Why McDonald’s Soda Tastes So Good
Find out why McDonald's soda is superior to all others.
This article is more than 2 years old
McDonald’s is known the world over for its delicious burger and fries meal options. But any fan of the Golden Arched eatery knows the best part of the food is the soda. And the fast-food giant knows it too. Hidden among some serious queries on the company’s FAQ page are a few really fun explanations about why their fries and drinks are superior to other restaurants.
According to legend, there are many reasons why McDonald’s soda tastes like the best thing ever invented. But on their website, the popular burger joint breaks it down pretty casually. The restaurant says it simply follows the guidelines set by Coca-Cola to make sure they serve a high-quality fountain beverage. The water and Coca-Cola syrup are pre-chilled before entering their fountain dispensers. The ratio of syrup is adjusted to allow for ice to melt. This prevents the drink from tasting watered-down.
McDonald’s also ensures that their fountain beverage system is cold so each soda always has a refreshing taste. The Takeout says the fast-food giant has an insulated tube that runs from the refrigerator unit in the back of the restaurant all the way to the soda fountain near the drive-thru window. The water constantly runs through this tube to maintain a temperature just above freezing. The cold temperature is important if you want to achieve peak C02 levels. The process ensures the sodas have a crisp, bubbly taste. It also means that the carbonation will last longer than it does at other food places.
Moreover, the popular eatery always filters all their water before it even enters the fountain dispensers. This allows their drinks to meet a gold standard with every sip. Interestingly, the burger chain filters its water much more than most of its counterparts. Since fresh water means fresh sodas, they put a lot of money toward maintaining their filtration system.
But the biggest trick is in their straw. The little tubes are designed to be slightly wider than a typical straw so all that amazing Coca-Cola taste can hit your taste buds perfectly. Business Insider uncovered another reason McDonald’s sodas taste like heaven on ice. Unlike most fast-food restaurants that have Coca-Cola delivered in plastic bags, McDonald’s has the product delivered in stainless steel containers, the publication reports. This helps to preserve the ingredients and keep the soda tasting fresher.
The perfect companion for McDonald’s soda is the burger giant’s fries. In a question not too different from the one about the beverage, the eatery explained what makes their popular potato treat taste so good. “We stick to a gold standard that helps us ensure we deliver you a great tasting fry,” the company said. It all starts with the right potatoes, which are exactly right. A canola blend of oil with just the right amount of flavoring is then added.
While all the technical stuff may seem like a lot of work for a simple soft drink, the attention to detail is what makes McDonald’s sodas so much better than the rest.
