• Navigation icon for News

    News

    • US Food
    • UK Food
    • Drinks
    • Celebrity
    • Restaurants and bars
    • TV and Film
    • Social Media
  • Navigation icon for Cooking

    Cooking

    • Recipes
    • Air fryer
  • Navigation icon for Health

    Health

    • Diet
    • Vegan
  • Navigation icon for Fast Food

    Fast Food

    • McDonalds
    • Starbucks
    • Burger King
    • Subway
    • Dominos
  • Facebook
    Instagram
    YouTube
    TikTok
    X
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • UNILAD
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • UNILAD Tech
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
TikTok
X
Submit Your Content
McDonald's fans have major theory about the cartons fries come in

Home> Fast food> McDonalds

Published 12:53 17 Jul 2025 GMT+1

McDonald's fans have major theory about the cartons fries come in

You won't believe the sneaky detail people just noticed on the fry carton.

Lara Owen

Lara Owen

McDonald’s fries are iconic. Salty, golden and scientifically designed to be irresistible - there’s no denying the grip they have on the world.

But now, the internet is coming for the carton they come in, and it's got people looking twice at their Maccies meals.

While most of us just rip open the bag and dive straight in, some eagle-eyed fans have started questioning whether we're actually getting as many fries as we think.

Some fans have been left disappointed by their fries fix (Reddit/Slowinthehea3d)
Some fans have been left disappointed by their fries fix (Reddit/Slowinthehea3d)

Advert

Enter the conspiracy theory currently doing the rounds: is McDonald’s packaging designed to give the illusion of a fuller portion?

"That's what the fry design on the back of the container is for," one Reddit user wrote.

If you've never paid attention to the back of the iconic red carton, you might want to go grab one.

People now believe the printed fries on the back are a clever visual trick to make your brain think you’ve got more in there than you actually do.

Advert

It didn't take long for the theory to spill over onto social media, where people are losing it. One person tweeted:

"It's OK to order a large fry at my local McDonalds because you only get a medium anyway. I appreciate the little French fry pictures on the carton to give you the illusion of more fries."


Another was even more upset: "I'm having a high stress day today and instead of the breakdown I deserve, I treated myself to a Coke & a med Fry from McDonalds... Apparently they thought the fries on the carton were part of the medium fry experience, but this is so on brand for how my day is going. #halfempty"

Advert


In fairness, it's not like portion sizes haven't been shrinking everywhere lately (otherwise known as 'shrinkflation'), but suggesting McDonald's has gone for a full optical illusion has sparked serious debate.

Some people are now demanding answers. Others are just impressed by this so-called sneaky detail. A few even admitted they'd never noticed the design before but suddenly feel betrayed.

Advert

It also raises questions about how much of what we eat is shaped by clever marketing and subconscious design.

From colour psychology to product placement, there's a whole world of tricks used to make fast food feel bigger, better and more satisfying than it might actually be.

So, is this a corporate plot or just a weird coincidence?

McDonald's haven’t responded to this theory yet - but let’s face it, they'll probably let this theory dissipate. But even if they do respond, would it really stop us going back for more?

Advert

Because whether it's five chips or fifty, we'll still be ordering them. Just maybe keeping a closer eye on the box next time.

McDonald's has been contacted for comment.

Featured Image Credit: Jason Alden/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Topics: McDonalds

Lara Owen
Lara Owen

Advert

Advert

Advert

Choose your content:

9 hours ago
4 days ago
5 days ago
  • Mike Kemp/In PIctures via Getty Images
    9 hours ago

    McDonald's is trialling a huge new change to restaurants

    This could be huge for customers

    Fast food
  • Domino's
    4 days ago

    Domino's worker shares warning on why you should never order cookies from online menu

    They revealed there's a very good reason to avoid them on the menu

    Fast food
  • X/Donald Trump Jr.
    4 days ago

    Donald Trump has created his own McDonald's secret menu monstrosity

    The president's fondness for McDonald's is widely known

    Fast food
  • Mateusz Slodkowski/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
    5 days ago

    Starbucks barista reveals truth behind why they always get your name wrong on orders

    The employee clarified that there is more to the practice than might first appear

    Fast food
  • Justin Bieber made major blunder when he visited McDonald's drive-thru in UK
  • McDonald's finally adds international fan favourites to UK menu in major overhaul
  • McDonald's fans have one major complaint about 'delicious' new McFlurry flavour
  • Why McDonald's fries aren't actually vegetarian in US when they are in UK