Are you a die-hard traditionalist who sticks firmly to your go-to McDonald’s order? Or perhaps you’re a bit of a wild card, starting with dessert before diving into your burger.
McDonald’s has launched a fun quiz to help diners uncover their unique eating habits. The quiz follows a new survey of 2,254 adults who’d visited the restaurant in the past year — and some of the results settle age-old debates about how we enjoy the golden arches’ offerings.
One of the most divisive issues uncovered was the infamous gherkin divide. Among burger enthusiasts, 61% prefer to keep the pickled cucumber in their sandwich, while 30% would rather leave it out.
But it’s not always destined for the bin — 27% confessed to passing their gherkin to a friend or dining companion, proving that one foodie’s “yuck” is another’s snack of choice.
Another quirky McDonald’s ritual continues to spark heated debate: dipping fries into milkshakes. Younger diners, particularly those aged 18 to 24, are leading the trend, with nearly half (48%) admitting to indulging in this sweet-and-savoury pairing.
In another twist, it seems some McDonald’s fans are flipping the script entirely when it comes to meal order. In London, a surprising 11% of diners admit to diving into dessert items such as a McFlurry before tackling their main meal — more than in any other UK city.
Professor Charles Spence, a renowned gastrophysicist, shared his insights on why we all experience food differently and why these habits are so significant. “The rituals we develop around eating are often a source of comfort,” he explained.
“From loving or hating the sour crunch of a gherkin to finding joy in dipping fries into a milkshake, these habits can make our favourite foods even more enjoyable. Ultimately, our unique rituals and taste preferences bring us comfort and enhance our dining experiences. These quirks should be celebrated.”
A McDonald’s spokesperson echoed Professor Charles Spence: “We know our customers feel passionately about their favourites, and we love celebrating the small, relatable rituals that make dining with us special,” they said.
“Whether it’s turning the box into a makeshift table, dipping fries at a questionable pace, or ‘borrowing’ a friend’s fries, everyone has their own unique McDonald’s habits.
“From traditionalists to trendsetters, as long as you’re having fun and enjoying your meal, we fully support your foodie endeavours!”
Take the “I’m Lovin’ It” quiz today and discover your McDonald’s persona. You may find your quirks are part of a much-loved community of fellow fans.
