10 Surprising Facts About McDonald’s You Probably Don’t Know

Disclosure: I received compensation from McDonald’s in exchange for writing this review. Although this is a sponsored post, all opinions my own.

McDonald’s has been around for decades. Fifty-five years to be exact.

Between myself and some of my friends, we all had at least one of our birthday parties there as a kid. It was also a place we’d stop on field trips in high school and road trips in college.

But, as I got older and became more aware of what I was eating, I found myself straying from McDonald’s and all other fast food chains out of concern for my health.

Well, I recently learned that McDonald’s is concerned, too. They’re currently working to evolve with their customers and are listening to their changing needs.

A few weeks ago, I was invited to an “Open Door Tour” at a Boston McDonald’s, where myself and other bloggers went behind the counter and into the kitchen and refrigerator.

I have to say, I was surprised with what I saw and learned.

I carried a notebook with me on the tour and scribbled things down like crazy. It truly was a fascinating experience.

I’ve never worked in a fast food environment, so I didn’t know what to expect.

Here are 10 surprising facts about McDonald’s I never knew and I bet you didn’t either:

1. Anything on their menu can be customized.
2. They use products found in supermarkets like Dannon, McCain Fries and Tyson Chicken.
3. Burgers are made with no additives or preservatives; just seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper when cooked.
4. Their brewed coffee is made of 100% arabica beans. Once brewed, it has a shelf life of 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, it’s tossed out, guaranteeing a fresh cup for customers.
5. There are four types of eggs offered at McDonald’s. 100% egg white, USDA Grade A cracked fresh egg (used in Egg McMuffin), liquid pasteurized eggs and the folded egg.
6. Tomatoes originate in Florida, the Carolinas, California and Mexico.
7. All produce is fresh with nothing added.
8. Their kitchen is impeccably clean and impressive. Hand washing timers are visible and employees are trained to wash their hands once per hour at a minimum.
9. The Artisan Grilled Chicken Sandwich and Premium Grilled Chicken Bacon Clubhouse Sandwich are made with 100% chicken breast filet with no preservatives and are seared right in McDonald’s kitchen.
10. Every employee can benefit from education through the Archways Program. Employees have access to a high school diploma online and college tuition reimbursement.

Besides the behind-the-counter opportunity, we had the chance to meet and speak with John Cisna.

He’s that famous high school teacher from Iowa who made headlines last year for his student-led experience that required he eat exclusively at McDonald’s for all meals.

His experiment lasted 180 days. He ate 540 meals at McDonald’s and lost 60 pounds while doing it.

Cisna said he was obese for 25 years and wanted to prove that fast food wasn’t his problem.

In his words, “The experiment showed that it’s not where we eat, but what we eat and in what combination that matters.”

During those six months, Cisna lowered his cholesterol, triglycerides and blood pressure.

You’re probably saying how is this even possible? But, it is and it was.

Cisna said for the experiment to work, there were some factors he had to keep in mind.

• He consumed 2,000 calories a day.
• He tracked 15 nutrients.
• He spent 45 minutes walking, four to five days a week.
• He constantly checked his blood work.

Here’s an example of John Cisna’s breakfast at McDonald’s:

• 2 egg white delights
• oatmeal
• 1% milk to drink

As a mom to three young kids, it’s comforting to know McDonald’s offers fresh and healthy options.

The tour made it clear this company is doing what they can to make sure their menu offers food that you can feel good about.

What fact listed was most surprising to you?