Secret Ingredient That Makes McDonald’s Fries So Dang Addictive
February 17, 2024
source: Pexels
Alright, folks, let’s talk about one of life’s greatest mysteries – McDonald’s fries. I mean, who can resist those golden, crispy, salty sticks of potato heaven? Not me, that’s for sure. If I could survive on McDonald’s fries alone, I probably would. But what’s the secret behind their irresistible flavor?
So, picture this: fresh potatoes are plucked from the earth, washed, peeled, sliced into those perfect shoestring shapes, and then blanched in a factory. Next stop? A quick dip in the fryer for less than a minute before they’re frozen and shipped off to McDonald’s locations far and wide. Once they arrive, those frozen wonders take a dive back into the hot oil, get a sprinkle of salt, and voila – fries fit for a king (or, you know, just me).
But here’s where it gets interesting. Back in the 1950s, McDonald’s had a bit of a conundrum. The shortening company supplying them with vegetable oil couldn’t afford the fancy equipment needed to hydrogenate the oil, which would make it last longer. So, what did they do? They threw in some beef fat for good measure. Yup, you heard me right – beef fat.
Now, fast forward a few decades to the health-conscious ’80s, and suddenly everyone’s freaking out about saturated fats. McDonald’s, ever the innovators, decided to pivot away from the beef fat craze. But here’s the twist – they still wanted to keep that signature beefy flavor. Talk about a dilemma, right?
Introducing: “natural beef flavor.” McDonald’s figured out how to get that tasty beefy taste without using any beef fat. Instead, they get their beefy kick from “hydrolyzed wheat and hydrolyzed milk” – whatever that means. Vegetarians, rejoice! Despite the name, there’s not a trace of meat in sight.
But wait, there’s more! It’s not just the beefy goodness that makes McDonald’s fries so darn irresistible. There’s also some serious science at play. You see, McDonald’s fries are cooked in a blend of oils – a secret concoction that gives them their perfect texture and flavor. It’s like a symphony of deliciousness happening right in your mouth.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But aren’t fast-food fries bad for you?” Sure, they might not be winning any health awards, but let’s be real – we’re not exactly chowing down on kale chips here. Sometimes you just gotta treat yourself, you know?
So, the next time you find yourself hankering for some fries, you’ll know the real secret behind McDonald’s addictive flavor. And hey, if you happen to see me at the drive-thru, don’t be shy – I’ll probably be the one with a mountain of fries in hand.