Last Friday I attended an Open Door Tour at one of our local McDonald's. And I was really surprised by what I discovered!
The Open Door Tour was designed to take bloggers and media guests behind the counter at McDonald's and give you a real honest look at their menu and ingredients.
I didn't expect to be shocked by what I found behind their counter, but I was!
Shocking Fact #1: Did you know that at McDonald's employees have to wash their hands every hour? And sanitize their hands every twenty minutes? And sanitize their food station regularly as well?!
Shocking, but true!
Shocking Fact #2: Did you know that McDonald's only uses 100% beef? No fillers. No pink slime. Literally nothing goes into their meat until they salt and pepper it after it's cooked.
Shocking Fact #3: Did you know that the reason McDonald's freezes their beef and other fresh items is to preserve the freshness and quality of it? So that their customer gets a quality burger at the peak of freshness every time.
Shocking Fact #4: Did you know that about 80% of McDonald's menu is UNDER 400 calories?
80%, people?! That's shocking!!
In fact, McDonald's is now changing their menu board to feature the calorie counts so customers can make better choices while their ordering.
Shocking Fact #5: Did you know that McDonald's uses household name brand ingredients?
Seriously, y'all, this shocked me! Brands you know and use in your own home while cooking go into your McDonald's favorites. Things like... Mission tortillas, Dannon yogurt, and Newman's Own Dressing.
Shocking Fact #6: Did you know that at McDonald's every time you order a McCafe' coffee beverage, that's when the coffee beans are ground?
True story! The beans aren't ground until you order your cup o' joe, baby!
Socking Fact #7: Did you know that Egg McMuffins are made with *gasp* REAL EGGS?!
The way they make them that signature round "patty" type thingy on your McMuffin is by cooking them in this:
Who knew?!
Here's the shocking short and skinny of it: By attending this Open Door Tour, I learned that McDonald's isn't trying to hide anything from their customers and the general public.
If all those rumors you hear about McDonald's were true and they were serving that gross stuff to the masses, don't you think they would have been called out and shut down by now?
I think fast food restaurants, and for some reason especially McDonald's, have a wild misconception going on. The thought is this... if it's mass produced fast food, it's low quality. And that, my dear lazy moms and dads, couldn't be further from the truth at McDonald's.
I truly was shocked by their attention to cleanliness and quality ingredients. If you'd like to learn more and have your own Open Door Tour of McDonald's, check out the "See What We're Made Of" section of McDonald's website.
Giveaway: You can enjoy a taste of McDonald's "Favorites Under 400 Calories" menu items! McDonald's is giving away coupons for free under 400 calorie items away to FIVE of you!
To Enter: U.S. residents can fill out the Rafflecopter form below. Each task you do (or already do) is an entry to win!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclosure: I was invited to attend the Open Door Tour by McDonald's, where they provided me with a free lunch. No other compensation was received and all opinions expressed her are my own.
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Egg mcMuffins have been my favorite McDonald's food for forever. I'm not a huge fast food eater, but I do love that we can travel and eat at a McDonalds and always know that the restaurant and bathrooms are clean, and the food and service are consistent. That says a lot!
ReplyDeleteWow, that IS shocking! :)
ReplyDeleteNow all I want is a healthy Big Mac *cough, cough*
ReplyDeleteNow all I want is a healthy Egg McMuffin! *cough, cough*
ReplyDeleteWe eat McDonald's EVERY Sunday after church! LOL
ReplyDeleteI love McDonalds...especially during Monopoly time! :)
ReplyDeleteMy kiddo loves McD's! I'm glad they don't put kiddy crack in their food (I was beginning to wonder since she is ALWAYS jonesing for it). I love their grilled chicken sandwich. So yummy!
ReplyDeleteLove your interesting review. I'm so glad that McDonalds is offering healthy choices. Makes it easier on my diet when I bring my kids there. Thanks so much.
ReplyDeleterickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com
We eat at McDonald's more than I care to admit!!!
ReplyDeleteInteresting.....
ReplyDeleteI was surprised; nice to know.
ReplyDeleteLove your interesting review. I love that they have healthy choices.
ReplyDeleteI used to work there and have even toured one of their meat production facilities near OKC. It is the cleanest place I have ever been in my life!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I feel better about eating there after reading that, honestly.
ReplyDeletepittsy82@hotmail.com
I didn't know a lot of these facts. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteWe have one almost across the street from home and enjoy treating the kids once in awhile.
ReplyDeletety for the offer and oh i knew that there eggs were made with real egg.. I have been lucky enough to get the shell in my food.. :(
ReplyDeleteWOW!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is pretty cool- it's nice to hear some positive things once in awhile! Thanks for taking the time to share it with us!
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to blog about this- it's always nice to hear something positive for a change!
