Skip This One Drink at McDonald's^®, According to Insiders

McDonald's^® is a global icon for affordable and satisfying meals. Whether it's their perfectly crispy fries or the ever-reliable Big Mac^®, they've nailed fast-food like few others. But when it comes to coffee, opinions — and experiences — vary. If you're wondering whether to grab a caffeine fix at the Golden Arches^™, here's a closer look at why some say it's worth reconsidering.

The Dirty Details: Fact or Fiction?

A now-infamous Reddit thread put McDonald's coffee under the microscope. A former employee alleged that McCafé^® machines often go neglected, with grime and residue building up inside. According to their explanation, the machines can accumulate as much as five inches of uncleaned liquid. The whistleblower even warned friends and family to avoid ordering anything from the McCafé line.

However, not everyone agrees with this grim picture. Another McDonald's employee chimed in on the same thread, explaining that their location followed a nightly cleaning routine. Staff scrubbed the machines with a specialized kit, a process that took 30 to 45 minutes.

So, what's the takeaway? It seems cleanliness may vary by location, depending on how well staff are trained and how seriously they take the cleaning process.

Does Coffee Fit the Focus of McDonald's?

There's no denying that McDonald's has made strides to claim a slice of the over $37 billion U.S. coffee market, as reported by Mashed. The McCafé brand offers a lineup of espresso-based drinks and brewed coffee at prices that undercut competitors like Starbucks^®. In 2018, analysts noted that "McDonald's budget coffee offerings were cutting into Starbucks' market share," according to Business Insider.

Still, some question whether McDonald's can maintain the same standards as dedicated coffee shops. After all, it's a fast-food chain with a focus on burgers and fries, not a barista's paradise.

Safer Alternatives to Consider

If the Reddit debate has you feeling wary but you're still in the drive-thru line, there are other options. McDonald's frozen frappés, for instance, don't rely on the same brewing equipment as their hot coffee. And if you want to play it safe, their legendary Coca-Cola^® remains a fan favorite for its unique formula and taste.

The Bottom Line

Whether you order coffee at McDonald's depends on your comfort level. Some locations appear to maintain high cleaning standards, while others might fall short, according to employee anecdotes. If you're concerned, a little research — or sticking with alternative menu items — can go a long way.

References: The One Drink You Should Think Twice About Ordering at McDonald's, According to an Employee | You Should Never Order McDonald's Coffee. Here's Why | McDonald's 'cheap coffee' could be stealing customers from Starbucks when it needs them most