Mark
Kalinowski, an analyst for Janney Capital Markets, believes the burger chain
will add kale to the menu in “the not-too-distant future.” Most likely, he
added, the ingredient will be used in salads and possibly a smoothie.
"More generally, McDonald's clearly aims to raise
consumers' perception of the quality of its food," Mark wrote in a note to clients. "Adding kale to the menu in
some way could help be a step in this direction."
But is the world ready for kale smoothies and chips served side-by-side with fries and burgers? Not according to a spokesperson for McDonald’s,
who gave a super-vague answer when asked about the possible new menu additions.
The company definitely needs some kind of change, though. As of Monday, the
fast food chain reported U.S. sales were down by 4% and that "consumer
needs and preferences have changed, and McDonald's current performance reflects
the urgent need to evolve with today's consumers."