McNugget makeover? McDonald's tests 'simpler' recipe

In this March 4, 2015 file photo, an order of McDonald's Chicken McNuggets is displayed for a photo in Olmsted Falls, Ohio.
In this March 4, 2015 file photo, an order of McDonald's Chicken McNuggets is displayed for a photo in Olmsted Falls, Ohio.

NEW YORK — McDonald's wants to take some of the mystery ingredients out of Chicken McNuggets.

The world's biggest hamburger chain said it is testing an artificial preservative-free version of Chicken McNuggets, which have practically become synonymous with hyper-processed foods since they were introduced in the 1980s. The company said it began testing the new recipe in about 140 stores in Oregon and Washington in March.

It's the latest move by McDonald's to try and step up quality perceptions about its food as it works to turn around its business, which has lost customers in recent years. The company has conceded that it failed to keep up with changing tastes and that it is looking at improving core menu items.

Last week, it also said it is testing a version of its Big Mac that comes with bigger patties.

McDonald's did not provide details on what exactly is different about the new McNugget recipe, but said it is "simpler" and "parents can feel good" about it. Becca Hary, a McDonald's representative, noted that McNuggets are currently fried in oil that contains TBHQ, which is considered an artificial preservative.

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