McDonald’s customers are furious over huge change to popular menu item

MCDONALD’S customers are furious over a huge change to a popular menu item.

The fast food chain has switched to new eco-friendly lids on hot drinks but customers are complaining of them going soggy and collapsing. 

Scores of unhappy customers have posted about the issue on social media. 

A customer posted on social media site Reddit.com: “Currently having the misfortune of having a McDonalds hot chocolate & this is absolutely winding me up right now. 

“Soggy, the paper seems to be dissolving & overall it’s bloody miserable. Won’t be making the mistake of ordering this again.”

The issue has also led to a backlash on X.com, where another customer fumed: “PLEASE go back to plastic lids on your coffee cups. 

“The new paper ones are awful, they come off, they leak, they make the coffee taste different and they feel uncomfortable in the mouth.

“You will sell less coffee and therefore less food if you stay with paper lids.”

Another added: “Think you might want to rethink this new cardboard lids idea. Literally collapsing as I drink it.”

A third said: “Right @McDonaldsUK sort your hot drinks lids out please!! Had enough of them getting soggy and falling off, ruining my clothes!!”

And a fourth shared a mishap in his car, explaining: “Please do something about your paper lids. I lifted my cup out of the holder, and it fell apart. Whilst I was driving!  This is so dangerous!   

“Please go back to the plastic lids and do some more research into getting the paper lids right. I’m covered in hot coffee.”

But others were more willing to accept change, with one saying: “It’s a step in the right direction in reducing plastic…. I’m happy to put up with it as it’s the right thing to do.”

A McDonald’s spokesman said: “At McDonald’s we are always looking at ways to innovate and improve. 

“Our new moulded fibre McCafé lids are one of the many steps we’re taking towards our commitment to making all our customer packaging recyclable. 

“As with any changes we make, the new packaging went through a thorough testing process to collate extensive feedback both internally and externally, allowing us to make any necessary changes ahead of launch.”

McDonald’s has announced many initiatives in its Close The Loop campaign, which is designed to create a circular recycling scheme where the chain’s packaging and waste have a second life.

As part of the plan, it has switched to paper-based cutlery, increased the recycled content in plastic drinks lids and introduced plastic-free salad boxes and breakfast boxes.

The chain has not confirmed what the McCafé lids are made from – except to say it’s a natural, renewable raw material.

CHANGES AT MCDONALD’S

Whilst the change to lids has caused quite a stir-up, the fast food giant have dropped another change that might be more of a hit with customers.

Mcdonald’s has launched a new update to its Deal Drop for customers on a budget.

Every Monday, new offers appear in the rewards and offers section of the McDonald’s app, ready for customers to redeem throughout the week.

The scheme has been running since December 30, with the initial launch giving customers 20% off the entire menu and £2 off when spending £10.

The offers can be redeemed for McDelivery straight to their door, as well as in-store, all via the McDonald’s app.

But until January 26, customers can get their hands on 20% off all food and drink and spend £15 and save £3.

Customers can get special deals selected for them too, including free items like a double cheeseburger which usually costs £1.29 and free delivery on orders over £15.

Either of the three deals will appear in the Rewards and Offers section of your MyMcDonald’s app.

But customers will have to be quick as the deals only last until January 26.

Deals can only be redeemed once per customer for McDelivery or in-store, all via the MyMcDonald’s app.

It comes as McDonald’s has shaken up its menu in recent weeks.

It features two 100% British and Irish beef patties, two slices of cheese, onions, jalapenos, pickles and spicy relish in a toasted bun.

How do I find my nearest McDonald’s?

If you’re planning on taking a trip to McDonald’s, you’ll want to know where your nearest branch is.

The chain has a restaurant locator tool on its website you can use to find your nearest one – and check what time it opens.

Bear in mind that McDonald’s serves breakfast every day until 11am.

After that, it switches to the normal menu, serving meals such as burgers, chicken nuggets and more.

How to save money at McDonald’s

Did you know that you can end up being charged more based on which branch of McDonald’s you choose to eat at? 

There can be up to a 30p price difference in a Big Mac meal at restaurants which are just two miles away from each other, The Sun previously found.

Another way to cut back spending at McDonald’s is by ordering from the Savers menu or by taking advantage of its ‘3 for £3’ deal when it lands in stores. 

It is also worth bearing in mind that McDonald’s offers a discount on your next order if you fill out a survey online after visiting its stores. 

These can be found on the back of any receipt you get at McDonald’s.