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Food

The One Food You Should Never Buy From McDonald’s--You Won’t Believe How Employees Make It!

May 27, 2021 by Justine Schwartz
shefinds | Food
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If you’re looking to treat yourself to a salty mid-week meal, we might suggest avoiding McDonald’s fries–especially if you’re vegan. We were surprised to learn recently that America’s favorite side contains beef flavor. What?! Here’s everything you need to know:

McDonald’s Fries

It is no secret McDonald’s delicious potato fries are precooked in beef tallow, aka “natural flavoring,” made from milk.

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"A serving of McDonald's fries in a paper bag"

The ingredients are listed right here on their website: "Ingredients: Potatoes, Vegetable Oil (canola Oil, Corn Oil, Soybean Oil, Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Natural Beef Flavor [wheat And Milk Derivatives])."

Although if you order fries in different countries around the world they may be cooked differently, but if you're eating them in the USA they are not vegan-friendly.

A few years ago, McDonald's was forced to pay $10M dollars to Hindu and vegetarian groups who claimed the fast food company didn’t disclose that its fries were flavored with beef tallow.

"A pile of crispy french fries on a table"

That goes for everything on the menu; the company's US website states that, “Please note none of our menu items are currently certified vegetarian.”

“For flavor enhancement, McDonald’s french fry suppliers use a small amount of beef flavor as a natural flavoring during the par-frying process at the potato processing plant," a customer service agent confirmed Choose Veganism.

Author:

Editorial Director

Justine Schwartz is a veteran women's lifestyle editor; she's written extensively about style & beauty tips, health advice and wedding planning. Her work has appeared in New York Magazine, Huffington Post and New York Weddings. Justine has been with SheFinds since 2010; you can reach her via email at Justine@shefinds.com.

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Person enjoying a bagel and coffee in a cafe setting.
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Delicious chicken pot pie and bacon on a blue plate.
Belvita energy bites in a dispenser at Aldi.
Woman pouring salad dressing over a fresh salad.
Shopper navigating through grocery store aisles.
Stressed-out woman with hands on her head.
Indulgent burgers and soda on a casual dining table.
Vibrant vegan salad with lentils, pumpkin, and tomatoes.
Woman enjoying a healthy breakfast at the dining table.
Tasty granola topped with berries and yogurt in a bowl.
Taco Bell ingredients, including lettuce and taco shells.
Woman savoring a nutritious breakfast with fruits and grains.
General Mills headquarters showcasing popular cereal brands.
Colorful vegetarian tacos loaded with fresh ingredients.
Aisle of cultured dairy products in an American supermarket.
Woman enjoying a handful of nutritious walnuts.
Lavish breakfast buffet featuring eggs Benedict and fresh fruit.
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Person stepping onto a scale for weight measurement.