Here's why you can't get extra sauce pots from McDonald's as explained by an employee

You’ve likely already got a favourite order at McDonald’s, but if you’re short on dip then the whole thing might unravel.

Those chips taste great on their own, but they only reach new heights when they’ve been dunked in some of that delectable BBQ dip.

To that end you’ve likely found yourself a few dips short of a Happy Meal on at least one occasion, and if you went to the counter you might have found a little bit more resistance than you were expecting.

Some employees will swiftly reach under the desk to grab a few extra pots, but it’s not uncommon to be handed a little paper cup for use at the condiments stand, or even to be denied outright.

What’s the story there? Can the biggest fast food chain on the planet really not spare an extra dip or two for its customers?

One McDonald’s employee active on Quora, under the name Ivan Josiah Lapis, took to the Q&A website to explain the situation.

Ivan worked as a grill master at McDonald’s for two years, so he’s got all the necessary experience to back his claims.

Other McDonald’s employees past and present have corroborated his answer with upvotes, too.

“We're not told not to give out 'too much sauce' but instead we are told that each specific purchase has a defined sauce packet given for free,” he explained.

“For example, getting a four or six-pack of nuggets means you are allocated one free sauce packet. However, at our own discretion, we can give an extra free packet if you bought a six- pack of nuggets.

"If you got a 10 pack nugget, you are provided two for free automatically, and another for free at our discretion, if the customer asks. If you got a 20 pack, you get three, and another extra at our own discretion.”

It’s all about cost cutting, which, to be fair, is hardly surprising.

“For every 20 or so packets we save, we don't have to order another box of them. So, we have more on-hand for longer and less risk of running out,” said Ivan.

“The main reason we charged for extra packets is to prevent abuse. It's fair to assume that two packets of sauce is enough for a six-pack of nuggets, right? If you need more than that, then what the heck are you doing with the nuggets?”

It’s very fair indeed, especially where your other customers are concerned.

“So, as cost control, we charge for extra to prevent abuse,” he said. “But, realistically we really don't mind giving extra if it makes you happy, just that the price of an item isn't just accounting for the ingredients and materials.”

So there you have it - it’s basically down to the employee as to whether you get an extra dip on request.