Ben Williams
If there’s one thing that sparks endless debate online, it’s how McDonald’s differs around the world. While the golden arches may be globally recognised, the menus and flavours aren’t always identical. Recently, a group of Americans headed to the UK for their very first Maccies experience, and the reactions stirred plenty of conversation.
The video, shared on TikTok, instantly drew comments when viewers realised the Americans essentially weren’t fans of UK McDonald’s at all, more or less due to having less of what’s bad for you than the menu in the States.
One viewer wrote: “I feel offended that our McDonald’s is being slagged for being better and less damaging.”
Another said: “This video basically summed up America’s sodium problem. Because what do you mean the cheeseburger is less salty, and so are the fries?? like damn, McDonald’s is the saltiest fast food you can get here.”
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A third added: “They make McDonald’s in the UK sound healthy… how unhealthy is McDonald’s in America.”
When it comes to what exactly stood out to the American visitors, after they tried a range of England-based Maccies items, they highlighted three major differences between the UK and US versions of the fast food giant.
First up were the drinks. Coming from a country where portion sizes and sugar levels tend to be on the extreme side, they were quick to notice a change.
In particular, they pointed out that Coke in the UK tasted different, and that customers have to scroll through all the sugar-free options before finding the standard version. Amber said: “They also cost more because there’s a sugar tax here."
The group weren’t thrilled by the paper straws either, commenting on how disappointing they found them. As for the taste, Amber added: “UK sodas make us sad because they don’t have the sugar that we’re used to.”
The second surprise was in the dessert section. McFlurries in the UK offered a far wider choice than the Americans were familiar with. Flavours like Smarties, Jaffa Cakes and Loaded Caramel were completely new to them, with Amber admitting she had never seen those varieties back home. For many Brits, McFlurries are a late-night staple, and it seems the visitors were impressed by the broader selection.
The final difference was down to the classic cheeseburger and fries. Amber commented: “It’s a little bit less salty, I’m realising that the UK doesn’t have as much salt as American food. But, you know what? I could do this, it’s not bad.”
After some playful jokes about the quarter pounder not quite fitting into the UK’s metric system, Amber’s partner and friend eventually described the as 'palatable', but also 'there’s a party in my mouth, and everyone’s throwing up'.
The fries didn’t fare so well. Amber’s partner gave a mini-review, saying: “They’re just like saltless potato skins,” Amber’s partner said, with Amber adding: “They’re just sad saltless potato skins.”
With mozzarella sticks also making an appearance, something they admitted isn’t available in the States, the trip showed how a familiar chain can still feel different abroad. Same logo, same arches, but definitely not the same taste.