McDonald’s Secrets That Employees Don’t Want You To Know

McDonald's is the most famous fast food chain in the world, serving millions of customers every single day. Despite its popularity, there are secrets that even the biggest McDonald's fans may not know.

Here are nine interesting secrets about how the Golden Arches actually operate behind the counter.

Egg McMuffins are made with fresh eggs

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Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

The eggs used in an Egg McMuffin are different from the folded eggs in other biscuits. These round eggs are cracked fresh from the shell and cooked in a metal ring on the grill.

If you prefer a fresh egg on any other breakfast sandwich, you can ask to substitute a round egg.

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The ice cream machine isn't broken

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Michal Fludra/NurPhoto via Getty Images
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It is a common joke that the ice ceram machine is always broken. In reality, these machines have a very long and automated cleaning cycle that can take several hours to complete.

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If the machine is down, it's usually because the heat treatment cycle is running to keep the dairy safe.

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Some locations serve discounted coffee for seniors

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Matthias Balk/picture alliance via Getty Images
Matthias Balk/picture alliance via Getty Images
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Many McDonald's locations offer discounted coffee for senior citizens, but they may not advertise it on the main menu board.

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If you're over a certain age, it never hurts to ask if the discount is available at your local McDonald's.

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The Big Mac sauce hack

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You don't have to buy a Big Mac to enjoy the famous special sauce. You can ask to add Big Mac sauce to a regular cheeseburger or a McDouble for a small fee.

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This gives you the iconic flavor in a smaller portion and without the higher price tag.

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Employees don't wear gloves

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Matthias Balk/picture alliance via Getty Images
Matthias Balk/picture alliance via Getty Images
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The employees at McDonald's don't wear gloves when they're making food. However, it's not as unsanitary as it may seem.

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Gloves are harder to keep clean and can harbor bacteria. Instead, employees are required to wash their hands at least once every hour.

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The straws are what make the Coke taste so good

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Jaap Arriens/NurPhoto via Getty Images
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McDonald's straws are wider than your typical soft drink straw, and this likely contributes to the flavor of the soda.

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With a bigger straw, each sip is more flavorful and refreshing.

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There's no "secret menu"

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Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images
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There's no official "secret menu" at McDonald's, despite what social media may tell you. However, if you want something that isn't on the menu, just ask.

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Employees can likely make you something as long as they have the right ingredients.

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Ask for a receipt

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ruelleruelle/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
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Some employees believe that customers who ask for a receipt might be secret shoppers. These shoppers are hired to grade the restaurant on speed and food quality.

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Because of this, staff might take extra care with your order if you ask for a printed proof of purchase.

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Apple pies are often older

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N509FZ/Wikimedia Commons
N509FZ/Wikimedia Commons
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Apple pies are baked in batches and can sometimes sit in the heated display for a long time. You can check the box for a time stamp that indicates when the pie should be discarded.

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If you want a truly fresh one, you can ask how long the current batch has been sitting there.

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McDonald's employees work hard to serve a high volume of people, and being a kind, knowledgeable guest makes the interaction better for everyone.

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Use these tips to get the freshest food and the best value on your next visit. Enjoy your meal with a bit of inside knowledge.