Secret to why McDonald’s Coke Tastes Best
Everyone who sells Coca-Cola fountain drinks uses the same syrup and fountain machines but McDonald’s tastes better. Learn McDonald’s impossible innovation.
If you’ve ever bought a Coca-Cola from a gas station soda fountain you’ve probably noticed it doesn’t taste the same as Coca-Cola from McDonald’s. You might have noticed that a Coke from other restaurants also don’t taste the same. If you look at how Coca-Cola controls every aspect from the syrup to the fountain machine you probably wonder why it doesn’t taste exactly the same everywhere.
If you are like most people, you agree Coca-Cola from McDonald’s tastes better than anywhere else. It’s hard to describe the exact way it tastes better but it certainly does. Moreover, it consistently tastes better at every McDonald’s.
What is McDonald’s the secret?
One of steps of Predictive Innovation® is to list the objects for a scenario. In the scenario of making Coca-Cola fountain drinks the objects are:
- water
- syrup
- CO2
- ratio of ingredients
- mix of ingredients
- temperature
Objects
Of all those objects, McDonald’s can only control two of them. The rest of the objects are controlled by Coca-Cola or the customers. The two things McDonald’s can control are their water and the freshness of the syrup. CO2 is a standard gas that makes the drink fizzy. The ratio of ingredients and the mix of ingredients is controlled by the fountain machine and that is set by Coca-Cola. Customers can change the temperature by adding ice. Water and freshness of syrup are the secret of McDonald’s fountain drink innovation.
Water
Water is 85% of a fountain drink. If the water is bad you will taste it. Like everything else McDonald’s does, they meticulously control their water. Each restaurant has a reverse osmosis filter providing the best water available. This not only makes the Coca-Cola taste better it also makes their coffee taste better. The water you get at McDonald’s is the cleanest anywhere and that is the #1 reason their fountain drinks taste the best.
Syrup
Most Coke retailers get their syrup in a bag box. These bag boxes are small and allow a retailer to provide Coke with a minimal investment.
McDonald’s sells a lot of Coke. They sell so much coke that they don’t need to buy the syrup in the small bag box. McDonald’s restaurants can get syrup delivered from a tanker truck and store it in a stainless steel cylinder. Because they sell a lot it doesn’t sit around as long. So the Coke syrup at McDonald’s is fresher than their competitors. Fresher syrup makes better tasting fountain drinks.
McDonald’s also controls freshness by cleaning everything daily. Letting syrup sit in hoses and machines allows it to chemically degrade and for bacteria to grow. Keeping everything clean also keeps it fresh and tasting good.
So even though all their competitors have the same basic ingredients that are required to be put together the exact same way, McDonald’s found a way to innovate and provide a better product.
Action Items
- What are the objects in your product or process?
- How can you change an object to innovate?
Predictive Innovation Training
Predictive Innovation: Core Skills Book
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Secret to why McDonalds Coke Tastes Best | Mark Proffitt…
Here at World Spinner we are debating the same thing……
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I was so glad to have stumbled across this article! I have always felt that Coke from McDonald’s was so good compared to any other fast food outlet. That and the wider straw, I loved it. I always felt like it tasted very good, the flavor was just right and also the carbonation was perfect. Many fast food sodas are flat and there is nothing worse than flat soda. I always thought it was my own personal opinion but to find that many share it is awesome.
I’m glad to have answered this most important of questions. Seriously, I also wondered and was glad the coke guy told me the secret.
Thanks for the article! I always thought Coke tasted better at McDonald’s and it’s interesting to see why.
Also..clean paper cups..soda tastes better..no bull in paper cups then glassware ..the glassware ..when cleaned leaves a coating from the sanitize. elements which flattens the soda..try it out..you will be surprised
It is possible that things are different in Australia. I know that a cheese burger in France was great, in the USA it is OK, in Thailand it was garbage. McDonald’s does have different standards for different regions. Also, Coca-Cola in the USA uses corn syrup instead of sugar. I personally only drink the original sugar recipe so whenever I visit another country it is a treat to have real Coca-Cola.
The information about the Coca-Cola came from a representative of Coca-Cola in the USA. Here, close to McDonald’s global headquarters, only Coca-Cola is allowed to touch their machines.
I went to several local McDonald’s restaurants to check their set up. They all had the same set up and the managers talked to me about their processes.
Except for one person in New Jersey who claims to be an expert yet provided no way to confirm that claim, only people in Canada or Australia say they don’t have the same setup as here in the USA.
I would like to hear from people in large cities in other countries. It might be possible that in small cities they don’t have enough traffic to warrant the setup that is standard in the USA.
