The McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish sandwich is a staple of the fast-food industry, with a rich history that dates back to 1965. Created by Lou Groen, a McDonald’s franchisee in Cincinnati, Ohio, this fish-based alternative to the iconic beef burger has become a beloved favorite among consumers worldwide.

In this comprehensive analysis, we will delve into the technical specifications, ingredients, and nutritional information of the McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish sandwich, as well as its production process, marketing strategies, and cultural significance.

Technical Specifications

The McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish sandwich is made with a breaded and fried Alaskan pollock patty, served on a sesame seed bun with lettuce, cheese, pickles, and tartar sauce. The technical specifications of the sandwich are as follows:

• Breaded and fried Alaskan pollock patty: 2.5 inches in diameter, 1 inch thick
• Sesame seed bun: 3.5 inches in diameter, 1.5 inches tall
• Lettuce: Iceberg lettuce, shredded to a thickness of 0.25 inches
• Cheese: American cheese, sliced to a thickness of 0.5 inches
• Pickles: Sliced dill pickles, 0.5 inches thick
• Tartar sauce: Mayonnaise-based sauce with chopped pickles and herbs

Ingredients

The McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish sandwich contains the following ingredients:

• Breaded and fried Alaskan pollock patty (100% wild-caught)
• Sesame seed bun (enriched flour, water, yeast, sugar, salt, sesame seeds)
• Lettuce (iceberg lettuce)
• Cheese (American cheese, milk, whey, cheese cultures, enzymes, annatto [color])
• Pickles (sliced dill pickles, vinegar, water, salt, calcium chloride, alumina, spices)
• Tartar sauce (mayonnaise, chopped pickles, herbs, lemon juice)

Nutritional Information

The nutritional information for the McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish sandwich is as follows:

• Calories: 390
• Fat: 22g (34% of daily value)
  • Saturated fat: 3.5g (18% of daily value)
• Cholesterol: 60mg (20% of daily value)
• Sodium: 1040mg (44% of daily value)
• Total carbohydrates: 31g (10% of daily value)
• Dietary fiber: 2g (8% of daily value)
• Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 12g (24% of daily value)

Production Process

The production process for the McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish sandwich involves several steps:

1. Catching and processing Alaskan pollock: The fish is caught in the Bering Sea, then processed into a patty shape.
2. Breaded and fried: The patty is coated with a breading mixture, then deep-fried to a golden brown color.
3. Assembly: The breaded and fried patty is placed on a sesame seed bun, topped with lettuce, cheese, pickles, and tartar sauce.

Marketing Strategies

McDonald’s has employed several marketing strategies to promote the Filet-O-Fish sandwich:

1. Advertising: Television commercials, print ads, and online campaigns have all been used to promote the sandwich.
2. Promotions: McDonald’s has offered various promotions, such as “Fish McBites” and “Filet-O-Fish Happy Meal,” to attract customers.
3. Partnerships: McDonald’s has partnered with organizations, such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), to promote sustainability and responsible fishing practices.

Cultural Significance

The McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish sandwich has become an integral part of popular culture:

1. Cultural icon: The sandwich is often referenced in music, film, and literature.
2. Foodie phenomenon: Food bloggers and critics have written extensively about the sandwich, praising its unique flavor profile.
3. Community involvement: McDonald’s has participated in various community events, such as fish fries and charity fundraisers.

In conclusion, the McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish sandwich is a culinary icon with a rich history, technical specifications, and cultural significance. Its production process involves catching and processing Alaskan pollock, breaded and fried to perfection, then assembled onto a sesame seed bun with lettuce, cheese, pickles, and tartar sauce. With its unique flavor profile and marketing strategies, the Filet-O-Fish sandwich has become a beloved favorite among consumers worldwide.