I know for a fact that I'm not the only person that’s noticed McDonald’s Coca-Cola tastes a million times better than any other co*ke.
And before you ask, yes, it is 100% Coca-Cola, so it’s not some magic even-better-than-co*ke beverage that gets pumped out in Maccas.
So, what is it that makes it hit different? Well, apparently, it has a lot to do with the size of the straws. No… really.
TikTok user and former McDonald’s employee @evilglitterqueen (also known simply as Michael) revealed that the straws at McDonald’s are made to be a certain length and width so more bubbles hit your tongue when you drink it, and that makes it taste better.
Woah.
Michael, who lives and worked in a US branch of Maccas, was replying to someone’s request for employees of larger companies to share insider information from their job when the straw secret came out.
Michael started the video by saying, “I worked at McDonald’s and I learned so much s**t. You think that they’re just fast food and s**t but there’s so much science behind it.
“For example, your straw at McDonald’s is larger - do you know why it’s larger? Because it lets more carbonation hit your tongue and makes the soda taste better.
“That’s why it’s better at McDonald’s.”
The McDonald’s US website confirms the straw thing, and also adds that the co*ke syrup is pre-chilled before it’s added to the drinks machines; adding to the amazing flavour.
In a FAQ section of the website, the answer to “Why does the Coca-Cola taste so good at McDonald’s?” reads: “The water and Coca-Cola syrup are pre-chilled before entering our fountain dispensers with the ratio of syrup set to allow for ice to melt. We also keep our fountain beverage system cold, so your drink is always refreshing. In order to ensure our drinks are always meeting a gold standard, we filter all the water before it enters fountain dispensers.
“There’s also our straw — it’s slightly wider than a typical straw so all that co*ke taste can hit your taste buds.”
So there you have it!
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Anna Lewis is the News Editor at Delish UK, which means she’s always either writing about food, cooking food or eating food. Anna is in charge of Delish UK’s epic food news output, ensuring you’re always up-to-date with the latest product launches, food trends, and restaurant news. She specialises in Slimming World recipes, but she’ll eat just about anything – ideally gherkins or ice-cream sandwiches (but not together).
FAQs
We all know that soda tastes better when it's ice cold. McDonald's makes sure that your co*ke is chilled at every stage, even before it reaches the soda fountain. The stainless steel used to store the syrup is extremely effective when it comes to temperature control, so the syrup always stays cold (and fresh).
Why does McDonald's co*ke taste better? ›
What sets McDonald's apart is not just the adherence to guidelines but also the delivery of the syrup in stainless steel tanks, in contrast to the plastic bags used by other fast-food chains. This distinction in storage might contribute to the unique taste experienced at McDonald's.
Why does McDonald's co*ke taste better buzzfeed? ›
I always knew that McDonald's made co*ke the "traditional" way, using syrups, but never knew they considered how ice would dilute the drink. They also use filtered water, and of course, there's the straw, which is "wider than a typical straw so all that co*ke taste can hit your taste buds."
Why is McDonald's soda so crisp? ›
An insulated tube runs to the soda fountain, keeping filtered water and soda syrup consistently at a chilled temperature, reports AllRecipes. These cold temperatures aid in maintaining high levels of carbon dioxide — so your drink stays bubbly and crisp for longer.
Why does co*ke taste different? ›
It is possible for the same soft drink to vary slightly in taste due to other factors such as the temperature at which it is consumed, the foods with which it is consumed, or the conditions in which it is stored prior to consumption.
How does McDonald's co*ke taste different? ›
While most fast food restaurants have their Coca-Cola syrup delivered to them in plastic bags, McDonald's gets their syrup specially delivered in stainless steel tanks. The special tanks keep the syrup fresh and protect it from light, temperature, air, and anything else that might take away from its delicious flavor.
Why is Mexican co*ke better? ›
Many Coca-Cola fans believe that Mexican co*ke tastes more “natural” than its American cousin. This difference in taste is due to the fact that American-made co*ke switched over to using high fructose corn syrup as a sweetening agent in 1980. Mexican co*ke continued using cane sugar to sweeten its version.
Why is McDonald's changing their name? ›
Who wants a WcDonald's? The restaurant chain will temporarily change its name to resemble how it appears in anime series, which flip the 'M' for copyright reasons, but the logo remains unmistakable.
Why is co*ke better in a glass bottle? ›
Being an inert and natural material, with glass there are no chemicals that can leach into the liquid and affect the co*ke's flavour. That's why drinking out of a bottle may be the best way to get the purest Coca-Cola flavour.
Is McDonald's Sprite different? ›
Superior Syrup Techniques
Just like with McDonald's co*ke, the syrup-to-water ratio in the Sprite is higher than the ratio found in most other soda fountains and even in the can or bottle. McDonald's sends more syrup into your cup to account for the inevitable melting ice.
McDonald's. Another reason why McDonald's Coca-Cola tastes so delicious is because the chain gets the beverage syrup delivered in stainless steel tanks, The New York Times previously reported. The special tanks allow the syrup to stay fresh.
What is the oldest major soft drink brand in America? ›
DR PEPPER IS THE OLDEST MAJOR SOFT DRINK IN AMERICA.
Originally made in Morrison's Old Corner Drug Store in Waco, Texas, the drink's unique flavor was a hit when it was first sold in 1885.
What does McDonald's put in their Sprite? ›
Ingredients: Carbonated Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Citric Acid, Natural Flavors, Sodium Benzoate (to Protect Taste).
Which tastes better, Pepsi or co*ke? ›
People would sample two sips of unlabeled sodas, one co*ke and one Pepsi, and say which they liked better. Pepsi tended to win in this style of head-to-head taste test because it's sweeter. When it comes to just a sip, whether it's a wine or a soda, people usually prefer the sweeter option.
Which country has the best Coca-Cola? ›
The answer might actually surprise you. According to the official Coca-Cola headquarters, the best-tasting co*ke in the world is found in Macedonia at the Skopje Brewery. This finding came after the company performed a global analysis survey of co*ke drinkers from more than 178 countries over the world.
How much does a large co*ke cost at McDonald's? ›
That $1 large drink has been a fast food staple for more than a decade. Even as prices of burgers and chicken followed inflation up, you could always count on that $1 large co*ke, especially at McDonald's.
Why does McDonald's co*ke and Sprite taste different? ›
Superior Syrup Techniques
Just like with McDonald's co*ke, the syrup-to-water ratio in the Sprite is higher than the ratio found in most other soda fountains and even in the can or bottle. McDonald's sends more syrup into your cup to account for the inevitable melting ice.
Why does co*ke taste better in a glass bottle? ›
Being an inert and natural material, with glass there are no chemicals that can leach into the liquid and affect the co*ke's flavour. That's why drinking out of a bottle may be the best way to get the purest Coca-Cola flavour.
What country has the best Coca-Cola? ›
The answer might actually surprise you. According to the official Coca-Cola headquarters, the best-tasting co*ke in the world is found in Macedonia at the Skopje Brewery. This finding came after the company performed a global analysis survey of co*ke drinkers from more than 178 countries over the world.
