McDonald's straws

[NeverTalksToStrangers]

I see there is a petition to get rid of the new paper straws at McDonald's. I love their milkshakes, but trying to drink one through paper straws was extremely unpleasant. It wasn't even slightly refreshing, seemed to affect how cold the drink tasted. I haven't tried any other soft drinks through them, but apparently they disintegrate. I'm all for saving the planet but surely there's a better solution? I've a feeling it will affect McDonald's sales in the long run (and possibly my waistline).

(Yes, I'm a terrible mother for ever letting my children eat McDonald's and yes, even worse for eating it myself.)

You are not going to get a McDonalds milkshake up a sub standard paper straw. It's barely possible with the old plastic ones.

Many people like myself want to protect their teeth

The consensus from Google indicates that there is no benefit to teeth from using a straw, and far better to cut down fizzy and fruit drinks as much as possible anyway.

I'd always read using a straw was better as it directs the drink to the back of the mouth away from the teeth

Although I only use a straw in my long vodka drink on a Saturday night! We don't often use them other than that

I ordered bamboo straws online and they all arrived broken so I had to send back for a refund.
I agree that the problem isn’t paper straws, as lots of places now use these and they are fine. It’s that McDonalds are offering straws that seem to be made of recycled compressed toilet roll or something equally flaky

Argh I agree. I want to save the planet but trying to drink a milkshake out of a plastic coated cup with a plastic lid and a disgusting straw is not the way to go.

I too might take a metal one with me next time. I like them, but yes- dishwasher and miniature bottle brush alongside rigorous checking is needed for peace of mind re cleanliness.

Surely it’s such a small price to pay to help the environment?

Well in the sense that giving up McDonald’s would help the environment yes.

But there are better ways or managing the straw issues and saying ‘just help the environment’ is a bit of a morality straw man.

I wrapped the top of mine in sellotape the other day. I have this weird sensory thing with anything of that texture in my mouth. I could bring myself to ruin my milkshake by drinking out of the cup so resorted to tape.
Worked rather well actually 😀

What applekatie said.

Milkshakes. Need. Good. Straws.

Lol at the sellotape. It's having it handy that's the issue.

They're honestly disgusting and go soggy within 3 minutes. Surely there's a better solution than that?

McDonalds need to change their supplier. You can get good paper straws. I buy packs from Sainsbury’s and they’re great, really robust.