No matter where you are or what time it is, there's something about the golden arches that makes you feel *a little*. Maybe it's the smell of 'fresh from the fryer' or the first big bite of a Big Mac. For me, it's the taste of ice-cold Sprite - preferably mixed with Iced Tea or Fruitopia. (Don't knock it until you try it). But why is McDonald's Sprite so much stronger (and better) than any other fast food chain?
To get to the bottom of this question, I decided to go behind the scenes and ask someone who knows the ins and outs of serving McDonald's Sprite every day. Here's what management had to say.
To concentrate
McDonald's uses a higher ratio of syrup concentrate to carbonated water, so you get more of the delicious flavor you want. It also increases sugar levels, making your body crave more of it. This is why the first sip hits you like finals week, after a semester of telling yourself C's get grades.
Filtratio
McDonald's filters its water twice as much as the competition, ensuring your Sprite gets "gold standard" quality every time, because better water means a better Sprite. The systems they use are also high quality filtration systems with routine maintenance programs to keep everything in tip top shape.
Temperature
As with all fountain drinks sold at McDon's, both the syrup and water are retainedchilled all the timeso that every cup is filled with maximum carbonation and maximum lemon-lime freshness. This predetermined temperature ensures that ice melts at a perfect rate for the ratio of syrup to water. And yes, even the ice has been specially selected to melt well.
The straw
Last but not least there is the extra wide straw. Not only is this straw oversized for aesthetics, it's also meant to help you get more out of your McDonald's Sprite (or other drink of your choice) can hitmore of your taste budsat the same time. Maximum exposure = maximum taste.
Still thirsty?
#Sketip: Did you know that McDonald's and Coca-Cola (Sprite's parent company) have been around so long that McDonald'sget a better price for all their productsthan any other fast food restaurant, and flags at McDonald's around the world flew at half-mast when the CEO of Coca-Cola died in 1997? Create a relationship like that of McDon's and Coca-Cola.
The next time you go to buy that water cup at McDonald's and fill it with Sprite, you'll know exactly what makes that McDonald's Sprite so strong. Make sure you're ready for the first sip!
FAQs
But according to Food Theory, the McDonald's corporation uses slightly more syrup per part carbonated water. The logic behind this is that when the ice in the drink eventually melts, the water to syrup ratio will reach the perfect ratio.
What is the secret to McDonald's Sprite? ›
Superior Syrup Techniques
Just like with McDonald's co*ke, the syrup-to-water ratio in the Sprite is higher than the ratio found in most other soda fountains and even in the can or bottle. McDonald's sends more syrup into your cup to account for the inevitable melting ice.
What does McDonald's do to its Sprite? ›
Why is McDonald's Sprite so Crispy? The soda syrup is usually pulled through refrigerated lines, the water used is triple filtered, and they add slightly more syrup to the mix so it doesn't get too watered down with ice, plus the straw is slightly wider than most, so you're tasting more of it as you drink.
Why is McDonald's Sprite so refreshing? ›
The water is pre-chilled ahead of it is mixed with the syrup. For this reason, chilly water can help to develop much better carbonation. On top of that, the chilly water is also filtered, making certain that every single sip of Sprite is crisp and refreshing.
Why does McDonald's Sprite spicy? ›
They said a combination of factors contributes to its punchy taste, including filtering and pre-chilling the water and Sprite syrup, as well as carefully calculated ratios and a wider straw—allowing more liquid to hit your palette for the initial kick.
Why is McDonald's Sprite so powerful? ›
Reason one: McDonald's uses more syrup. The average soda fountain uses a five to one ratio: five parts carbonated water and one part syrup. But according to Food Theory, the McDonald's corporation uses slightly more syrup per part carbonated water.
What do people call McDonald's Sprite? ›
(CHICAGO; Aug. 30, 2022) — Our fans said it first – there's just something special about Sprite from McDonald's. They've called it crispy, crunchy, and even electric ... but there's one comparison we keep hearing on repeat: static.
How much fat is in a McDonald's Sprite? ›
Mcdonald's Beverages Sprite (medium) (21 fl oz) contains 55g total carbs, 55g net carbs, 0g fat, 0g protein, and 210 calories.
Why is Sprite colorless? ›
Though green plastic bottles can be recycled, clear ones are a more useful recyclable material. And so The Coca-Cola Company, the owner of the brand, had already started transitioning from Sprite's iconic green bottles to more environmentally-friendly clear bottles in places like the United Kingdom.
What is a crispy co*ke? ›
One term you'll run into a lot there is “crispy,” which is as much about the sound of a Diet co*ke as the taste. When the soda is chilled and the carbonation is fizzing over the ice, that crackling you hear is the sign of a crispy drink.
Why does McDonald's Sprite taste so good? The crisp, powerful flavor of McDonald's Sprite starts with the water that's added to the syrup mix. “We have four different levels of filtration before the water makes it to our soda tower,” says James McIntyre, who owns five McDonald's franchises in Pennsylvania.
Did McDonald's change their Sprite? ›
The fast food giant is bringing the popular soft drink back after taking it off their menus in October 2022. Sprite was replaced by Sprite Zero Sugar, but now McDonald's has reversed that decision after customer backlash.
Can a soda be crispy? ›
The word “crispy” isn't necessarily one you'd associate with a can of Diet co*ke – but that's exactly what Gen Z is calling the popular drink when it's served to chilled “perfection.”
What flavor is McDonald's Sprite? ›
140 Cal. 140 Cal. Cool off with the refreshing McDonald's Sprite®—the classic and delicious lemon-lime fountain drink.
Why does McDonald's soda taste? ›
What sets McDonald's apart is not just the adherence to guidelines but also the delivery of the syrup in stainless steel tanks, in contrast to the plastic bags used by other fast-food chains. This distinction in storage might contribute to the unique taste experienced at McDonald's.
Why does McDonald's say WcDonald's? ›
WcDonald's is a fictional version of McDonald's that has appeared in over 100 different anime films and shows. The concept, with its flipped first letter, originates from a 1983 episode of “Cat's Eye,” a manga and anime franchise.
What are the ingredients in Sprite? ›
CARBONATED WATER, HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP, CITRIC ACID, NATURAL FLAVORS, SODIUM CITRATE, SODIUM BENZOATE (TO PROTECT TASTE). * Not a significant source of saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, dietary fiber, vitamin D, calcium, iron and potassium.
