Activated charcoal has been used for everything from ice cream to smoothies, and now the ingredient has found its way onto fast food menus in the form of charcoal buns. With a unique flavor and a visually striking appearance, the new buns are already a major hit amongst young millennial foodies.
The new charcoal buns are available from McDonald’s Malaysia in the form of the new Spicy Korean Burger. Between the jet black buns sits a kimchi-seasoned beef patty topped with crunchy vegetables and a fiery Korean sauce. The new dish is part of McDonald’s ongoing 'Discover the World' promotion, which seeks to bring iconic global flavors to its menu in Malaysia.
Already sold out in many restaurants due to overwhelming demand, the new Spicy Korean Burger demonstrates the ongoing popularity of charcoal-infused foods.
Charcoal-Infused Burger Buns
McDonald’s New Spicy Korean Burger Boasts a Pair of Charcoal Buns
Trend Themes
1. Charcoal-infused Foods - The rising popularity of charcoal-infused foods presents opportunities for food companies to innovate in the fast-food industry by incorporating unique flavors and visually striking appearances.
2. Global Flavor Promotions - The success of McDonald's 'Discover the World' promotion in Malaysia highlights the potential for fast-food companies to tap into the demand for global flavors and offer limited-time promotions.
3. Alternative Ingredients - The use of activated charcoal as a food ingredient demonstrates the potential for incorporating alternative, health-focused ingredients in fast food to appeal to the changing tastes and preferences of consumers.
Industry Implications
1. Fast Food - Fast food chains can innovate by introducing unique, limited-time promotions that highlight global flavors and alternative ingredients to cater to changing consumer preferences.
2. Food Manufacturing - Food manufacturers can capitalize on the rising popularity of charcoal-infused foods by incorporating the ingredient into a range of products, from buns to ice cream.
3. Health and Wellness - The use of activated charcoal as a food ingredient highlights opportunities for health and wellness companies to introduce alternative, health-focused ingredients to the fast-food industry.