Ronald McDonald Abroad
After a long day of train rides and connections you finally arrive at the central station of the city you plan to stay in for the next few days. Immediately following this, like magic, you’re transported to the station’s McDonalds, and find yourself fervently tapping away at the ordering kiosk. You’re like a wild animal and your only instinct is to feast on this country’s new McDonald’s menu.
Don’t be ashamed we’ve all been there. No one can blame you. If this was the US, I might feel a little worse about the habit, however, you may be surprised to find out, it’s not as bad as you might think.
European McDonalds use fewer preservatives and use more natural ingredients. For example in the US, high fructose corn syrup is used for sweetening, while in Europe it’s almost strictly cane sugar. The US government actually subsidises high fructose corn syrup making it much cheaper to use than sugar, while in many European countries it’s not allowed to be used at all. This is similar to many other additives, food colorings, and preservatives. Supply chains also have an effect on the quality of the ingredients. When supply chains are disrupted for American McDonalds, it is difficult to source other ingredients, and when they ultimately arrive the quality of the freshness is much lower than otherwise. While in Europe each country works closely with the others making supply chains more reliable and cooperation higher. The supply chains in the US are also much longer, and ingredients change hands more often, while in Europe the time between farm and nicely individually wrapped burger is much less.
I could really go on for much longer, including the more selective amount of farms that European McDonalds source from and the shocking differences in the conditions of the processing plants, but I believe that we all get the point. So in conclusion what I really have to say is, don’t resist your natural instincts for a €5.99 McSmart Menu double cheeseburger with a DC and medium fry.
Much Love,
Ryan D.
Refrence
Main, N. (2024, October 3). Experts reveal why McDonald’s tastes better outside the US. Mail Online. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-13916467/McDonalds-tastes-better-Europe-US.html
