My feed
Premium

Please
or
to access all these features

This topic is for sponsored discussions. If you'd like to run one with us, please email [email protected].

MNHQ have commented on this thread

Sponsored threads

Watch McDonald’s new video about their French Fries and share your opinions - £300 Love2Shop voucher to be won NOW CLOSED

114 replies

AngelieMumsnet · 14/12/2015 10:11

As part of their Good To Know campaign, McDonald’s have released three new videos to give a little bit more information on the ingredients they use in their products, and they’re keen to hear what Mumsnetters think. You may have noticed this thread on McDonald's Chicken Nuggets we posted recently, and we’ll be asking to hear your opinions on one more product over the next couple of weeks. For this thread, McDonald’s are keen to hear your thoughts on their new video about their fries.

McDonald’s say: "We’ve launched our Good To Know campaign to provide our customers with more information on the quality of the ingredients we use in our products. Despite some common misconceptions, our Chicken McNuggets are made with 100% chicken breast meat, fries are made from real, whole British spuds and 100% beef from whole cuts of forequarter and flank goes into a McDonald’s burger. Alongside the Good To Know website, we’re launching the three new videos you’ll see in Mumsnet threads over the next few weeks, and we’re really interested to hear your thoughts"

Please watch the 40 second video below:



Once you’ve watched the video please let us know:
  • What did you think of the overall message in the video?
  • Did it change your perceptions of McDonalds’ Fries at all? If so, how?
  • If you're not a current McDonald's visitor, having watched the video, do you think you'd now consider visiting McDonald's or visiting with your children?
  • Would you be interested in visiting the McDonald’s Good To Know website to find out more information?


Whatever your thoughts, McDonald’s would love to hear about them.

Everyone who adds a comment will be entered in to a prize draw, where one winner will receive a £300 Love2Shop voucher.

Thanks & good luck,
MNHQ
OP posts:
Report
BrendaandEddie · 14/12/2015 10:22

i wish Terry would lose that gut then he might be quite fanciable.

Report
RatOnnaStick · 14/12/2015 17:59

I wish I could guarantee fresh, hot and crispy fries.

Does anyone actually really think they aren't from potatoes?

Report
Buttons23 · 14/12/2015 18:28

Who are these people who didn't think they were made from potatoes. I mean what real information did the video give?!

It doesn't make me change an opinion on McDonald's all it has told us are chips are made of potatoes.

I would rather they have given real nutritional information.

Report
LittlestLightOnTheTree · 14/12/2015 19:26

Hard to believe people thnk they are made of anything else!

My opinion of McDonald's remand the same,I'm looking forward to a visit over the holidays

Report
Merrylegs · 14/12/2015 19:26

I have seen this on TV. It's a bit bonkers really. Of all the spurious things people think McDonald's products are made of (sawdust to thicken the milkshakes for eg) I think it's pretty much a given the chips are made of potatoes. But this ad has changed my perception and now all I can think of is gloop...proper put me off.

Report
Dolallytats · 14/12/2015 19:59

I think it's a bit weird that people think the fries are made from anything other than potato.
The video was so-so. It stated what I would have thought is obvious. I like McDonalds fries every so often, but don't live close to one. I don't mind if my DC have one every now and again either, but they are hugely fussy eaters and would only eat the fries!

Report
CopperPan · 14/12/2015 20:00

I don't mind the odd McDonald's so it didn't change my opinion much. I like the fries but they are always a bit too salty. What annoys me is that you have to ask specifically for ketchup in a lot of branches - it should be provided as standard, or at least prompted for. There's nothing more disappointing than sitting down with your hot fries and realising you forgot to ask for ketchup, and then having to eat them ketchup-less because if you get up to ask for some, someone else will nab your seat.

Report
CMOTDibbler · 14/12/2015 20:06

I knew they were just potato as they are gf unlike BK fries. Some places they are rather limp and pallid though

Report
BeeMyBaby · 14/12/2015 20:49
  • What did you think of the overall message in the video?

Like others have said, I didn't tell me very much which wasn't obvious.

  • Did it change your perceptions of McDonalds’ Fries at all? If so, how?

