The truth about McDonald's fries: These ingredients are really in them and the controversial secret behind making them

The truth about McDonald's fries: These ingredients are really in them and the controversial secret behind making them

What are the ingredients in McDonald’s fries?

The ingredients used in McDonald's fries go beyond the simple combination of oil, potatoes and salt. While most people are aware of these three basic ingredients, there's actually a lot more that goes into making these fries.

In different regions of the world the list of ingredients may differ. However, the essential ingredients are usually potatoes, rapeseed oil or soybean oil, “natural beef flavor,” citric acid as a preservative, dextrose, sodium acid pyrophosphate to preserve color, and salt. It's important to note that the specific ingredients may vary depending on your location.

Ingredients in McDonald's French fries in the United States

In the United States, McDonald's french fries are prepared in a vegetable oil blend consisting of canola oil, soybean oil, corn oil, and hydrogenated soybean oil. This mixture helps maintain the freshness and stability of the oil during the frying process. Additionally, TBHQ (tertiary butylhydroquinone) and citric acid are added to preserve the freshness of the oil, while dimethylpolysiloxane is included to reduce oil splashes when frying.

The “natural beef flavor” used in McDonald’s fries contains hydrolyzed wheat and hydrolyzed milk as its first ingredients. Hydrolyzed wheat and hydrolyzed milk undergo a chemical process known as hydrolysis, in which water is added to break the bonds. This process leads to a reaction of amino acids that creates the savory and “meaty” taste.

The scary process behind making McDonald's fries

McDonald’s French fries are prepared using a specific process to achieve their characteristic taste and texture.

First, the potatoes are coated with a combination of oils, including hydrogenated soybean oil, to ensure their shelf life. The mixture also contains the “natural beef flavor” and citric acid.

To enhance the taste, salt, sodium acid pyrophosphate and sugar are sprinkled on the potatoes.

Sodium acid pyrophosphate helps prevent potatoes from browning.

Additionally, TBHQ is used as a frying agent to ensure optimal cooking results, while dimethylpolysiloxane acts as an anti-foaming agent and reduces oil splashes during the frying process.

The controversy surrounding McDonald's french fries

Over the years, McDonald's french fries have been controversial due to the use of certain chemicals and additives. Critics argue that the extensive list of ingredients raises concerns about the nutritional value and potential health risks of regularly consuming these fries.

Here are some ingredients that have sparked debate:

1. Rindfleischaroma:
   McDonald’s Pommes Frites waren wegen der Verwendung von „natürlichem Rindfleischaroma“ umstritten, was bei Vegetariern und Veganern zu Problemen führte, die glaubten, dass die Pommes frei von tierischen Produkten seien. McDonald’s hat 2002 eine Klage in Bezug darauf gütlich beigelegt und gibt seitdem in ihrer Zutatenliste deutlich an, dass die natürlichen Aromen aus Rindfleisch stammen.

2. Trans fats:
   For some time, McDonald's has been criticized for using partially hydrogenated oils that contain trans fats, which can be detrimental to heart health. However, McDonald's, like many other restaurant chains, has changed its frying oils to reduce or eliminate trans fats due to health concerns and changes in food labeling regulations.

Trans fats, especially artificial trans fats, are considered harmful because they can increase levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and lower levels of good cholesterol (HDL), increasing the risk of heart disease.

1. Konservierungsstoffe:
   Die Pommes enthalten verschiedene Konservierungsstoffe, was bei einigen Verbrauchern umstritten sein kann. Einer davon ist tert-Butylhydrochinon (TBHQ), ein synthetisches Antioxidationsmittel, das verhindert, dass Öle ranzig werden. In geringen Mengen gilt es als sicher, hat aber aufgrund möglicher Gesundheitsbedenken bei höheren Dosen Kontroversen ausgelöst. Die Einnahme hoher Dosen von TBHQ kann Übelkeit, Delirium, Kollaps, Tinnitus (Ohrenklingeln) und Erbrechen verursachen. Studien haben auch gezeigt, dass TBHQ in hohen Dosen krebserregend sein könnte.

2. Dimethylpolysiloxane:
   Dimethylpolysiloxane is used primarily as an antifoam agent in foods, but is also found in cosmetic and industrial applications. Although considered generally safe for consumption in small quantities, there are concerns about the possibility that this substance may contain or degrade into other compounds that could be harmful, such as formaldehyde.

3. Palm oil:
   In some regions, McDonald's uses palm oil or has used palm oil as an ingredient in its frying oil. Palm oil production is linked to deforestation, habitat destruction and other environmental problems.

4. High salt content:
   The high sodium content in McDonald's french fries is also a point of controversy due to the associated health risks such as high blood pressure and heart disease when consumed in excess.

5. Acrylamide:
   Frying potatoes at high temperatures can lead to the formation of acrylamide, a chemical that has been linked to cancer in animal studies. The presence of acrylamide in fried and baked foods is a broader problem in the food industry and is not exclusive to McDonald's.

6. Sugar:
   The use of dextrose, a form of sugar, is also controversial as it is used to achieve an even golden color. Added sugar, even in small amounts, can be a concern for consumers monitoring their sugar consumption.

7. Pesticide residues:
   Some consumers have raised concerns about pesticide residues on conventionally grown potatoes used to make French fries, although such residues are typically within legal limits.

Note that these ingredients and controversies are subject to change and may not apply in every country. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is always best to refer to McDonald's official nutritional information and ingredient lists or contact McDonald's directly.

Healthy french fries recipe

Do you love French fries but don't trust the "natural" ingredients in restaurants and fast food chains? Here's a healthy and delicious alternative: Homemade Healthy Baked French Fries! This recipe foregoes the unhealthy aspects of traditional fries, avoiding oils like vegetable, soy and canola oil and instead opting for a more heart-friendly option - avocado oil.

Become wonderfully crispy and golden