ReplyDeleteDid you know that the average woman should be consuming a mere 2,000 calories? That is to maintain a healthy weight, not to loose weight. So a 400 cal. sandwich, a 400 cal fry, a 400 cal drink, a 400 cal dessert and your almost done eating for the WHOLE day. I eat at McDonalds, don't get me wrong. But alot of people are becoming more whole food and organic food minded and relizing that GMO food is not good for you. Clean does not equal healthy, imo. I won't drink "clean" dead milk (pasturized) from the store. I choose live raw milk that is full of the nutrients that came with it out of the goat, not false stuff that was added after they killed off the good stuff. If it says fortified, that means they altered it by killing off the original good stuff or removing it. Such as in white bread versus 100% whole wheat. I have yet to watch Food Inc. Cause I'm scared it will freak me out! But if you're someone looking to become healthier that is a good movie to watch. :)
ReplyDeleteVery intereting!
ReplyDeleteNo matter where you eat, home or out, it's all about the choices YOU make. We eat "Mickey D's", as we call it, at least once a week due to our hectic schedules, and honestly, their choices have helped me stay on track with my diet. I love the salads and Egg McMuffin. I never leave hungry or leave consuming more than 300-400 calories. What a neat experience!
ReplyDeleteThere are a few things I did not know.
ReplyDeleteVery intriguing, I love Mcdonalds but been shying away trying to eat healthier.
ReplyDeletemmmm...food....
ReplyDeleteFast food in general gets a bad rap, I think. It's unwarranted. As long as we're not getting super large fries, a triple cheese burger, and the largest drink we can find and fill it with regular soda, we really will be fine.
ReplyDeleteKind of obsessed with their chicken sandwiches...and french fries. Man, now I'm hungry!
ReplyDeleteThanks for being awesome! Love not having to cook!
ReplyDeleteI had McDonald's for breakfast this morning! Yummy!
ReplyDeleteI had Micky D's for breakfast this morning! Yuuuuuuuuummmmmmmy!
ReplyDeleteMickey D`s is the bomb!!!! Love eating there, and collecting the toys from happy meals.
ReplyDeletectymice at gmail dot com
My family loves McDonald's.Interesting review learned alot
ReplyDeletemichael mayhew in rafflecopter
Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteThis is nice to know. I knew they were clean but didn't know all of that. I love their fries
ReplyDeleteI was at McDonald's last Saturday and was surprised to see the calories listed by each item. Great way to know exactly what you are ordering.
ReplyDeleteThis was the first job I ever had, lol. They must have changed a few things.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMy opinion has always been that the attack against McD's is an attack against capitalism; a successful, customer-driven, American company.
ReplyDeleteI live in a tiny town and we waited for a McDonalds for 15 years we finally got one this year and we are so happy my favorite is the Angus snackwrap but I like the fact that they started putting the calorie counts on the menus.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy McD's coffee - it's the best. GLTA
ReplyDeleteRenski
Darn, now I am craving McNuggets!
ReplyDeleteMcDonald's really does have great coffee. Now I know why.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to see more fast food places serving more healthy options
ReplyDeletewhat a great contest! We love McDonalds!
ReplyDeleteI don't care about 'healthy' when I go out for fast food.. just REAL food :)
ReplyDeleteCatholic dinner, or Fish O Filet on a Friday night.
ReplyDeleteHope to win!
xxbowietipxx@gmail.com
he beans aren't ground until you order your cup o' joe, this is very surprising!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the opportunity.
ReplyDeleteI love their Sausage McMuffin. Thanks so much for the fantastic giveaway!
ReplyDeleteReneewalters3@yahoo.com
A lot of new info here! Too bad most customers order multiple items that are 400 cal...
ReplyDeleteTtrockwood@yahoo.com
I'm glad I read this information. Very interesting.
ReplyDeleteLove3570@aol.com
Yum - I didn't know McDonald's could be so healthy!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the giveaway :)
hurdler4eva(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks for the information and the awesome giveaway!!
ReplyDeleteI feel so much better about McDonalds after reading your post! They should have had a bloggers event eons ago & they really should find a way to continue them to keep us informed=)
ReplyDeleteI love their Bacon, Egg & Cheese biscuits!
Thanks,
Lethea B
Luvdaylilies at bellsouth dot net
Love McDonalds!
ReplyDeleteI eat a Mcdonalds a lot
ReplyDeleteccasper@centurytel.net
I love their Salads! Thanks for the great giveaway!
ReplyDeleteWow very insightful, thanks!
ReplyDeletemy grandson love McDonalds, would have to give this to him if I were to win
ReplyDeleteI'm not a huge McDonalds fan however I am proud of them for (finally) coming around and offering sensible (as opposed to simply a smaller portion size) healthier alternative to their traditional products. Good for them!
ReplyDeleteky2here at msn dot com
I love the McDouble and the McChicken at McDonald's x)
ReplyDeleteI love McDonalds Quarter Pounders w/o cheese!
ReplyDeleteDigicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net
I must confess that I stop at McD's every morning to get a Diet Coke to start my day. I don't drink coffee so that is my one vice.
