McDonald’s CEO Shares His Surprising Favorite Menu Item

McDonald’s fans have long debated which menu item rules them all, but few expected the company’s top executive to weigh in. That changed when CEO Chris Kempczinski joined a lighthearted challenge on social media, one that unexpectedly sparked national curiosity. His choices revealed not just personal taste but a glimpse into how the head of a global fast-food empire thinks about the brand’s classics.

Behind the Tournament

The CEO posted a 45-second video to LinkedIn and Instagram that played out like the rapid-fire question challenge. Each round asked him to choose between two iconic items, from breakfast staples to longtime fan favorites. The format added a layer of suspense for viewers eager to see how he’d navigate decades of McDonald’s history.

Early Picks and Easy Wins

Kempczinski began by favoring the Egg McMuffin over the Big Mac, a choice that surprised some fans given the burger’s legendary status. From there, he leaned heavily toward fries, picking them over the McCrispy, Filet-O-Fish, and even the Egg McMuffin itself. His early decisions highlighted how personal nostalgia can outweigh corporate symbolism.

Fan-Favorite Battles

As the rounds progressed, his choices became tougher and more revealing. When forced to choose between fries and Chicken McNuggets, he hesitated before crowning McNuggets the winner. The decision subtly underscored how even McDonald’s CEO must choose between two of the chain’s most profitable items.

Sweet Surprises

Dessert added its own twist. After the McNuggets beat McCrispy Strips, Kempczinski pivoted to the vanilla cone, choosing it over Apple Pie. The cone’s moment in the spotlight showcased his appreciation for the simplest items on the menu—those that often get overshadowed by limited-time offerings.

The Quarter Pounder Falls Short

Many expected the Quarter Pounder with Cheese, a core menu anchor, to take the crown. It even sailed past the vanilla cone. But in a last-minute upset, it was defeated by a contender that hasn’t always been available nationwide. The unexpected outcome set the stage for the final reveal, leaving viewers guessing until the last second.

And the Winner Is…

Kempczinski crowned the Snack Wrap as his all-time favorite, a result that delighted fans who had campaigned for its return. The item officially rejoined McDonald’s national menu earlier this year after nearly a decade away, making his endorsement both nostalgic and timely. Its victory affirmed the wrap’s cult following, and gave it a renewed moment in the spotlight.

Public Reaction

Fans quickly chimed in across LinkedIn and Instagram, with many celebrating the Snack Wrap’s win. Some shared memories of eating it while traveling; others lobbied for the return of discontinued versions like the grilled chicken ranch wrap. Not everyone agreed with the CEO’s picks, though one commenter insisted, “You lost me at Big Mac.” The spirited response showed how personal McDonald’s orders can be.

The CEO’s Own Routine

Kempczinski has said he eats McDonald’s more often than people assume, relying on items like the Egg McMuffin during early store visits and fries for a familiar pick-me-up. His Snack Wrap choice comes from someone who samples the menu in everyday settings, giving his selection a grounded, customer-like perspective.

The Snack Wrap Comeback

For years, the Snack Wrap survived mainly as a nostalgic fan favorite, resurfacing in social media campaigns and customer petitions. Its nationwide return earlier this year reflected how public demand can influence the menu, and Kempczinski’s endorsement only amplified its renewed momentum.