Photo: Reproduction / Ready Brasil News
Former McDonald's president Mike Harricks recently shared information about the chain's famous French fries, which have attracted widespread attention. Haracks, identified as a former executive at the company, used TikTok to reveal the process and surprising ingredient used in these potatoes.
Their video aims to educate viewers on how to replicate McDonald's famous fries at home, while emphasizing the importance of the cooking process to obtain the authentic taste. According to Harracks, the first step involves using “high-value fried slices,” stressing the need not to overcrowd the air fryer basket and to maintain the correct frying temperature.
However, the discovery that surprised people the most concerned the ingredient McDonald's uses in its frying oil, which is beef flavour. “The last and most important thing is the oil in the fryer. McDonald's is adding beef flavor to the frying oil,” Harricks said in his video.
This information is consistent with the list of ingredients available on McDonald’s website, which includes “potatoes, vegetable oils (canola oil, corn oil, soybean oil, hydrogenated soybean oil, natural beef flavor). [trigo e derivados de leite]*), Dextrose, Sodium Acid Phosphate (preserves color), Salt. *Natural meat flavor contains hydrolyzed wheat and hydrolyzed milk as main ingredients.
The revelation that meat flavoring is used in McDonald's fries in the United States has sparked a variety of reactions, especially among vegetarians and vegans. Although “meat flavored” does not mean using real meat products, potatoes are not vegan due to the presence of wheat and dairy products. This distinction has surprised many, especially those who follow a strict vegetarian diet.
Social media users expressed their reactions on TikTok. “I met a vegan who ate potatoes… and she was also a Karen, which is funny,” one user said. Another expressed his disappointment, saying: “I just found out that McDonald's fries aren't vegan in the US so now I've decided I'm going to cry all the time there.”
Interestingly, the composition of McDonald's fries varies geographically. In the UK, for example, potatoes are wheat- and dairy-free, making them suitable for vegetarians.
The revelation of this ingredient in McDonald's fries is a reminder to consumers to pay more attention to the ingredients in their food, especially when it comes to fast food chains. This also highlights the importance of transparency in nutritional labeling, especially for those with dietary restrictions or ethical concerns regarding their food choices.
