Originally published October 26 2011
McDonald's announces nine percent income growth in the midst of ongoing economic turmoil
by Ethan A. Huff, staff writer
(NaturalNews) High unemployment, rising inflation, and stagnant economic growth have all apparently had little impact on the world's largest and most infamous fast food chain. In fact, McDonald's recently reported $1.51 billion in net income in the third quarter of 2011, which is nine percent higher than its earnings from one year earlier.
Incomes are dropping, home prices are falling, and costs of living are rising, which means that many individuals and families are having to cut back their spending in practically every category. But it appears that fast food is still a hot commodity even in the midst of an economic crisis, as business is booming for McDonald's.
The fast food giant has revamped the look of many of its stores, installed "McCafes," and even adopted "healthier" options like fruit smoothies and lunch wraps, all of which it says have helped improve sales and retain customers. At the same time, many customers are probably just addicted to the usual McDonald's offerings like Big Macs and fries, which continue to keep them coming back to for more no matter how dire economic conditions may be.
Most of the food sold at McDonald's is loaded with flavor-enhancing chemicals like monosodium glutamate (MSG) and high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), which makes it highly addictive. Even McDonald's oatmeal, which would presumably be more healthy, is loaded with strange, chemically-charged ingredients like "cream," which it turns out is actually seven different ingredients, only two of which are derived from dairy (http://boingboing.net/2011/02/25/mcdonalds-o...).
Another likely reason many McDonald's customers keep coming back even during tough times is that they are under the false impression that the chain's food products are less expensive than any alternative. In reality, a family of four would spend far less money making a healthy, pasture-raised chicken soup filled with life-giving nutrients, for instance, than it would on four "value meals" from McDonald's.
What it all comes down to is that many people are simply lazy, and prefer to trade their health for convenience and immediate gratification, especially when times are tough. Going through the drive-thru to grab a burger, fries, and a milkshake, is an easy way to satisfy one's cravings. Eating healthy, on the other hand, takes a little bit more work, which is why McDonald's continues to do so well.
Sources for this article include:
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