In the past three years, McDonald's in Australia has opened 50 new stores to meet the rising demand for its fast food products. The new stores bring the total number of McDonald's outlets in Australia to 811.

The figure keeps the burger chain in the lead among fast food outlets. KFC comes in second with 540 stores while Hungry Jack has only 340.

CommSec chief economist Craig James attributes the popularity of fast food chains to the growing demand for value. He said, “Fast food generally tends to be an area of attraction in the tougher times because of its offering value.” McDonald's drew in customers with its “healthier choices” menu.

Marketing experts, however, argue that the said menu is a mere bait in order to get customers onside the store. Paul Harrison, Deakin University's senior lecturer in consumer behaviour and advertising, said “Part of the strategy is really getting people into the store, because the hamburgers and the fries are the highest margin products.” He insisted that the menu blitz is part of the process of lowering the customer's defences.

McDonald's products carry 85 percent less trans fat when a new cholesterol-free oil blend was used.