McDonald’s has found itself at the centre of a full-blown online storm, as confused parents and fast food fans took to social media to vent their frustration over an unexpected Happy Meal hiccup.
Over the past week, diners from across the UK have reported baffling encounters at the counter, claiming they were told they could not order water with their children’s Happy Meals.
Many feared the chain had slipped in a quiet policy shake-up, sparking frantic speculation that the Golden Arches had pulled the plug on kids’ bottled water altogether.
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As reported by The Sun, on X (formerly Twitter) users fumed as screenshots and complaints began to pile up.
One parent wrote: “McDonaldsUK new policy NO WATER for children—disgraceful!” while others described being turned away multiple times, even when full-sized bottles appeared to be on the shelves behind the tills.
Another customer in Uttoxeter bluntly put: “Why in the UK Uttoxeter store in the last 3 visits no water available with the Happy Meal? You have the normal bottle in stock why not just supply those every time I’m told the staff can’t authorise it? Poor service.”
What many didn’t realise, however, is that the issue had nothing to do with the fast food company’s policy at all.
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According to staff across the country, the chaos stems from a temporary supply blip that has wiped out the kid-sized 250ml Nestle Pure Life bottles usually tucked inside the iconic red Happy Meal box.
Workers from multiple stores jumped onto Reddit to confirm the problem was far bigger than any one branch.
One employee said: “Our store has been out of the small waters for two weeks or so, weird having to explain to regular customers that we’re still out. Manager told me it’s a nationwide thing apparently? You guys’ stores not stocking it at the moment?”
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Another added: “No water at my store either, was wondering why we didn’t have any.” A third went further, revealing: “Nestle are having supply issues. We have not had Happy Meal water for a few weeks, and the normal water is in a different pack size.”
With the rumour mill spinning out of control, McDonald’s has now stepped in to set the record straight, firmly denying any kind of water ban.
Speaking to FOODbible, a McDonald's spokesperson clarified the situation and urged customers not to panic, saying: “We’re currently experiencing a temporary supply issue, which means some of our restaurants are out of stock of 250ml bottled water normally included in Happy Meals. Customers are being offered tap water as an alternative, as well as the usual other Happy Meal drink options. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and are working hard to resolve the issue. 250ml bottled water is expected to return to our Happy Meal menu later this week.”
Ben Williams