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Big Mac: A Global Icon's Flavorful Journey
17 Feb
Summary
- Invented in the 1960s to compete with rival burgers.
- Features plant-based variations in vegetarian-majority countries.
- The Big Mac Index tracks global purchasing power since 1986.
The McDonald's Big Mac, a fast-food icon, traces its origins to the 1960s. Created by franchise owner Jim Delligatti to counter competitors, it overcame initial corporate hesitation to become a worldwide favorite. Its famous jingle in the 1970s immortalized its ingredients: two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions, and a sesame seed bun.
The Big Mac's global presence has led to significant adaptations. In India, the Veg Maharaja Mac offers a plant-based alternative for its predominantly vegetarian population. Other countries have introduced versions like the Chicken Big Mac in Egypt and Pakistan, or specialized variations such as Japan's Mega Tamago Mac with an added fried egg.
Further demonstrating its global economic influence, The Economist introduced "the Big Mac Index" in 1986. This economic indicator uses the burger's price to compare purchasing power parity between different countries, coining the term "burgernomics."
McDonald's continues to offer size variations, including the Double Big Mac with four patties, available in Canada and sometimes in Indonesia. Conversely, smaller options like the Mac Jr. are found in Australia and the U.K., featuring a single patty and omitting the middle bun. Customization also allows for unique combinations, such as adding Big Mac Sauce to a Filet-O-Fish.
