McDonald’s Quarter Pounder: The Only Freshly Cooked Burger on the Menu Since 2018

McDonald’s Quarter Pounder, introduced in 1971, remains the only burger on the menu made with fresh, never frozen, beef. Since the 2018 shift to freshly cooked patties, the Quarter Pounder has seen a surge in sales, highlighting its unique taste among fast-food options.

McDonald’s Quarter Pounder Stands Out with Fresh, Never Frozen Beef Since 2018 Shift

For McDonald’s enthusiasts who have sampled the menu, one burger tends to stand out for its moisture, flavor, and overall satisfaction—the Quarter Pounder. The secret behind its superior taste lies in its freshness, as it's the only McDonald's burger made from fresh rather than frozen beef.

When ordering a Quarter Pounder, customers can expect a freshly cooked patty made from 100% beef, prepared right when the order is placed. Unlike many fast-food chains that rely on pre-cooked and frozen patties, McDonald’s ensures a robust beef flavor by cooking the Quarter Pounder to order. This freshness prevents the loss of moisture and flavor that often occurs in frozen patties.

In an industry where speed can sometimes compromise quality, McDonald’s has carved out a special place for the Quarter Pounder by emphasizing freshness. Though the burger debuted in 1971, the shift to fresh beef was introduced in March 2018. McDonald’s hailed this move as "the most significant change to our system and restaurant operations since All Day Breakfast."

The change proved a resounding success, with Quarter Pounder sales increasing by 40 million units between the first quarter of 2018 and the first quarter of 2019 (according to Nation's Restaurant News). McDonald’s continues to innovate, rolling out new menu items and significant updates, as seen with the major changes introduced in 2024.

McDonald’s French Fries Reign as the Most Popular Menu Item, Outpacing the Quarter Pounder

Despite the Quarter Pounder’s iconic status, it isn’t the most popular item on McDonald’s menu. According to the chain’s 2022 FANual report, that title belongs to McDonald’s french fries, which top the list of fan favorites. The cheeseburger follows in second place, while the McChicken ranks third, offering a popular non-burger option for customers.

The sales figures for McDonald’s menu items are staggering, and the love for its french fries isn’t limited to the U.S. According to 2024 data, McDonald’s sells about 9 million pounds of fries each day globally, amounting to roughly 3.29 billion pounds annually (Enterprise Apps Today).

One statistic that underscores McDonald's cultural impact in the U.S. since its founding in 1940 is that one in eight Americans has worked at the fast-food giant at some point in their lives (Business 2 Community). "Ba da ba ba ba," indeed.