14 DAY TRIAL // People in Japan must sure love their fries. Otherwise there is no possible way of explaining how and why McDonald's reached the conclusion that it might prove profitable to roll out a new menu item dubbed The Mega Potato.
The Mega Potato (a.k.a. the McMega Potato, as some call it) will be made available to McDonald's customers in Japan starting this Friday. As its name more than thoroughly suggests, it's basically one really oversized serving of fries.
Just image the size of a regular large fries serving and double it to get an idea of the size of this new menu item. Or better yet, picture a run-off-the-mill McDonald's hamburger and then triple its size. Consumerist says that the average Mega Potato weighs a whopping 350 grams (that's about three-quarters of a pound) and packs an astounding 1,142 calories. It costs just 490 yen (roughly $5 / €4).
Before anybody jumps out of their seats thinking that McDonald's has decided to wipe out Japan by feeding its people whopping amounts of fries, it need be said that this menu item will only be around until the end June.
June 2013 and not some other June in the years to come, hopefully.
Limited-edition or not, several specialists are very much concerned about how The Mega Potato will affect public health in Japan.
As they point out, there are enough calories in this menu item to meet half of the average individual's daily energy demands, and odds are McDonald's customers will want to “season” it with a hamburger or two.
Still, McDonald's appears to have everything figured out: The Mega Potato is supposed to be shared with other people and not eaten alone, they say.
“It's perfect for sharing,” the restaurant chain claims.
McDonald's has also defended itself by pointing out the fact that people can at any time make sure that they are not overeating by checking the calorie counts listed on menu boards.