The McDonald’s breakfast burrito has been a staple on the Golden Arches’ menu for decades, offering a convenient and filling breakfast option for customers on-the-go. However, in recent years, rumors have been circulating that McDonald’s has discontinued the breakfast burrito. But is this really the case? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of the McDonald’s breakfast burrito, explore the reasons behind its alleged discontinuation, and examine the current state of this beloved menu item.
A Brief History of the McDonald’s Breakfast Burrito
The McDonald’s breakfast burrito was first introduced in the late 1980s as part of the chain’s efforts to expand its breakfast offerings. The burrito consisted of a flour tortilla wrapped around scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, salsa, and a choice of sausage, bacon, or ham. The item quickly gained popularity, particularly in the Western United States, where burritos are a staple of the local cuisine.
Over the years, McDonald’s has made several changes to the breakfast burrito, including the addition of new ingredients and variations. In the early 2000s, the chain introduced a breakfast burrito with a spicy sausage option, which became a hit with customers. In 2015, McDonald’s launched a breakfast burrito with a scrambled egg whites option, catering to the growing demand for healthier breakfast options.
Regional Variations and Limited-Time Offers
One of the reasons why the McDonald’s breakfast burrito has endured is its adaptability to regional tastes. In some parts of the country, McDonald’s offers variations of the breakfast burrito that incorporate local flavors and ingredients. For example, in the Southwest, McDonald’s offers a breakfast burrito with a spicy chorizo sausage option, while in California, the chain offers a breakfast burrito with avocado.
In addition to regional variations, McDonald’s has also used the breakfast burrito as a platform for limited-time offers (LTOs). In 2019, the chain launched a breakfast burrito with a fried egg and chorizo sausage, which was available for a limited time only. These LTOs help keep the menu fresh and exciting, while also generating buzz and driving sales.
The Rumors of Discontinuation
So, why the rumors of discontinuation? There are a few reasons why some customers may think that McDonald’s has discontinued the breakfast burrito. One reason is that the item is not available at all McDonald’s locations. In some parts of the country, particularly in the Northeast, the breakfast burrito is not a standard menu item. This has led some customers to assume that the item has been discontinued altogether.
Another reason for the rumors is that McDonald’s has been streamlining its menu in recent years, eliminating underperforming items to make way for new and more popular options. In 2020, the chain announced that it would be removing several items from its menu, including the grilled chicken sandwich and the Southwest buttermilk crispy chicken salad. While the breakfast burrito was not among the items eliminated, the news may have sparked concerns among fans of the item.
McDonald’s Response to the Rumors
So, what does McDonald’s have to say about the rumors of discontinuation? According to a spokesperson for the chain, the breakfast burrito is still a menu item at many McDonald’s locations, particularly in the Western United States. However, the spokesperson acknowledged that the item may not be available at all locations, citing regional differences in menu offerings.
“We’re always looking for ways to innovate and improve our menu, but we also know that our customers love our classic items, including the breakfast burrito,” the spokesperson said. “While we may not offer the breakfast burrito at every location, it remains a popular item at many of our restaurants, particularly in the West.”
The Current State of the McDonald’s Breakfast Burrito
So, what’s the current state of the McDonald’s breakfast burrito? While the item may not be available at all locations, it remains a staple on the menu at many McDonald’s restaurants, particularly in the Western United States. In fact, the breakfast burrito is still listed on the McDonald’s website as a menu item, along with nutritional information and pricing.
In addition, McDonald’s has been promoting the breakfast burrito on social media, highlighting its convenience and value. In 2022, the chain launched a social media campaign featuring the breakfast burrito, encouraging customers to share their favorite breakfast burrito hacks and tips.
Breakfast Burrito Hacks and Tips
Speaking of hacks and tips, here are a few ways to customize your McDonald’s breakfast burrito:
- Add salsa or hot sauce for an extra kick
- Swap out the sausage or bacon for a vegetarian option, such as a hash brown or black beans
- Add shredded cheese or sour cream for extra flavor and creaminess
- Use the breakfast burrito as a base and add your own ingredients, such as diced ham or diced bell peppers
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the McDonald’s breakfast burrito may not be available at all locations, it remains a beloved menu item at many restaurants, particularly in the Western United States. With its adaptability to regional tastes and limited-time offers, the breakfast burrito continues to be a staple on the McDonald’s menu. So, the next time you’re in the mood for a convenient and filling breakfast, don’t be afraid to try a McDonald’s breakfast burrito – if it’s available at your local restaurant, that is!
| Menu Item | Availability |
|---|---|
| Breakfast Burrito | Regional, available at many McDonald’s locations in the Western United States |
| Breakfast Burrito with Scrambled Egg Whites | Nationwide, available at participating McDonald’s locations |
| Breakfast Burrito with Spicy Sausage | Regional, available at participating McDonald’s locations in the Southwest |
Note: The availability of menu items may vary depending on location and region.
