McDonalds fruit and maple oatmeal

Global fast food restaurant operator McDonald’s has expanded the use of fruit in its meals with the introduction of Fruit & Maple Oatmeal (porridge), according to a company press release.

The traditional breakfast item is now available at any time of the day in all of McDonald’s participating 14,000 restaurants across the US.

McDonald’s said the option – its first new breakfast offer since 2008– delivers two of the three recommended daily servings for whole grains and about a half cup of fruit, or 25 per cent of an individual’s daily recommendation for fruit.

“Combining the perfect harmony of flavor, McDonald’s Fruit & Maple Oatmeal is prepared with 100 per cent natural whole grain oats, light cream and brown sugar, and topped with diced, fresh red and green apples, tangy dried cranberries and two types of raisins,” the company explained in a statement.

As part of McDonald’s ongoing commitment to customer choice, every bowl of Fruit & Maple Oatmeal is freshly prepared upon request; with or without brown sugar.

“With McDonald's Fruit & Maple Oatmeal, we’re offering a portable, affordable and balanced breakfast solution to help customers start their day right,” said the group’s senior director of nutrition Cindy Goody.

“McDonald’s wants to help make it easier and more inviting for our guests to eat more whole grains and fruits, and Fruit & Maple Oatmeal is an effective way to help our customers integrate these important food groups into their daily diets.”