiles desired fell within the Mediterranean range of cuisine.

How do you feel about big name fast food and restaurant brands crossing over into your grocery store buys?

What Daughter Says: Just because I enjoy eating Cheetos now and then doesn't mean I want them making my lip gloss.

Good Mood Food: Pecan Chicken Salad Wrap + Triple Berry Shake Giveaway

***Our family was invited, as guests, to sample the new Limited Time menu selections at an Arby's near us. No further compensation was provided. All photos are copyright Momma Told Me Blog 2013.

Momma Told Me: Seasons come and go, but good food is always in style.

When I was younger fast food was always considered a treat. Not that Momma's cooking wasn't good, but there was something about a freshly seasoned fry, and a paper wrapped sandwich that simply put me in a good mood. Our hometown has no shortage of fast service restaurants, with 8 different chains just off our street, alone. But there was always one that we had to make a 'special' trip for. One town over, right next to the mall, was a little hole in the wall Arby's. At first I only cared for the Jamocha shakes, a thick and creamy blend of chocolate swirl and coffee infused ice cream. Every month or so my father would get a hankering for their world famous roast beef sandwiches, and sure enough, we'd make the 30 minute drive to indulge in a little Good Mood Food dinner. I recall, for our small 3 person family, alone, we'd walk out with 10 or more Roast Beef, and Beef N' Cheddar Arby's sandwiches- Pop would quite literally live off them for a week.

As I got older, and began to eat foods outside my usual comfort zone, I turned to my father for culinary inspiration. Anything he like to eat, I would give a proper chance. I had always dipped my curly fries in their signature zesty Arby's Sauce (in fact, Momma even used to buy it by the bottle, back when it was sold that way in stores), but had never cared to try their signature roast beef sandwiches. Needless to say, it was love at first bite. There was nothing else like it at any other fast food restaurant, and I was hooked. Just one bite of that oven-roasted beef, piled high beneath a sot sesame seed bun, bright red Arby's sauce spilling down the sides, I knew we'd be best mates for life. Really, it's not everyday I plug a fast food establishment; so, for those unfamiliar with this chain, hunt it down! Arby's has some truly original classics and a wonderful Value Menu for any budget, but they also offer some Select options that cater to seasonal palettes and local tastes.

In addition to their wildly popular, and Deli Shop quality authentic Reuben and Ultimate Angus sandwich selections, Arby's has added a Market Fresh range to their menu. This collection of seasonal inspired menu selections is the brand's answer to a more health conscious and epicurean customer. With a slightly higher price point then the brand's typical premium sandwiches, options such as the Roast Turkey Ranch and Bacon or Roast Turkey and Swiss offer a classic true deli experience leaps above the modern 'value' sub shop. As a big fan of the chain I've been on their product development survey list for about a year and receive bi-weekly survey links featuring top secret upcoming product ideas. I love having a chance to provide valuable feedback to shape the chain's 'next big thing,' and think it's great that Arby's utilizes its consumers to make such big branding decisions. Recently thousands of fans voted wholeheartedly 'yes' for King's Hawaiian bun sandwiches, and this Summer a new seasonal Market Fresh Sandwich was also introduced; the Pecan Chicken Salad Sandwich.

When paired with Arby's new Limited Time House Made Chips and Triple Berry Shake, the Pecan Chicken Salad Sandwich (available on honey wheat bread, or in a whole grain wrap) is the perfect light fare for a lazy Summer afternoon. Our family recently had a chance to visit our local establishment, as guests, to try the new menu selections. I'll admit, this was not the Arby's fare I grew up with, but I was excited to try the new menu innovations and explore unique flavors I would never find at the local McDonald's or Burger King. The other half was a bit unsuspecting as he took his first bite into that Pecan Chicken Salad Wrap full of grilled chicken chunks, crunchy pecans, diced red apples, crisp celery, juicy red grapes, mayonnaise and green leaf lettuce. While he ate the entire wrap, there were several comments about the unique selection of fresh fruit and veggies contained within. In the wrap, I found it quite refreshing; though there seemed to be a little too much sweet fruit for my tastes (I'd prefer the grapes left out and the crunch of the celery and apples to care the fresh flavors).

Also included in our culinary exploration were the brand's Limited Time House Made Chips, cut thick Kettle style and tossed in authentic Arby's Sauce seasoning. These truly proved too be the perfect compliment to the Market fresh range, offering an authentic deli feel with plenty of seasoned flavor to balance out the light Pecan Chicken Salad Wrap. Sabrina (10) had to get used to the thicker 'Kettle' style chips, but really enjoyed the flavor of the thick coat seasoning. I thought it was especially neat to see the artisan style crisps of varying sizes, which gave the meal a more handmade and personal feel. Naturally we wrapped with the latest of the brand's famous shakes; the Triple Berry Shake, names so for its harmonious blend of tart raspberries, and sweet strawberries and blueberries. Topped with a fluffy mound of whipped cream, and decorated with a Berry Syrup swirl, this was clearly the showman of our meal.

The smiles don't lie, the new Arby's Limited Time Summer selections were a big hit, and certainly the perfect example of why this chain is known for it's Good Mood Food. I loved the thick and extra creamy texture of the Triple Berry Shake and how it balanced the zesty Arby's flavor of the House Made Chips, and the light, yet largely portioned main course of the Pecan Chicken Salad Sandwich. While I wouldn't order these items year round, and they haven't replaced my favorite Arby's Roast Beef sandwich, they are the perfect mid-week indulgence for this Southern California beach-town native. I can't wait to see what the chain will roll out next and have already been asked when we're going back!

What Daughter Says: Arby's is always innovating fresh and inspired selections for their menu, and I love exploring them!

One Momma Told Me reader will win 3 Pecan Chicken Salad Sandwich (or Wrap), 3 House Made Chips, and 2 Triple Berry Shake vouchers!