There's a reason you're really "lovin' it" when you drink soda through McDonald's straws
This Is the Real Reason Why McDonald’s Straws Are So Wide
Published on Oct. 24, 2024
McDonald’s may have phased out its supersized menu two decades ago, but there’s one surprising aspect of the fast-food menu that remains supersized to keep you coming back for more. Believe it or not, McDonald’s straws play an important role in why a simple sip of soda here is that much more enjoyable than your average fountain soda.
But why does drinking your soft drink of choice from these wide McDonald’s straws make that big of a difference when it hits your lips? We went straight to the source—McDonald’s itself—and spoke with two brain experts to get the answer. Read on to find out the real reason behind the dimensions of McDonald’s straws and the surprising way it affects your brain.
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Why are McDonald’s straws wider than normal straws?
It’s not an accident. According to a statement on McDonald’s website, the reason the straws are “slightly wider” has to do with how quickly the flavor reaches your mouth: “It’s slightly wider than a typical straw so all that Coke taste can hit your taste buds.”
A McDonald’s straw is an estimated 0.02 inches larger than a standard straw, and that seemingly tiny difference can make a big impact—one that your brain notices. “A wider straw [allows] more liquid volume through, meaning you would consume more sugar water faster,” Talia N. Lerner, PhD, an assistant professor of neuroscience at Northwestern University, tells Reader’s Digest. “In general, eating or drinking more quickly can cause you to overconsume before your brain processes how full you are or how much your blood sugar has risen.”
How does this affect your brain?
A speedier mouthful of sugar from your bubbly beverage sends a strong reward signal to your brain—essentially making your brain really happy, really quickly. “From a neurological standpoint, the consumption of carbonated beverages, particularly those containing sugar, can have a profound impact on the brain’s reward system,” says Shaheen Lakhan, MD, PhD, FAAN, a board-certified neurologist based in Miami. “This rapid influx of sensory information can stimulate the brain’s reward centers, leading to the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and satisfaction.”
Does this make you want to drink more soda?
In short, yes. “A wider straw can supercharge your soda experience, but it may also supercharge your cravings,” Dr. Lakhan says. “This heightened activation can lead to increased cravings and a desire for repeated consumption.”
Drinking soda excessively can contribute to the development of addiction-like behaviors because your brain is going to get used to that pleasurable feeling and continue to look for more and more.
Is that the only reason soda tastes better at McDonald’s?
Nope. According to the company, it filters “all the water before it enters fountain dispensers,” which is another reason McDonald’s Coke tastes better. McDonald’s also pays close attention to the temperature. “The water and Coca-Cola syrup are pre-chilled before entering our fountain dispensers, with the ratio of syrup set to allow for ice to melt,” McDonald’s explains. “We also keep our fountain beverage system cold so your drink is always refreshing.”
But consider yourself warned: “McDonald’s chilled soda is a flavor sensation, but excessive consumption can lead to a health disaster,” Dr. Lakhan notes, adding that it can negatively impact your weight, blood sugar levels and teeth.
Is there a way to put the brakes on your brain’s response to McDonald’s drinks?
Well, you’re going to need to exercise some self-restraint to stop the cycle of cravings, whether you’re drinking McDonald’s Coke or the latest McFlurry. But we have some good news for you: Believe it or not, you can still get that dopamine fix from a much healthier option: water.
“When you are thirsty, plain water will give you a burst of dopamine,” Lerner says. “When you’re not thirsty, it won’t. In other words, the dopamine release is calibrated according to your needs. It’s supposed to help you pursue the things your body needs to survive.”
Maybe those extra-wide McDonald’s straws will make that water seem even more refreshing and delicious. It’s worth a shot!
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At Reader’s Digest, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. For this piece on McDonald’s straws, Rachel Maresca Patterson tapped her experience as a longtime journalist covering news, lifestyle and entertainment. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.
Sources:
- McDonald’s: “Why does Coca-Cola taste so good at McDonald’s?”
- The New York Times: “Coke and McDonald’s, Growing Together Since 1955”
- Talia N. Lerner, PhD, associate professor in the departments of Neuroscience and Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, and associate director of the Northwestern University Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program; email interview, Oct. 11, 2024
- Shaheen Lakhan, MD, PhD, FAAN, board-certified neurologist and chief medical officer of Click Therapeutics in Miami; email interview, Oct. 11, 2024
