The Big Mac was the McDonald's menu item created in 1967 that first used the “Big Mac” name.
Franchisee Jim Delligatti developed the sandwich in the Pittsburgh area to compete with larger, more substantial hamburgers offered by rival restaurants. It used two beef patties, a middle bun section, cheese, lettuce, pickles, onions, and the sauce associated with the sandwich.
The Big Mac became more than a menu item: it became a major branding symbol for McDonald's. Its name, layered construction, and distinctive jingle helped make it recognizable in markets around the world.
The Big Mac was introduced nationally in the United States in 1968, one year after its creation and regional testing. That difference explains why sources may mention both 1967 and 1968 in its history.