Additional Coverage:
- Holy Cow! Secret Ingredient Behind McDonald’s Mouthwatering Fries Revealed (blog.cheapism.com)
Ever wondered what makes McDonald’s fries so uniquely delicious? A TikTok video has gone viral, claiming the secret ingredient is beef flavoring. While the video has sparked a lot of online chatter, the truth is a bit more nuanced.
It’s true that McDonald’s website states their potato suppliers use an oil blend containing beef flavoring when partially frying the potatoes. This practice stems from the chain’s history of cooking fries in beef tallow, a method discontinued in 1990 due to health concerns. While the change to vegetable oil was intended to be healthier, some argue it also altered the iconic flavor of the fries.
However, vegetarians in the US can likely breathe a sigh of relief. While McDonald’s fries in the UK, Canada, and Australia are cooked in regular vegetable oil and listed as vegetarian, the situation in the US is different.
Following a 2002 lawsuit regarding ingredient disclosure, it’s highly unlikely the company would risk a similar legal battle. Furthermore, “natural beef flavor” doesn’t always come directly from beef.
Like imitation bacon bits, it can be created using other ingredients. McDonald’s ingredient list confirms their natural beef flavor contains wheat and milk derivatives, making it unsuitable for vegans but potentially acceptable for vegetarians.
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- Holy Cow! Secret Ingredient Behind McDonald’s Mouthwatering Fries Revealed (blog.cheapism.com)