A simulation has explained why you should never drink from a McDonald’s McFlurry spoon.
McDonald’s McFlurry, a fan-favorite frozen dessert since 1998, has delighted millions with its creamy vanilla soft serve and variety of tasty toppings.
While the treat has undergone several changes over the years, one aspect of it has remained somewhat overlooked – the unique plastic spoon that accompanies the dessert.
A simulation explains why the McFlurry spoon has a distinctive shape. Credit: Stefano Guidi / Getty
The History and Evolution of the McFlurry
Introduced in 1998, the McFlurry quickly became one of McDonald’s signature treats.
Originally developed by franchisee Ron McLellan in 1995, the McFlurry was rolled out on the main menu in 1997. Its original flavors included Oreo, Heath, Nestle Crunch, M&M’s, and Butterfinger – flavors that became iconic in their own right.
Over the years, McDonald’s has collaborated with various confectionery giants, such as Smarties, Oreos, Cadbury, Nestle, and Mars, to bring exciting new flavors and combinations to the menu.
Despite the product’s success and changing flavors, one element of the sweet treat that has always stood out is the peculiar plastic spoon.
Although most people use the spoon simply to enjoy their dessert, few know its intriguing design origin.
The McFlurry has made a name for itself since 1997. Credit: Smith Collection/Gado / Getty
The McFlurry Spoon’s Design
According to YouTuber Zack D. Films, the distinctive spoon was specifically created to fit onto a mechanical arm used to mix the dessert.
This design not only saved workers time by eliminating the need to clean beaters between each McFlurry but also ensured that each bite contained the perfect mix of ice cream and toppings.
In true McDonald’s fashion, the simulation sparked a wave of jokes about the notorious ice cream machine that seems to malfunction more often than not.
One viewer wrote: “Rare footage of the Ice Cream machine working at McDonald’s,” while another quipped: “As an employee, you are a legend for recording the footage of the ice cream machine actually working.”
However, some employees weighed in on the topic with real-life experiences, too. One shared, “As an actual McDonald’s employee, I can confirm this is 100% true information,” while another thanked Zack D. Films, commenting, “This is a question I’ve actually wondered with a satisfying answer. Thanks.”
The End of the Plastic Spoon
In a significant move towards environmental sustainability, McDonald’s has started phasing out the plastic spoon used for McFlurrys in the USA after October 2023, CNN reported.
Instead of the plastic spoon, the restaurant has introduced a changeable spindle on the McFlurry mixer, which reduces single-use plastic waste without impacting the taste of the beloved treat.
This small change is part of the fast food giant’s broader efforts to cut down on plastic waste and become more eco-friendly.
