A former McDonald’s corporate chef, Mike Haracz, shared a TikTok video revealing a surprising ingredient in McDonald’s fries: beef flavoring. While this news shocked many consumers, it’s important to note that the fries are still suitable for vegetarians despite the inclusion of beef flavoring. Understanding the finer details of the fries’ ingredients has become crucial for individuals with specific dietary preferences or restrictions. Jordan Howlett, a TikToker, also unveiled another little-known fact about McDonald’s fries—beef flavoring—in a viral video, sparking discussions about the fries’ vegetarian-friendliness. The history of McDonald’s fries involves a shift from using beef tallow and cottonseed oil to pure vegetable oil in the ’90s, which led to the addition of “natural flavoring” to preserve the original taste. Howlett’s revelations shed light on a significant historical shift in the fries’ preparation and prompted a reevaluation of consumers’ perception of McDonald’s fries and their consumption choices.
Sources
- “People horrified after finding out shocking ingredient in McDonald’s fries.” Unilad. Poppy Bilderbeck. December 16, 2023.
- “McDonald’s fries’ shocking ‘secret’ revealed: Why they ‘taste so good’.” NY Post. Brooke Kato. April 19, 2023.