It was good to have it confirmed that it's suitable for vegetarians. Unfortunately the amount of additional salt is still a worry.

  • If you're not a current McDonald's visitor, having watched the video, do you think you'd now consider visiting McDonald's or visiting with your children?

Not really as its the cooking process that concerns me. That being said I am now planning to take them as a treat during the holidays as it has made me hungry...
Report
FlopIsMyChristmasGuru · 15/12/2015 00:02

I really wish there was the chance to ask for no salt on the fries.
I've bought happy meals before where the chips have been ludicrously over salted esp for a child

Report
BrendaandEddie · 15/12/2015 06:26

I did doubt they were made of spuds. Maybe Maize.

I'll tell you, like me, if you have a kid who plays cricket all over the country you soon learn to love macdonalds.

Report
StillNoFuckingEyeDeer · 15/12/2015 06:33

I don't think the video has anything new to say. It's good to know the fries are definitely vegetarian.

We enjoy a McDonald's occasionally.

I wish the happy meal fries were unsalted by default and you had to ask for salt if you wanted it. I don't think we should be feeding small children that much salt and the fries taste better without it.

Report
TelephoneIgnoringMachine · 15/12/2015 07:00

What did you think of the overall message in the video? - I thought that it was very patronising & didn't give much information really. A missed opportunity.

Did it change your perceptions of McDonalds’ Fries at all? If so, how? - No. I already knew they are just made of potatoes... and far too much salt.

If you're not a current McDonald's visitor, having watched the video, do you think you'd now consider visiting McDonald's or visiting with your children? - No. It's not changed my opinion on McDonald's, what would change it is if they started treating their employees fairly by paying them a decent wage & ensuring they are allowed at least the minimum entitlement of breaks during each shift.

Would you be interested in visiting the McDonald’s Good To Know website to find out more information? - Perhaps if/when they revise their policies on my point above.

Report
WinterBabyof89 · 15/12/2015 08:40

I love McDs fries, but I wish that fries on a happy meal box were unsalted - far too much salt for children.

Re. Video - nothing I didn't know already tbf, go to McDs occasionally which I'll continue to do

Report
Grumpyoldblonde · 15/12/2015 08:48

Agree that fries should be unsalted, especially in the Happy Meals. I fancy a McDonalds now and again, but in our branch the fries are often cold and stale and the burgers just slapped together any old how, often a disappointment - I don't expect that much but I do expect my food to be hot and the burgers not be falling apart.

Report
OnMyShoulders · 15/12/2015 09:58
  • What did you think of the overall message in the video?


Well the message was that the fries are made of real potatoes and I didn't doubt that. I would be more interested in what's added/happens to the potato before it's served up as fries.

  • Did it change your perceptions of McDonalds’ Fries at all? If so, how?


I can't say I feel any differently about McDonalds' Fries after watching it.

  • If you're not a current McDonald's visitor, having watched the video, do you think you'd now consider visiting McDonald's or visiting with your children?


I have visited but I actively try to avoid it. The smell alone gives me the heave.

  • Would you be interested in visiting the McDonald’sGood To Know websiteto find out more information?


No
Report
MagicFinger · 15/12/2015 13:14

Agree fries far too salty for children.

I enjoy the occasional McDonald's.

Think the advert was slightly patronising and trendily 'chirpy', will appeal to the masses though.

It should definitely have given a bit more nutritional information, but I suppose there's only so much good stuff you can say about a French fry.

Report
BabyGanoush · 15/12/2015 15:47
  • What did you think of the overall message in the video?

Quite good, it dispels a few persistent myths about mcDonald's food.
  • Did it change your perceptions of McDonalds’ Fries at all? If so, how? I thought the fries were a mix of flour and potato. Has the recipe changed or was it always just potato? I always still eat them anyway. Quite like a McD every now and then (even when the kids are not with me)


  • If you're not a current McDonald's visitor, having watched the video, do you think you'd now consider visiting McDonald's or visiting with your children?


I visit occasionally anyway, I don't buy into the hysteria about fast food. A little bit of what you fancy and all that

  • Would you be interested in visiting the McDonald’s Good To Know website to find out more information?

