The McRib is that one distinct fast-food item, getting people in line in droves or rolling their eyes in protest as they catch sight of the annual return for orders. It’s not around year-round, so its mystique and allure are sustained all the further. But have you really stopped to think what’s inside this fabled sandwich? Today, we explore the ingredients that make the McRiband McDonald’s so attractive and then again infamous.
The Origin of the McRib
McRib was conceptualized way back in 1981 as part of McDonald’s diversification. At one point, the chicken nuggets were running out in stores because there was a temporary shortage in supply; therefore, the business required some substitute. Inspired by barbecued pork sandwiches, the McRib was born. It isn’t a success at first, but over the years it has acquired a few strong fans who look for its reappearance in the menu.
What’s Really Inside the McRib Patty?
Most people who think of the McRib envision a delicious cut of pork covered in sweet, tangy barbecue sauce. But is it really that simple?
Pork or Something Else?
The McRib patty is comprised of “restructured pork,” or the combination of pork trimmings, ground, shaped, and compressed into the general rib-like form. It will contain pork shoulder meat, but it’s not like the slab of ribs you’d find at a BBQ joint; it’s more of a mix of pork cuts combined with water, salt, dextrose (a type of sugar), and so forth.
The Bun: Its bread, but that is where its is similar to bread From:
Some may think that the bun of the McRib is just some regular sandwich bun, but it is anything like that. The list of additives does not stop with wheat flour for it also contains calcium propionate for preservation and high fructose corn syrup for a little extra sweet taste. This bun is also stuffed with a healthier portion of vitamins and minerals such as niacin, reduced iron and thiamin mononitrate.
McRib Sauce: The Secret to the Flavor
Of these, the tangy BBQ sauce must be one of the most emblematic of the McRib, a taste that is the McRib. But wait, what is actually in it this sauce?
HFCS is the first sweetener identified in McRib sauce that is made from corn sugar. It is in many processed foods and personal care products as one of the most popular additives. That is why it characteristically made with the sweetness; it has also became one of highly discussed ingredients due to numerous problems as obesity and etc.
This sauce does not contain any sweetening agents and has vinegar, molasses, and natural smoke flavouring that allows it to have a smoky BBQ taste. There has also been used artificial flavouring agents and colouring agents for standardization of the taste and appearence.
Why does the McRib disappear?
Indeed, however, if there is any truth to that fame, the McRib rarely stays around for very long on the McDonald’s menu. The usual time when McDonald’s releases McRib is the frosty months of the year; autumn and winter. This kind of strategy creates urgency and anticipation and increases demand. It actually isn’t scarcity, it’s probably just some sort of strategy to always maintain the McRib as a limited offer.
Is the McRib Safe to Eat?
McRib is not healthy but is it unhealthy?
Nutrition in the McRib
A regular McRib serving contains about 500 calories, 26 grams of fat, 45 grams of carbohydrates, and 22 grams of protein. It’s so sodium-loaded for over 900 milligrams per sandwich. Okay, okay, indulge once in a while-it’s not that bad-but to have this for everyday meals will not exactly be good, especially for those who are consciousness about their health.
The Verdict: Love It or Leave It?
So, is McRib worth all the fuss? If you love the barbecue sauce, pork patty inside, and a soft bun, then most probably you are to have the McRib on your table. However, if you are one such person who dislikes the long list of additives and preservatives included, then probably it might never reach your usual diet. Moderation is best when it comes to fast foods.
