McDonald’s India, operated by Westlife Foodworld, has launched a new plant-based Protein Plus Slice that adds 5 grams of protein to any burger for just Rs. 25 per slice. This new option is available across all McDonald’s outlets in West and South India. The launch event took place in Worli, Mumbai, and was attended by Maharashtra Minister of State for Food and Drugs Administration, Yogesh Kadam.
A Cheddar-Like Slice, Without Cheese
The Protein Plus Slice looks like cheddar cheese round, orange, and smooth but it is 100% vegetarian.
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Weight: 15 grams per slice
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Made from: Soy, pea, and whey protein
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Free from: Preservatives, artificial colours, onion, and garlic
Customers can add one or more slices to any burger, including popular choices like McAloo Tikki or McSpicy Paneer.
From Research Labs to Your Burger
The Protein Plus Slice took nearly a year to develop, thanks to a collaboration between McDonald’s India and the CSIR–Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI). Dr. Sridevi Annapurna Singh, Director of CFTRI, noted that around 70% of Indian adults lack sufficient protein in their diets, and this innovation is designed to help bridge that gap. She emphasized the challenges her team faced, explaining that each type of protein whether soy, pea, or whey behaves differently. Achieving the right texture, taste, shelf life, and moisture balance was critical to creating a slice that is both palatable and functional.
How Much Protein Do You Get?
With the addition of the Protein Plus Slice, the protein content of popular burgers increases:
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McSpicy Paneer: 25.29g
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McChicken: 20.66g
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McVeggie: 15.24g
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McAloo Tikki: 13.5g
McDonald’s Focus on Nutrition
According to Akshay Jatia, Executive Director of Westlife Foodworld, the launch of the Protein Plus Slice is a continuation of McDonald’s ‘Real Food, Real Good’ journey. He explained that the company had introduced a multi-millet bun last year, and the addition of the protein slice is the next step towards making fast food more nutritious. Jatia emphasized that McDonald’s aims to let customers enjoy their favourite burgers while ensuring they receive an adequate protein boost.
Collaboration Driving Nutritional Innovation
Dr. Sridevi Annapurna Singh highlighted the importance of collaboration, stating that the Protein Plus Slice is a science-backed innovation designed to add more nutrition to everyday meals. She emphasized that the partnership with McDonald’s demonstrates how industry and research institutions can work together to improve public health.
The launch event also saw the presence of officials from the Maharashtra Food and Drugs Administration, including Shri Rajesh Narvekar and Shri Mangesh Mane.
A Step Towards ‘Eat Right India’
Minister Yogesh Kadam praised the effort, saying it supports the ‘Eat Right India’ movement by FSSAI, which encourages safe and nutritious food for everyone. To promote the new slice, McDonald’s has launched Protein Plus Meals, available in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. South India has been a challenging market for McDonald’s. The company plans to increase menu innovation and focus on local needs to win back customers in this region.
Date : 27 July 2025
Time : 10 AM to 5 PM
Fee : Rs. 1180
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