The Rise and Fall (and Rise Again?) of Supersizing: A Look at McDonald’s Meal Sizes

For a brief, iconic period, “Would you like to supersize that?” was a question heard across McDonald’s counters nationwide. But what exactly did supersizing mean, and how did it differ from regular meals?

What Was Supersizing?

Introduced in the late 1990s, supersizing allowed customers to upgrade their fries and drinks to significantly more significant portions for a small additional fee. The idea was simple: more food for a little more money.

The Calorie Impact:

Supersizing wasn’t just about more food; it was about a significant increase in calories and other nutrients:

• French Fries: Supersizing added about 200 calories.
• Soft Drinks: Supersizing added about 150 calories (depending on the drink).

Why Did Supersizing Disappear?

Supersizing was phased out in 2004 due to several factors:

1. Health Concerns: Growing awareness of obesity and its health consequences led to criticism of supersized portions. The documentary “Super Size Me” further fueled this concern.
2. Changing Consumer Preferences: Consumers began seeking healthier options and smaller portion sizes.
3. Operational Simplicity: McDonald’s sought to streamline its menu and operations and supersize added complexity.