What is the McDonald’s Breakfast Burrito?
The McDonald’s Breakfast Burrito is a breakfast item that was once part of the McDonald’s menu. It typically consists of a flour tortilla wrapped around scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, salsa, and a choice of sausage, bacon, or ham. The burrito was designed to be a convenient and filling breakfast option for customers on-the-go.
Although the Breakfast Burrito is no longer a standard menu item at most McDonald’s locations, it remains a popular choice in certain regions. Some McDonald’s restaurants, particularly in the southwestern United States, continue to offer the Breakfast Burrito as a regional favorite.
Why was the McDonald’s Breakfast Burrito discontinued?
The McDonald’s Breakfast Burrito was discontinued as a standard menu item due to a combination of factors. One reason was the introduction of new breakfast items, such as the Egg McMuffin and the Sausage McMuffin with Egg, which became more popular with customers. Additionally, the Breakfast Burrito was seen as a more complex item to prepare, requiring multiple ingredients and assembly, which may have contributed to its discontinuation.
However, it’s worth noting that the Breakfast Burrito was not completely eliminated from the McDonald’s menu. As mentioned earlier, it remains a regional favorite in certain areas, and some McDonald’s locations continue to offer it as a specialty item.
Where can I still find the McDonald’s Breakfast Burrito?
The McDonald’s Breakfast Burrito can still be found at select McDonald’s locations, primarily in the southwestern United States. Some states where the Breakfast Burrito is commonly available include Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. However, availability may vary depending on the specific location and region.
If you’re looking to try the McDonald’s Breakfast Burrito, it’s best to call ahead and confirm that your local McDonald’s still offers it. You can also check the McDonald’s website or mobile app to see if the Breakfast Burrito is listed as a menu item at your nearest location.
Can I customize the McDonald’s Breakfast Burrito?
Yes, the McDonald’s Breakfast Burrito can be customized to suit your tastes. Although the standard ingredients include scrambled eggs, cheddar cheese, salsa, and a choice of sausage, bacon, or ham, you can ask for modifications or substitutions. For example, you can request no salsa or add extra cheese.
Keep in mind that customization options may vary depending on the McDonald’s location and the specific ingredients available. If you have a specific request, it’s best to ask your server or the person taking your order to confirm that it can be accommodated.
Is the McDonald’s Breakfast Burrito a healthy option?
The McDonald’s Breakfast Burrito can be a filling and satisfying breakfast option, but its nutritional value depends on the ingredients and portion size. A standard Breakfast Burrito with sausage, eggs, cheese, and salsa contains around 300-400 calories, 20-25 grams of fat, and 1000-1200mg of sodium.
If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider customizing your Breakfast Burrito by asking for whole wheat tortilla, reducing the amount of cheese, or choosing a leaner protein source like egg whites. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that even with modifications, the Breakfast Burrito is still a relatively high-calorie and high-fat food item.
Can I get the McDonald’s Breakfast Burrito as part of a combo meal?
Yes, the McDonald’s Breakfast Burrito can be ordered as part of a combo meal at participating locations. A typical combo meal includes the Breakfast Burrito, a drink (such as coffee, orange juice, or soda), and a side item (like hash browns or a fruit and yogurt parfait).
Combo meals can offer a convenient and cost-effective way to enjoy your Breakfast Burrito with a drink and a side. However, availability and pricing may vary depending on the McDonald’s location and the specific combo meal options offered.
Will the McDonald’s Breakfast Burrito ever return as a standard menu item?
It’s difficult to say whether the McDonald’s Breakfast Burrito will ever return as a standard menu item nationwide. Although it remains a popular choice in certain regions, McDonald’s menu offerings are subject to change based on customer preferences, sales data, and marketing strategies.
If there is enough customer demand and interest in the Breakfast Burrito, it’s possible that McDonald’s may consider re-introducing it as a standard menu item or offering it as a limited-time promotion. However, at this time, there are no official plans to bring back the Breakfast Burrito as a nationwide menu item.