McDonald’s is facing a backlash from customers over its new straws, with many claiming the sustainable switch has significantly impacted the taste and enjoyment of their beloved beverages. Once praised for enhancing the taste of its beloved fountain beverages, the fast-food giant’s revamped straws are being criticized for their flimsiness, with some users reporting they crack, bend, or even break during use. The controversy, amplified by former McDonald’s corporate chef Mike Haracz and frustrated customers online, has left many questioning whether sustainability is worth the sacrifice of their signature sip.
What’s wrong with McDonald’s new straws?
McDonald’s new sustainable straw is a redesigned version that replaces the previous classic white straw with one featuring red and yellow stripes. This change was part of McDonald’s efforts to reduce its environmental impact by opting for a more eco-friendly alternative. However, customers have expressed frustration over the new straws, citing issues such as their flimsy construction, which causes them to bend, crack, and even break, especially when used with thicker drinks like milkshakes. Additionally, the new design is reportedly altering the taste experience, as it lacks the wider diameter of the previous straw that helped enhance the flavor of fountain beverages like Coke and Sprite.
Mike Haracz reacts to McDonald’s new straws
In a one-minute TikTok video uploaded on December 20th, former McDonald’s corporate chef Mike Haracz shared his thoughts on the fast-food chain’s newly redesigned straw.
Haracz explained that the new straws are noticeably flimsier than their predecessors, often bending and collapsing, especially when used with thicker beverages like milkshakes.
“It is now a very clearly more flimsy straw that as soon as it bends, as soon as you have to drink like a shake, if the shake machine is working, and it’s too thick and it collapses, these straws start breaking. These straws start bending, they start cracking and becoming unusable,” Haracz said in the video.
In addition to durability issues, Haracz pointed out that the new straws are altering the taste of McDonald’s drinks. “When you try these drinks through this new straw, it’s just not the same,” he noted. Haracz explained that the diameter, the volume, and the feel of the straw all play a role in how we perceive the flavor, and with the new design, it just doesn’t hit the mark.
Haracz also highlighted how McDonald’s previous straws were specifically designed to enhance the taste of fountain drinks like Sprite and Diet Coke, a feature that the company itself acknowledges.
“There’s also our straw—it’s slightly wider than a typical straw, so all that Coke® taste can hit your taste buds,” reads an answer to an FAQ on the McDonald’s website.
You can watch Haracz’s TikTok video below:
@chefmikeharacz Former #McDonalds chef talks about their new straws. #mcdonaldshacks #mcdonaldsccsing #mcdonaldssecrets #mcdonaldschallenge #mcdonaldsdrivethru #mcdonaldsworker #fastfood #fastfoodlife #fastfoodreview #fastfoodworkers #fastfoodstories #foodtiktok #FYP #food #foodies #foodcritic #foodreview #foodreviews #foodreviewer
Customer backlash over McDonald’s new straws grows
Haracz isn’t alone in his dissatisfaction. A chorus of McDonald’s customers has echoed his sentiments, expressing frustration with the new straws. The comments section under his TikTok video is filled with grievances.
“The straws split and are unusable,” one user lamented.
Another fan shared, “We’ve had these new straws in Utah for a while, and they’re terrible. If you get a refill, you’re practically guaranteed to need a new straw.”
“I’ve eaten at McDonald’s three times since the new straws came out, and all three times they were broken before I took my first drink,” added an annoyed customer. “I’m just not going to McDonald’s anymore.”
While Americans are upset over the flimsy straws, McDonald’s customers in Canada, Europe, and Australia say it could be worse, as the McDonald’s in their location only offer paper straws.
“In Canada, we have paper straws and wooden spoons at McDonald’s. Let me tell you, your flimsy straw is miles better than paper,” a Canadian remarked.
Are there similar straw issues with other fast-food chains?
Several fast-food chains, including Burger King, Starbucks, Wendy’s, and Dunkin’, have encountered customer dissatisfaction after switching to more sustainable straw alternatives, primarily paper straws. Common complaints include the straws’ flimsiness, tendency to become soggy, and inability to withstand thicker drinks. While these shifts aim for environmental responsibility, the challenge lies in finding durable and enjoyable replacements that meet customer expectations.