Would quite like to know what sort of fat fries are fried in, and would also like to know "historical" facts. They used to say that McD fries were fried in beef dripping (back in the 80s) and that's why they were so tasty. And that later on this was changed for health reasons.

Would also like to know if there are any other ingredients in the chips other than potato, salt and oil? flavourings?
Report
Bloodyhellfire123 · 15/12/2015 15:54

I had actually heard and believed that they weren't suitable for vegetarians.

I love McDonald's chips but agree with previous posters about chips in a happy meal...there should be a way to order them without salt as whilst I think they're yummy, they really are unsuitable for little ones.

Report
iwantavuvezela · 15/12/2015 18:02

well its good to know they are made of potatoe and not some substitute or reconstituted potato, but i am wondering how long they are frozen for and what that process is, for me they don't taste of much when i eat them, and i would find the video more informative if it gave some indication of that, as i am sure that it does not go straight from a potato {fresh} into the fryer.

Report
BrendaandEddie · 15/12/2015 19:33

or even of potato

Report
PlentyOfPubeGardens · 15/12/2015 19:43

Heh. Like I said on the nuggets thread, McD's are no better than they need to be for any local market. The ones sold in the US, for example, have far more questionable ingredients than those served in the UK so you can't really blame people for being concerned.

The rumour as I remember it was that the fries were made from reconstituted potato. That would be far less worrying than the list of ingredients in the US fries! I do wonder if reconstituted potato has in fact been used in some countries over the last decade or two.

The UK fries have added dextrose which is not great and adds to the risk of diabetes from a diet with too much sugar. They also have salt added unless you specifically ask for unsalted.

It's junk food! Fried carbs with added sugar and salt! There's nothing wrong with a bit of junk food on occasion but I do wish McD's would stop pretending it's something it's not.

I will never eat in McD's, ever since the McLibel trial. I think the company are nasty bullies. However, if they could find a way of making their take-aways smell less like sick on the train I'd be very grateful.

Watch McDonald’s new video about their French Fries and share your opinions - £300 Love2Shop voucher to be won NOW CLOSED
Report

Don’t want to miss threads like this?

Weekly

Sign up to our weekly round up and get all the best threads sent straight to your inbox!

Log in to update your newsletter preferences.

You've subscribed!

voyager50 · 15/12/2015 23:50

Did it change your perceptions of McDonalds’ Fries at all? If so, how? -
I was also led to believe in the past they weren't suitable for vegetarians so this told be otherwise

  • If you're not a current McDonald's visitor, having watched the video, do you think you'd now consider visiting McDonald's or visiting with your children? - No - I still don't agree with what Macdonalds stand for and the number of animals they kill and rainforests they chop down in order to keep them.


  • Would you be interested in visiting the McDonald’s Good To Know website to find out more information?

No
Report
EasterRobin · 16/12/2015 01:16
  • What did you think of the overall message in the video?

Nothing weird in the chips. Fair enough, but I didn't think there would be. It would make sense as part of a series of adverts I guess. I can't imagine anyone avoiding McDonald's because they think the fries are a potato blend - I suspected they were a blend when I was a child because they were so much nicer than home/school chips, but was never put off them.
Is it worth stating that McDonald's chips in the UK specifically are vegetarian? My understanding is that people think they aren't vegetatian because McDonald's chips in the US contain beef extract and they don't realise the two are made differently.

  • Did it change your perceptions of McDonalds’ Fries at all? If so, how?

No. I love 'em already.

  • If you're not a current McDonald's visitor, having watched the video, do you think you'd now consider visiting McDonald's or visiting with your children?

I go occasionally; not as often as I would like due to it not being healthy for children. The salt on the fries is what stops me letting DD have them.

  • Would you be interested in visiting the McDonald’s Good To Know website to find out more information?

No. I am too lazy and have no real incentive to do that.
Report
Seeyounearertime · 16/12/2015 11:28
  • What did you think of the overall message in the video?

It gets the message across that the fries are potato.

  • Did it change your perceptions of McDonalds’ Fries at all? If so, how?

Nope, fries are OK usually. Sometimes they can be. Bit limp or salty but that's more the server than the company
Report
Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.