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McDonald’s is on a journey to improve the quality of its menu items. The chain has pledged a commitment to using simple ingredients when possible, more sustainably sourced meat, and, as of 2018, no artificial flavors or preservatives in its seven classic burgers, a list which includes the Big Mac. In an interview last year with CNN, the McDonald’s CEO acknowledged “shrinkflation” concerns and reassured customers that the chain plans to make its burgers bigger and better than ever.
Now, McDonald’s is taking another step forward by updating its menu with a back-to-basics version of a fan-favorite drink.
]McDonald's Introduces New Lemonade
Allrecipes / McDonald's
McDonald’s guests can now enjoy a cup of lemonade in a fresh way. On April 8, the chain announced that its previous offering, Minute Maid Lemonade, would be replaced with a permanent alternative. The new 5-ingredient lemonade was introduced to test markets in 2023 as Premium Lemonade, and fans immediately fell in love. It’s now coming to markets nationwide as just Lemonade.
According to the website, McDonald’s new version includes lemon juice from concentrate, lemon pulp, cane sugar, water, and natural flavors. For reference, Minute Maid’s lemonade lists high fructose corn syrup, modified food starch, and Yellow 5, just to name a few ingredients.
In a Reddit thread from last year, one person asked, “What’s the difference between Premium Lemonade and regular Lemonade?” Commenters were quick to share their thoughts. One Reddit user simply said “the price,” while others guessed the only real difference was the name. “About seven letters and a space,” wrote one skeptical user.
But those who have tried the new drink are already giving it glowing reviews. “Wendy’s wants to be the lemonade destination, but they taste like pop machine syrup. McDonald’s new lemonade tastes fresh-squeezed and REAL. It even has lemon bits! The only thing that could make it better is if they offered strawberry/blueberry pomegranate/flavored lemonades,” said one fan. “Every McDonald’s I’ve been to has already changed over to the new lemonade, it’s way better than Minute Maid. I’m obsessed. Best drive-through lemonade, hands down,” added another.
McDonald’s new lemonade is available in participating locations nationwide. So be sure to swing by and grab one to see how it measures up against your current fast food favorite. And maybe one day McDonald’s will even offer a frosted version like Chick-fil-A. Let’s just hope the ice cream machines are up and running when that time comes.
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