Why This McDonald’s Classic Has Only Half a Slice of Cheese

The Filet-O-Fish is a longtime fan favorite at McDonald's, but one has to wonder why it only comes with HALF a slice of cheese. Well, folks, it seems we finally have an answer.

I've said before that my first job, like many others, was at McDonald's. I worked in the grill area, putting together sandwiches, and I still vividly remember the first time I ever made a Filet-O-Fish. I was instructed to steam the bun, add a shot of tartar sauce, and place half a slice of American cheese on top of a fried fish patty before closing the box. I honestly thought my trainer was messing with me at first, as I was bewildered by the fact that we seemed to be skimping on the cheese. No, he was serious, and I never got an explanation for the process. That is, until now.

History of the McDonald's Filet-O-Fish Sandwich

According to the company, the famous fish sandwich dates back to 1962 when it was created by franchisee Lou Groen from Cincinnati, Ohio. Groen’s restaurant was located in a predominantly Roman Catholic neighborhood, and he noticed a decrease in sales on Fridays. To combat this, Groen convinced McDonald’s to test a breaded whitefish sandwich to help satisfy customers who abstained from eating meat on Fridays. It was the first addition to McDonald’s original menu and the only non-hamburger option at the time. The new item was sold for just $0.29.

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According to an interview from The Cincinnati Enquirer, the sandwich wasn’t the only beefless option considered for a Friday staple. McDonald's chief, Ray Kroc, had an idea called the "Hula Burger," which was a slice of pineapple on a cold bun. One Friday, the two sandwiches went head-to-head to see which would make it on the menu permanently. The Filet-O-Fish won, but it did have to be modified. It was originally made with halibut, which was expensive at the time. Thus, Groen opted to go with Atlantic cod, along with one small addition—cheese.

Why Does McDonald's Filet-O-Fish Sandwich Only Have Half a Slice of Cheese?

Over the past several decades, the McDonald's Filet-O-Fish has gone through minimal changes, the latest of which occurred in 2013. That year, the company decided to swap the Atlantic cod fillets for Alaskan pollock as part of their commitment to sustainable fishing. However, the half slice of cheese remained the same.

While many might think abstaining from a full slice is a sign of stinginess, News Nation reports something different. Apparently, the company claims it's the perfect amount of cheese, providing a perfect balance of tangy tartar sauce and the crispness of the Filet-O-Fish coating. They went on to say that anything more than a half slice would overshadow the flavor of the fish. Do you agree?