News

Burger King rolls out healthier items in Latin America

April 5, 2012

Burger King has launched the BK Pasos Positivos program, a corporate responsibility program, in its Latin America and Caribbean restaurants.

The program features a variety of healthier menu options for customers, all under 500 calories, including core products without mayonnaise. The new menu includes:

• The Whopper Jr., diet drink or water, a small salad at 400 calories;
• Cheeseburger, diet drink or water, a small salad at 360 calories;
• Tendergrill sandwich, diet drink or water, a small salad at 470 calories; and
• Original Chicken sandwich, diet drink or water, a small salad at 470 calories.

"When it comes to eating healthy, Burger King offers lighter fare at great value with options for the whole family," said Jose R. Costa, vice president marketing for Latin America/Caribbean Region, Burger King Corp. "We know that living a healthy lifestyle isn't always easy and we hope that our better for you menu options and BK Pasos Positivos program will help families in our local communities in doing so."

In addition to offering better-for-you choices, the program also provides recommendations for guests to make better decisions about eating well and exercising. Available online and in brochures, the BK Pasos Positivos program focuses on five key areas, including eating more fruit and vegetables, eating less sugar and fat, eating healthier snacks, encouraging portion control and eating together as a family.

Chain pulls Mary J. Blige ad

Also this week, Burger King is apologizing for one of its new ads that was released prematurely. The chain's new celebrity-laden ads hadn't even been out more than one full day when the chain began experiencing backlash for one of them.

The clip starring R&B singer Mary J. Blige was released Monday on YouTube before the final cut was approved. The ad featured Blige singing about the new Crispy Chicken Snack Wraps, and many fans believed it perpetuated a stereotype about the black community.

Blige released a statement saying she understood why fans were upset and that the ad was supposed to include more than just her singing on a stage. The company pulled it Tuesday, claiming a music licensing issue, and by Wednesday Burger King had apologized to Blige for releasing the spot, which was unfinished, according to the Associated Press.

Burger King officials said they hope to have the final ad on the air soon.

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