Kale Takes a Spot on the Menu at Your Favorite Fast Food Joints

The Rise of More Nutritious Fast Food Menus

Fast food chains have gotten a bad reputation over the years for serving food that is high in calories, fat, and sodium and low in nutrients. However, some major chains have been making efforts to add healthier menu options that include nutritious ingredients like kale.

Kale is considered a nutrition powerhouse. It’s loaded with vitamins A, K, and C as well as minerals like calcium and iron. Kale also contains antioxidants and fiber. Adding kale to fast food dishes helps boost the nutritional value of the meal.

Why Fast Food Chains Are Embracing Kale

There are a few key reasons fast food restaurants are beginning to incorporate trendy superfoods like kale into their menus:

Appeal to health-conscious consumers – More people are looking for convenient yet nutritious lunch and dinner options.
Stay competitive – Chains don’t want to lose customers seeking healthier fare to rivals that offer it.
Improve brand reputation – Fast food chains hope featuring kale and other superfoods portrays them as more socially responsible companies.

Examples of Fast Food Chains Adding Kale to their Menus

Here are some ways major fast food chains are creatively putting kale on the map by adding it to popular menu items:

Wendy’s Kale Chicken Salad

Wendy’s now offers a kale chicken salad complete with shredded kale, diced chicken, parmesan cheese, applewood smoked bacon, and an Italian dressing.

McDonald’s Kale Salad

Select McDonald’s locations have begun testing a kale salad made with a combination of kale and romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, red kidney beans, carrots, craisins, and red onion topped with Italian dressing.

Taco Bell’s Cantina Power Bowl with Double Chicken and Kale

Taco Bell created a cantina power bowl featuring cage-free grilled chicken, kale, romaine lettuce, black beans, reduced fat sour cream, cheese, avocado ranch sauce, and pico de gallo salsa.

The Future Looks Bright for Kale and Fast Food

The recent surge of kale appearing on fast food menus is likely only the beginning. As consumers continue seeking convenient yet nutritious lunch and dinner options, more chains will respond by adding trendy superfoods like kale.

The future looks bright for more nutritious fast food. So next time you’re in the mood for a quick bite, consider checking out the kale options now appearing at your favorite chains.

FAQ

Why are fast food chains adding kale to their menus?

Fast food chains are beginning to add kale and other superfoods to appeal to more health-conscious consumers seeking convenient yet nutritious meals. They also want to keep up with food trends and stay competitive in the industry.

Which fast food restaurants have kale on their menus?

Some fast food chains featuring kale include Wendy’s, McDonald’s, and Taco Bell. Wendy’s has a kale chicken salad, some McDonald’s locations are testing a kale salad, and Taco Bell offers a cantina power bowl with kale.

Is kale healthy to eat?

Yes, kale is widely considered to be a very healthy food to eat. It’s packed with beneficial vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber yet low in calories. Adding kale boosts the nutritional value of any dish.

Will more fast food chains add kale in the future?

It’s very likely more fast food chains will add kale menu options in the coming years to keep up with consumer demand for convenient, nutritious fare. Kale and other superfoods align well with fast food’s growing focus on health.

How can I incorporate more kale into my diet?

Beyond trying kale fast food options, you can add more kale to your diet by blending it into smoothies, sautéing it as a side dish, baking kale chips, or mixing it into salads, soups, pasta dishes, omelets and more.