ReplyDeleteI get a large unsweetened iced tea several times a week...$1 and such a huge drink
ReplyDeleteem darr
thanks for the giveaway! love their mcgriddles
ReplyDeletecb_shorty2003@yahoo.com
Glad to see they have some lower calorie foods now!
ReplyDeletebrich22 at earthlink dot net
Thanks for the giveaway
ReplyDeletecaryn9802 at yahoo dot com
I didn't realize that about 80% of McDonald's menu is under 400 calories. I'll have to pay more attention to that when I order.
ReplyDeleteI had the CBO which was good but they didn't but cheese on it so I guess I really had BO
ReplyDeleteGood to see so many things under 400 calories
ReplyDeletesweepymummy at yahoo dot com
Definitely knew they used real eggs in the egg mcmuffins because about a third of the time I get eggshells in my sandwich, so I have to toss it.
ReplyDeleteThat's really neat that you got to go behind the counter!!!
ReplyDeletejyder416 at yahoo dot com
I would love to try any of these menu items!
ReplyDeleteI really love the real fruit smoothies.
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear the wash their hands every hour!
ReplyDeletesnowwolf222@yahoo.com
I am blown away that the coffee beans are ground every time someone orders a cup of coffee. It's somewhat hard to believe.
ReplyDeleteI have not had mcdonalds in about a year im to watching my calorie intake thanks for the review i might treat myself one time now i know there are now low calorie options.
ReplyDeleteI don't eat fast food that often, but when I do I try to choose healthier options.
ReplyDeletechipper101 at hotmail dot com
that's was an informative post :)
ReplyDeletethanks for the giveaway
aunteegem@yahoo.com
the Newmans dressing is very good at McDonalds
ReplyDeleteMcFlurries are soooooo good, but parfaits are also tasty for a healthier treat :)
ReplyDeletewow, 80% are under 400 calories... I wouldn't have ever thought so
ReplyDeleteJanice
m8usi at yahoo dot com
wow, 80% are under 400 calories... I wouldn't have ever thought so
ReplyDeleteJanice
m8usi at yahoo dot com
Thanks for the great review. I learned alot & enjoyed reading it :)
ReplyDeleteIm glad Mcdonalds has some healthier options!
ReplyDeleteMcDonalds has the best french fries!
ReplyDeletes2s2 at comcast dot net
Wow, I'm very surprised and happy with these facts you found out! I love knowing that the restaurant continues to work hard to please their customers! Their french fries and ice cream are my favorites! Thanks for all the great information!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the opportunity. I love McDonalds.
ReplyDeleteI want a Shamrock Shake right now!
ReplyDeleteedgenemmers@gmail.com
I am a coffee junkie and they make a great cup o' joe.
ReplyDeleteinteresting facts!!
ReplyDeleteI'm impressed that the menu has way less calories than I would have thought.I love the McCafe Mocha!
ReplyDeletei love the big macs :)
ReplyDeletelove their fries!
ReplyDeletejagar0047 at yahoo dot com
my favorite foods there is a big mac and fries
ReplyDeleteI love their fish sandwiches.
ReplyDeleteI get a McDouble and a McChicken and combine the two. It's great.
ReplyDeleteThat is some amazing facts the only one I dont understand is the coffee because at my local Mcdonalds I can clearly see a pot of coffee already made. Still love their food.
ReplyDeleteHi Jessica, their McCafe drinks are what's freshly ground each time. Does your Mcdonalds have a McCafe in it?
Deletei love the quarter pounders with cheese
ReplyDeletemisterjim74 at gmail dot com
I love egg mcmuffins and hashbrowns.
ReplyDeleteI love the fish filets!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for an excellent giveaway!
ReplyDeleteI have always loved McDonalds food, but now I am also so impressed by them as well. Thank you for the giveaway.
ReplyDeletelauraemerson17 at yahoo dot com
I would love to win this, thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeleteHotsnotty2@hotmail.com
It's wonderful how much effort McDonald's has put into their menu in the last decade or so - it really shows in their expanded options!
ReplyDeleteAuri Lae on rafflecopter
I was surprised by all the facts. It improves my impression of Mcdonalds. garrettsambo@aol.com
ReplyDeleteThis would be great
ReplyDeleteI know it's not the healtiest but I Adore their Fish Burger. I would also get me a Grilled Chicken sandwich..those are really good!
ReplyDeletezestywonderland@gmail.com
I'm glad that the McDonalds in your area is that healthy and fresh. I know for a fact that the ones in my area are not. I've seen them make a sandwich from a burger they've had sitting under the heat lamp, not fresh from the grill. I've gotten coffee that tasted as if its been sitting in the pot for over an hour and have also seen pre-made frozen eggs go on the grill for the Egg McMuffins. I also know that most items are, by themselves, under 400 cal. But when you order a meal it ends up more then that. So again I'm really glad to hear that your local McDonald's are doing their best to be healthy, just wish it was everywhere.
ReplyDelete