Low-Fat Fast Food Flops
Stan Freberg here. Well, the "McLean" burger didn't work out. McDonald's says they're phasing out the low-fat "Big Mac" because not enough people bought it. In fact, many fast food chains are kissing off reduced fat items because people don't like 'em! Makes sense to me. Be right back. [:60 SPOT BREAK]
Freberg here. I've talked about couch potatoes and a little warning label that will soon appear on sporting equipment: "WARNING! The Surgeon General has determined that lack of physical activity is detrimental to your health." I said the obvious warning to couch potatoes would serve a better purpose on your mirror or refrigerator.
Now, as I say, people have rejected leaner, low-fat items like the "McLean" hamburger, so McDonald's is dumping the well-intentioned item. They say it was "unpopular." I had one--believe me, it left a lot to be desired.
According to a story in USA Today, McDonald's "McLean Deluxe" accounted for less than 1% of their sales. It says Pizza Hut also tried a low-fat pizza, but it flopped. On the other hand, people have shown a preference for fattier foods! Pizza Hut's "stuffed crust" pizza turned into a one billion dollar menu item last year. What's going on here?
It's simple--"low-fat" doesn't taste as good! Until someone comes up with a delicious, low-fat hamburger or pizza, uh, don't bother us couch potatoes.
Stan Freberg here.
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