Can global fast food truly go local? McDonald’s India has launched a first-of-its-kind Multi-Millet Burger Bun, developed with India’s CFTRI using homegrown food technology. But will this ‘swadeshi’ innovation give the brand an edge over rivals like KFC and Burger King?
Customers can add the millet bun for Rs 10 with any burger order.
New Delhi: In a landmark step blending global taste with Indian innovation, McDonald’s India has launched a Multi-Millet Burger Bun, co-developed with the Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI), Mysore, a premier institute under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
Announcing the launch on social media, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh hailed the move as a proud moment for India’s scientific and agricultural sectors, tweeting, “Videshi turns to Swadeshi.” The development symbolizes how indigenous technology is now influencing global quick-service restaurant (QSR) menus.
Millets, such as jowar (sorghum), bajra (pearl millet), and ragi (finger millet) have long been valued in Indian diets for their high nutritional content, gluten-free nature, and environmental sustainability. The inclusion of millets in a McDonald’s burger bun marks a major step in taking these traditional grains mainstream.
The Multi-Millet Bun contains five millets, three major (bajra, jowar, ragi) and two minor (kodo and proso), accounting for about 22% of its composition. This innovative mix not only boosts the bun’s nutritional value but also enhances its fiber and mineral content.
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Developed using a millet-based food formulation created by CFTRI, the bun highlights the institute’s pioneering work in food technology. This collaboration showcases how scientific research can support both public health and rural livelihoods by encouraging millet cultivation.
Dr. Singh described the launch as a milestone in India’s Millet Movement, emphasizing how it bridges the gap between farmers, scientists, and consumers. With the United Nations declaring 2023 as the International Year of Millets, this partnership keeps India at the forefront of the global millet resurgence.
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The millet bun can be added to any McDonald’s burger for an additional ₹10. Customers can opt for it while placing orders in-store or via the McDelivery app, with plans to roll it out across other delivery platforms soon.
This initiative aligns with McDonald’s broader strategy to offer healthier menu options and localize its offerings for Indian consumers. The final continuation of the product will depend on customer feedback and demand in the coming months.
McDonald’s move comes as competition heats up in India’s QSR segment. Rivals such as Burger King, KFC, and Domino’s have been experimenting with localized menus, introducing spicy, vegetarian, and regional dishes to appeal to Indian tastes.
However, McDonald’s latest innovation gives it a distinct health-conscious edge. By integrating millets, a grain deeply rooted in Indian culture, the brand is tapping into the country’s growing demand for nutrient-rich and sustainable foods.
As consumers increasingly favor wholesome eating, McDonald’s millet initiative may well set a new benchmark for the fast-food industry, blending convenience with nutrition while strengthening its position against competitors.
Beyond marketing appeal, the millet bun launch also supports sustainable agriculture and farmer welfare. By sourcing local millets, McDonald’s is contributing to an ecosystem that values indigenous crops and eco-friendly farming, crucial in an era of climate-conscious consumer choices.
With this initiative, McDonald’s India has transformed a classic symbol of global fast food, the burger bun, into a celebration of Indian innovation, science, and agriculture.