In central to south Florida I can tell you most of those locations use the bag I in the box system. Also any coke tech will tell you that the key to the best tasting coke is water freshness and system cleanliness if the system is being cleaned regularly and the water if filterd to the best it can you will have some great tasting coke. The problem is that you will have restaurants who treat the come machine as an afterthought. I worked on a major cruise line for some time, and that was some of the best tasting coke I had ever had. I know for a fact that all of the companies ships used the bag in a box system. Bag in a box is the new and cleanest system out there because the bag is one use. The steal tanks have too many points that can become breeding grounds for bacteria and they get reused. The steal tanks are an older system that coke has completely fasted out in most markets. The tanks are also filled at coke and brought to the restaurant. The tank you have pictured is a co2 that is installed In a location, these tanks are often filled at the restaurant.
Thank you for the feedback. Also thanks for pointing out the photo of the tank was incorrect. I’ve updated the graphic.
The Coke repairman emphasized the importance of cleanliness and freshness. He said he always recommends a water filtration system but a lot of places just don’t bother and the taste of the product suffers.
What you said about bag-in-the-box system being newer and single makes sense; but, it seems to conflict with the information from the McDonald’s certified supplier, Chart Beverage http://www.chart-ind.com/main/app_fb_mve_beverage_system.aspx, who’s brochure was printed in 2011 and says, “Each
tank holds 80 gallons of Coca-Cola® syrup and replaces
bag-in-a-box and other syrup packages.”
So there still seems to be a lot of differing information.
There was a time when McDonald’s could also control the ratio of syrup / water / C02. That was 20 years ago. Not sure if this is still the case. Water filtering is new. As are the steel tanks. Uncle Ron used to get coke from bag in a box like everyone else.
Soft drinks at chinese restaurants taste really good because of the msg in the food. I assume you have drank coke from mcdonalds without eating the food first.
In 1966 I was living on West End Avenue and 96th St (Manhattan’s Upper West Side — very decent but still inexpensive rents in those days). On Broadway and 95th was Sal’s pizza, one of the all-time best slice joints. The men there (don’t know name, maybe was Sal himself) would sell me a gallon plastic/hard paper container of Coke syrup for maybe $5, forget (don’t forget inflation). I had one of those syphons that makes about a liter of seltzer from those “torpedo” CO2 cartridges — ok for two glasses, but I think would start to loss carbonation power for the last glass or so. Anyway, I didn’t follow a recipe, that’s not what life is about. I would put in extra syrup (by industry standards) and make dark brown-black Cokes. Extra syrup didn’t just intensify flavor — it modified the flavor, these elixir was a new, wonderful creation of yours truly. Those were the days. Now I’m just happy to get a fountain coke no matter where: bar, McD’s, BK, pizza joints, all decent. As we know, next best is those little glass bottles, then comes (ugh) plastic, then cans, which I simply will not drink out unless a medical thirst emergency.
Good info. My family used to own and run a small restaurant and I agree that the water quality was a key with our fountain. McDonalds is always solid with their Coke. But, I question the statement that Coca-Cola controls the ratio. I am absolutely convinced that Burger King messes with the ratio as it always seems watered down right out of the fountain. I cannot recall one of their restaurants that I have visited (at least in the past 3 or so years) that has had a proper tasting ratio. I’ve brought it to the manager’s attention at several locations and each looked at me like I was crazy and didn’t understand me when I asked if the machine had been calibrated lately. My guess has been that BK has control of the ratio and has cut back on the syrup in an effort to save money. AM I crazy?
Were I am, 3 hour drive from McDonald’s headquarters the Coke machines are serviced by Coca-Cola. Since Nearly all of the difference fast food restaurants are franchises the store owner might bend the rules. Regarding Burger King I don’t know what they do. My experience is the Coke there does taste different from McDonald’s. I know someone who maintains the refrigeration systems for a large group of Burger Kings, so I can ask what their set up is.
That’s weird, all the McDonald’s in my town have horrible tasting coke.
Personally, I do not like soda and so this doesnt have much affect on me but I would agree that the water would make a lot of difference in the taste. As far as cleanliness, that also varies according to each individual store manager as the one my son worked at was not as health conscious as they should be. Things were wiped down but not cleaned out. Gloves were available but employees were not encouraged to change them periodically. When he went to work at Arby’s every hour the shift manager would announce “change gloves” and they all did even those who hadnt been there an hour. My son also didnot see any steel storage tanks. He said they used the bag box and that sometimes the mgr messed with the proportion because the carbonation would end up too strong.
