A woman with a surprised expression in front of a Wendy's restaurant with the McDonald's logo superimposed.
CONSUMER AFFAIRS

Blow to Wendy's: McDonald's strikes back in the U.S. and launches a surprise

McDonald’s and Wendy’s maintain intense competition in the fast food market in the United States

Competition in the fast food world never stops. Each chain looks for ways to attract their customers with new products or the return of classics. In this constant game, McDonald's has taken a strategic step that's generating a lot of buzz.

McDonald's has introduced a new product that seems designed to compete directly with one of Wendy's icons. This new item is the Daily Double, a double burger that's now available across the United States. It promises to change the way customers see McDonald's traditional menu.

A fast-food restaurant with an outdoor play area and a modern design.
The Daily Double competes with Wendy's Dave's Double | McDonalds

The Daily Double: a classic bet with a twist

McDonald's isn't unfamiliar with changes to its menu, although it has always kept its star products well defined. However, the launch of the Daily Double marks an important new development. It's a burger with two beef patties, cheese, tomato, onion, shredded lettuce, and mayonnaise, an ingredient that's not common in its classic combinations.

This new sandwich breaks with McDonald's habit of using ketchup and mustard on most of its burgers. In addition, ingredients like lettuce and tomato are usually reserved for its most recognized products, such as the Quarter Pounder with Cheese Deluxe or the famous Big Mac. That's why this combination feels new and refreshing for the chain's fans.

Although the Daily Double isn't a gastronomic revolution, it does represent an important change in menu strategy. It doesn't aim to innovate with overly exotic ingredients, but rather to offer a solid and attractive option that can compete head-to-head with Wendy's famous Dave's Double burger. This one also features double beef and a similar mix of ingredients.

Double cheeseburger with lettuce, tomato, onion, and mayonnaise on a blurred blue background
The Daily Double is already on McDonald’s menu | McDonalds

McDonald's responds to Wendy's

The name Daily Double seems to be inspired by the American show Jeopardy!, but its commercial intent is clear: to rival Wendy's and its classics. Originally, McDonald's launched this burger only in a few key cities like Miami, Seattle, and Chicago. However, due to its positive reception, since June 26 it has been officially added across the United States, according to All Recipes.

In addition, McDonald's has added the Daily Double to its value menu, available since July 22. For example, the McValue Meal combo, which previously offered options like McChicken or McDouble for five euros, now includes the possibility to order the Daily Double for six or seven euros. The package comes with nuggets, fries, and a drink, making it an economical and complete option.

Ultimately, McDonald's has chosen to innovate within tradition, creating a simple yet effective product that could win many fans in the United States. With this move, the chain shows that it's ready to keep its position in the market and continue being a benchmark in the world of fast burgers.

➡️ Consumer Affairs

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