McDLT was the name of McDonald’s 1980s burger packaging that separated the hot and cold ingredients.
The McDLT was introduced in 1985 with packaging designed to keep the meat and cheese on one side and the lettuce, tomato, and other cool ingredients on the other. Customers combined the two halves before eating the burger.
This packaging was central to the product’s branding because it promised a fresher texture than a fully assembled sandwich. McDonald’s even built advertising around the contrast between the hot and cool sides.
The McDLT is often remembered because of its unusual container rather than because of the burger itself. It was eventually discontinued, and the packaging concept did not become a permanent part of McDonald’s restaurant design.