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I NEVER GO EVER AND EAT IN MCDONALD BECAUSE ITS A SICK FOOD YOU PUT ON WEIGHT. ITS THE SICKEST CHEAP FAST FOOD IN U.S.A. WITH NO COMMON GROUNDS AT ANY LEVEL. WE NEED TO KNOW WHAT WE EAT WITH SOME COMMON SENSE VALUE AND NOT A VALUE MEAL AND GET SICK LAND UP TO LIVE WITH MEDICNE . WE NEED TO REMEMBER TWO THIRD OF AMERICIAN POPULATION LIVE IN HOSPTIAL AND MEDICINE. THE NUMBER OF AMERICAN GOING TO MCDONALD THE SAME AMOUNT GO TO HOSPITALS AND LIVE WITH MEDICINE.
I dont think the Above knows what they are talking about lol… Ignore that considering I doubt they even live in America.
I find glass bottle cokes (cane sugar version) to be the best. Also, I find cans superior to plastic bottles. Plastic seems to inhibit that classic coke fizz.
Ok, not to freak everybody out, but I have spent 7 years as a waitress and never had a restaurant that properly cleaned its soda machine to eliminate black mold. Disgusting and dangerous, so if McD’s really cleans like that, it will be the only place I buy fountain drinks from now on.
Me too. When ever I am out of the US I enjoy getting real Coke made with real cane sugar in a real glass bottle. I find the The high fructose corn syrup version in plastic bottles in the USA disgusting.
So you’re saying the Coca-Cola sold at Costco stores where I live in, the ones in glass bottles, imported from Mexico tastes better? Currently a case of 24 12oz bottles is more than twice the cost of a case of 32 cans. Or does it just taste different because different ingredients are used to produce the product?
I personally prefer the flavor of the Coca-Cola made with sugar to the high-fructose-corn syrup version made in the USA. The Coke imported from Mexico in glass bottles is not the same product as Coke Classic made in the USA.
Interesting. I don’t remember noticing the difference between Coke at McDonald’s and that from other places but that’s probably because I don’t drink fountain Coke that often and didn’t think to notice. I have noticed, however, how good their coffee is. So it’s the water, huh?
the mexican coke from costco is bottled in monterrey and uses cane sugar and is a superior product. i love it. however, it is no less unhealthy than the HFCS formulation. Fructose is fructose. and yes the coke at McDonalds is better and my guess is that its the water and the removal of anything in the system that could throw off the taste like mold or residual cleaning products.
Coke cleans and maintains the soda fountains at all McDonald’s locations, worldwide. I’m sure about this because I helped develop the software that the Coca-Cola technicians use to clean and maintain each fountain in each store. The calibration of the mix is a big part of the “secret formula” for why their drinks taste consistent from one store to the next and from one day to the next. The filtered water, fresh syrup and regular cleaning of the lines and dispenser also help a lot. Most of the fountains at other restaurants/stores are rarely cleaned/maintained.
The soda tastes different at international McDonald’s locations because the syrup is not the same. If you visit The World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta you can taste the different flavors of Coke that are served around the world.
I bet McDonald’s mixes it thicker, with a higher syrup to water ratio.
@KatieMcClearn http://t.co/tX2y7K4G
I too love Mcdonald’s Coke the best. I’ve noticed the Coke from the new multiple dispensing fountains have a horrible taste. Have you seen those? They have several choices of Coke brands and added flavors all dispensed from the same spicket. We have them here in our AMC theaters, Goodscents deli’s and Burger King drive thru. They always have a hint of artificial lime flavor. Disgusting. I can’t believe the Coke company would make such machines available.
I agree about the new coke machines that have 1001 flavours. Five Guys has them and even if I let the machine pump out 2-3 seconds of coke before I fill my cup it still has some other fake flavour. I now just get water at the places that have the styles of machine.
I also agree about Mexican coke being the best.
The water in soda fountains is chilled. The syrup, however, is almost always kept at room temperature. This raises the temperature of the final mix, and can lead to a “watered down” tasting soda. If I remember correctly from a “behind the scenes” tour of a McDonald’s, they also chill their Coca-Cola syrup, which results in a colder product, which melts the ice at a slower rate and the Coke tastes sweeter for a longer period of time.
I just did a google search today for coke mcdonalds because I notice I always get real bad gas after drinking a large soda but can drink 2-3 cans without the bloated feeling. After reading this page, I am wondering if it is just the mcdonalds in my area…
Sad, that Coke only cares about McDonald’s not enough about any of their other customer to provide good filtration. They buy the cheapest possible filters. The problem with the McDonalds filter is it wastes a lot of water. As a scientist there are many better alternatives but Coke no longer looks at supplying the best. Maybe it is time for other Coke accounts to look at Pepsi who has a platform that anywhere they pour a beverage they will only do it if it is filtered…
@mike I think you might find that its the fact there’s more water in the McDonald cokes, drinking water bloats you. not sure which end you refer to when you say gas. ahaha. but i agree with either.. It is odd.
