Oatmeal Making Its McDonald’s Debut in January

OAK BROOK, Ill. -- Just in time to warm customers up during the height of winter, McDonald’s is adding oatmeal to its menu. The Fruit & Maple Oatmeal will be in its 14,000 restaurants Jan. 3, according to Nation’s Restaurant News.

And taking a page from a popular trend, the locally headquartered chain is offering the hot meal all day. As CSNews Online reported on Dec. 1, the "Breakfast Trends: Culinary Trend Mapping Report found that, among other notable trends, more consumers want to be able to get breakfast foods all day.

The oatmeal will be available with or without sugar, and the calorie count totals 290 with sugar, 260 without. McDonald’s began testing the comfort food earlier this year, NRN reported, and it will be sold for $1.99. The oatmeal will contain half a cup of fruit consisting of red and green apples, dried cranberries, and golden and regular raisins. Each order will also contain five grams of dietary fiber and two-thirds of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s recommended daily allowance of whole grain.

McDonald’s will be assessing costumer feedback after the launch to determine if the line would be extended, or if other items might be developed, according to Cindy Goody, senior director of nutrition for McDonald’s USA.

The Fruit & Maple Oatmeal is just the latest item finding its way to McDonald’s menu. Last month, CSNews Online reported that the chain was introducing the Caramel Mocha, an espresso-based drink, as part of its McCafe beverage line up. And on Dec. 1, CSNews Online reported that the chain is testing burrito-sized Chicken Grande Wraps.