It seems to be a universally accepted truth Coca-Cola from the fountain machine at McDonald’s is superior compared to the average can or bottle you buy in the supermarket. McDonald’s has explained the many reasons behind this, but it turns out the Golden Arches isn’t the only place where soda is getting an upgrade.
Soda from most fast food restaurants tastes very different to customers than what they would buy in the store. The reason behind this lies in the fountain machines themselves. Drink machines at fast food restaurants mix the soda and flavored syrup on the spot as it comes out of the fountain, rather than coming out as the pre-made mixture you get from a can. The use of ice and straw also plays a role in changing the taste of soft drinks in restaurants.
While there is speculation that McDonald’s just happens to have a special relationship with the Coca-Cola Company, many other fast food restaurants use the same or similar types of fountain drink machines and methods to differentiate their soda from the canned stuff. After all, McDonald’s isn’t the only restaurant offering straws and ice with soft drinks.
Read more: TikTok’s Viral Pickled Dr. Pepper Review: A Cup of Disappointment
How fountain machines change the taste of soda
A person’s hand holds a cup and uses a drink dispenser – The Image Party/Shutterstock
Because syrup and sparkling water are loaded into drinking fountain machines in separate containers, the amount used may vary by restaurant. Some may use more syrup, which makes the soda sweeter, while others may increase the carbonation level.
McDonald’s even goes so far as to have its Coca-Cola ingredients delivered in stainless steel containers instead of plastic bags like other restaurants. The Golden Arches also uses a chilled tube to feed the water and cola syrup into the drink dispenser, which ensures better carbonation. Additionally, McDonald’s takes extra care to filter the water entering the fountain machine, more so than its competitors.
Based on these specialized methods, you may notice a difference between a Coca-Cola or Sprite poured for you at McDonald’s versus Burger King. While the average customer has no control over how flavored syrups and carbonated water are mixed behind the scenes, there are parts of the process that do require some user input.
Why ice and straws can affect your soda sipping
young boy sips soda through a straw – Steven Robinson Pictures/Getty Images
Whether or not you ask for ice in your soda at a fast food restaurant can have a pretty big impact on the taste. For example, if you pick up a can of Coke at a gas station, you probably plan to drink it straight from the can and not go out of your way to find a cup of ice to pour it into. This choice guarantees that a can of soft drink will taste different than what comes out of a drinks machine in a restaurant. On the other hand, some people might order a soda without ice at the drive-thru for the specific reason that the ice will dilute the sweetness of their drink.
Even using a straw can change the taste of your soda. McDonald’s has confirmed it is serving its soft drink with a wider straw to enhance the effects of carbonation and flavour. So in theory you could use a straw when drinking soda from a can and get at least a somewhat similar experience (remember use this clever trick to keep the straw in place).
Ultimately, a big part of this soda mix is really just about personal preference. Now that you know the truth about soft drinks at fast food restaurants, imagine how you might be amazed if you try it soft drinks in other countries such as Mexico, where real sugar is used.
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