Coca-Cola recommends to all of its customers to get the same water filters that McDonalds uses. Its Coke’s customers that are being cheap, not Coke.
huh?? And your advise is??????????
Whoever wrote this article is a complete moron. The “secret” to McDonald’s drinks is very simple. A standard glass of Coca-Cola contains a ratio of water-to-syrup of 5:1. McDonald’s uses a slightly lower ratio of 4.75:1, meaning that there’s more sugar and less water per volume. Since there’s a little more syrup and hence a little more sugar, it tastes sweeter. That’s all there is to it.
Everret, that is a great observation. The Coca-Cola representative did not mention that but it might have been an overlooked detail. Since most of the dispensers in the big large chain stores are authorized by Coca-Cola I would be a little surprised if they all didn’t chill the product before dispensing.
Chilling the syrup or water or the mixed drink before being mixed with ice in the cup could have a noticeable affect on flavor for a significant time after the drink is served. That might add to the better taste of McDonald’s fountain Coco-Cola but I suspect it is not as significant as water purity and freshness of the syrup. If I remade the video I would mention the melting ice effect.
Hello Mr. Brian Mestro of Park Ridge, IL,
I’m delighted to receive your kind & well researched comment to the article I wrote on my blog explaining why syrup ratios aren’t the important factor to McDonald’s fountain Coca-Cola tasting better than other restaurants.
The standard test for calibrating a fountain drink machine is using a Brix Cup; which are available to everyone. Such as here:
http://www.chicompany.net/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1977
And here: http://www.manitowocbeverage.com/us/products/ice-beverage/parts-accessories/beverage-accessories/brix-and-ratio-cups
There are a variety of ratios available for different types of drinks. A few of the common ratios are:
4.75:1 water to syrup used for regular Coca-Cola
5:1 water to syrup used for other sodas
5.5:1 water to syrup used for Diet Coke
The 4.75:1 ratio for regular Coca-Cola is recommended by the Coca-Cola company, and that is the reason McDonald’s uses that ratio. Since all McDonald’s franchises are required to follow the correct ratio many Brix test equipment providers label their products as “McDonald’s” so it is easier for franchisees to purchase the correct items.
Many other drinks use a 5:1 ratio. Perhaps out of laziness or cost cutting many restaurants use a 5:1 ratio for everything. Even worse they don’t adjust their ratios at all and get a random result. There is nothing stopping them from using the correct ratio to get the flavor recommended by the Coca-Cola company.
However, the difference between 4.75 and 5 is only 5%. Most people never notice such a small difference, that is why many restaurants don’t bother setting it correctly. What people do notice is mold & bacteria from spoiled syrup and impurities in the water. Microscopic amounts can drastically affect the taste of the drink.
All elements can potentially be used for innovation. The trick is to find one that you can profitably control that your competitors can’t easily copy. McDonald’s has done this with cleanliness, freshness & water purity to turn a commodity product into a best in class innovation.
Double Cola made with real sugar (found in bottles at Cracker Barrel) is soooo much better tasting than any other cola
Randy, thanks for the tip about Double Cola. I’ll try it sometime. Inca Cola (the real real thing) before it changed to high fructose corn syrup was the best cola I’ve every tasted.
@mark I’m obviously very late to this article. In fact I found it by accident while looking for coke syrup. While I enjoyed reading the article, my main reason for this reply was the fantastic way that you dismissed the gentleman that called you a moron. I have a team that works for me and they are constantly insulted by upset members. The vast majority of the time it is actually the customer’s fault. However, we don’t always get to say exactly what comes to mind. Your sarcastic remark made my morning. I’ll be a regular to your blog from now on.
[…] 8. Special Coca-Cola For years there has been the swelling rumor that McDonald’s has a special kind of Coca-cola that they use in their fountains. That myth is still under debate. However, i think most of us can agree with our taste buds that there is something unique behind the carbonated burn that comes from a MickieD’s coke. Here are a few theories. […]
Mystery solved! http://t.co/4hovyAPxhK @Todd_Ruffner @ColeBockenfeld @ErikSpock @McDonalds
@aaren_wright http://t.co/ZPuusMIJnQ
No kidding – they have the most delicious coke!
This isn’t true. The multiplex system is why it tastes different.
What does the multiplex system do different from other cola dispensers that changes the flavor of Coca-Cola at McDonalds and only McDonalds? For instance how is the S-250M dispenser different at McDonalds than all the other places using the same model?
https://www.multiplexbeverage.com/Product/fam_nmowek/Multiplex-S-250M-Series