Why is McDonald's so popular?

[EvaHara]

Not really an AIBU but posting here for traffic.

A new McDonald's is opening in my town centre and there are so many posts about it on local social media. The majority of people are delighted about it and as is often the case, shouting down those who are not and who have concerns about the increase in traffic, parking, rubbish etc in an already busy area.

There are lots of people already milling about outside it, looking in the windows, and it hasn't even opened yet. Will probably get shot down for saying this but said people were very overweight or obese, and in ubiquitous leggings or tracksuit bottoms.

Why do so many people want to eat McDonald's so often?

What is the obsession with it and other fast food?

IMO it's ok as an occasional treat, but surely not every day or thereabouts?

I recall seeing a documentary about a doughnut (donut) chain where researchers asked passers-by to have a free donut, selecting one from a box of three.
The choice was between a thickly iced pink donut, a cream filled/chocolate topped one, and a plain sugar glazed one.
The sugar glazed one was selected by about two thirds of the people and the researchers determined that this donut had the perfect amount and combination of sugar and fat to appeal to human beings. Clever, eh?

*occasional not occupant… 😬

Think about how fast food keeps itself fashionable.
It's interesting to note that many now even associate their cultural identity with Greggs.
It is genius marketing.

That’s not “called a roll because it can’t be called a bun” though, is it?

That’s the Republic of Ireland VAT ruling it has too much sugar to be exempt from VAT as a bread. A much less tabloid headline.

I agree with your point that both McDonald’s and Subway use too much sugar in their dough. I’m not a fan. However, my teenage daughter would be over the bloody moon if one opened locally.

@TroysMammy Nah just Maccys 😂

Let me get my leggings on and I'll be with you! 🤣🤣🤣

There isn't one near me so it's been years since I had one - and why is it called a Big Mac and not a Big Mc? Someone on here was getting arsey at people spelling it MacDonalds the other day. I appreciate this adds nothing to the thread

@NOTthisOldchestnut GMO, beef farming conditions. McDonald's chips here are potato, oil and salt. They have a whole host more ingredients in America. Same with most items on the menu.

It's popular because it's consistent.

You can go to McDonald's in London, Paris, Singapore or anywhere and it'll be pretty much the same. People value that certainty. It's not for me, but that's for sure, but let's not begrudge others their pleasure.

Tbf I don’t eat McDonald’s but I’m nosey so would be peering in the windows to have a look at the process of building a new shop

The standard is the same and you never get food poisoning

Well that's me sold! 😂

When DC was young we'd quite often have a McDonalds while on holiday in France.
I remember even then, over 20 years ago, how good the salads and the fruit selection was. The meat patties tasted more like French steak haché.
And DH (not a McD fan at all) didn't mind going there because you could get a beer!

Oh the McD's on the Champs Elysees is very fancy if I remember !!

It's because children like it isn't it?
As a childless adult I only go once or twice a year if I'm hungry when there is nothing else around, but I can see why it's easy and quick for families.

Tastes great. Allergy safe for DD. Ds will eat it.

I'd rather they eat home cooked food more but disabilities have kicked in and reduced those.

In YOUR opnion clearly many people do find it delicious as its hugely popular
I do love a good mumsnet moan about the " horrors" of McDonald's.

God, I'd hate to think that just because I have the odd McDonald's, some people might be making assumptions about my lifestyle and background (class?) I'm trying to remember if I've ever been in there wearing leggings or tracksuit bottoms. Possibly. Next time I'll wear a ball gown or a twin set and pearls and try to give their reputation a wee boost. If I can find any to fit.

Am I the only one who think Mcdonalds is not cheap? I like their breakfast but this very rare treat. McDonald's is okay - it is not something I would order on regular basis.

Because they put crack cocaine in their burgers to make them SO addictive. 😂 Also, because they are shit hot on their hygiene. I don't think I've ever seen a McDonald's that's not rated a '5' for their 'Score on the door'. At the age of 60,I've had my share of takeaways over the years,and whereas I can say I have occasionally had an upset stomach (and on one awful occasion, salmonella poisoning) from takeaway food,I can honestly say I have never ever been ill after eating a McDonald's.

"I recall that their rolls have to be called 'buns' because they are too high in sugar to be classed as a roll! "

What?? Absolute rubbish 🤣🤣🤣

If you have any ND in your family then McDs is a godsend. It tastes and feels the same everywhere so is quite often as safe food for that reason.

When I was in recovery for anorexia 8 often used to fear that people were looking at what I was eating.

The therapist reassured me that only boring people, people who are insecure or who have issues themselves give any headspace to what other people are eating wearing.

Now I wholeheartedly agree.
Excuse me whilst I order a cheeseburger.

I really don't understand why you'd go on holiday to another country and have a MacDonalds. Surely going abroad is a lot about having cultural experiences including the food? I can't imagine going to a McDonalds in France or Italy or Japan. I would want to be making the most of the amazing food cultures that those countries have.

The sameness and predictability that lots of people seem to think is a plus point is a huge minus for me. I want food to taste like where it's from and not all the same all the time.

Anyway this clearly is a minority viewpoint given its worldwide popularity.

And I once had pretty terrible food poisoning from some (very tasty) Ceviche in South America so I guess that's the risk you take if you insist on sampling local cuisine.

It's very good at fast food. (Mind you, I can't eat anything except the fries and hash browns).

Also strangely good for cups of tea as they don't make me wait for them to fanny around making coffee first (see all the chain and independent cafes who I've given up on). I do like a takeaway McDonald's tea for a cold walk home.

We like it cos the kids can have their crap and we can get something lower in calories.
Strange how you've labelled the people looking in through the window though @EvaHara . It always makes me smile at how the clientele varies from table to table (i like people watching). Must just be the ones I've been in 🤷‍♀️