The truth about McDonald's fries: These ingredients are really in there and the controversial secret behind their production

The truth about McDonald's fries: These ingredients are really in there and the controversial secret behind their production

What are the ingredients in McDonald’s French fries?

The ingredients used for McDonald’s fries fries go beyond the simple combination of oil, potatoes and salt. While most people are aware of these three basic ingredients, there is actually much more that incorporate into the production of these fries fries.

In different regions in the world, the list of ingredients can differ. However, the essential components are usually potatoes, rapeseed oil or soybean oil, "natural beef aroma", citric acid as preservatives, dextrose, sodium acid pyrophosphate for color storage and salt. It is important to note that the specific ingredients can vary depending on the location.

ingredients in McDonald’s French fries in the United States

In the United States, McDonald’s French fries are prepared in a mixture of vegetable oil that consists of rapeseed oil, soybean oil, corn oil and hydrated soybean oil. This mixture helps to maintain the freshness and stability of the oil during the frying process. In addition, TBHQ (tertiary butylhydrochinone) and citric acid are added to preserve the freshness of the oil, while dimethyl polysiloxan is contained to reduce dashes of oil when frying.

The "natural beef aroma" used for McDonald’s French fries contains hydrolyzed wheat and hydrolyzed milk. Hydrolyzed wheat and hydrolyzed milk are subject to a chemical process that is known as hydrolysis and is added in the water to dissolve the bonds. This process leads to a reaction of the amino acids that creates the hearty and "fleshy" taste.

The frightening process behind the production of McDonald’s French fries

The preparation of McDonald’s French fries is based on a specific process to achieve its characteristic taste and consistency.

First, the potatoes are coated with a combination of oils, including hydrated soybean oil, to ensure their durability. The mixture also contains the "natural beef aroma" and citric acid.

For taste reinforcement, salt, sodium acid pyrophosphate and sugar are spread on the potatoes.

sodium acid pyrophosphate helps to prevent the potatoes from browning.

In addition, TBHQ is used as a frying agent to ensure optimal cooking results, while dimethylpolysiloxan serves as an anti -hole and splashes of oil during the frying process.

The controversy around McDonald’s French fries

Over the years, McDonald’s French fries were 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 with regular consumption of these fries fries.

Here are some ingredients that triggered discussions:

1. beef aroma:
   McDonald’s French fries were controversial because of the use of "natural beef aroma", which led to problems with vegetarians and vegans who believed that the fries were free of animal products. McDonald’s enclosed a complaint with regard to this in 2002 and has clearly stated in their list of ingredients that the natural aromas come from beef.

2. trans fat:
   For some time, McDonald’s was criticized to use some hydrated oils that contain trans fats, which can have a disadvantage on heart health. However, like many other restaurant chains, McDonald’s has changed their frying oils due to health concerns and changes to the labeling regulations for food to reduce or eliminate trans fats.

Trans fat, especially artificial trans fats, are considered to be harmful because they increase the content of poor cholesterol (LDL) and reduce the content of good cholesterol (HDL), which increases the risk of heart disease.

1. preservatives:
   The fries contain various preservatives, which can be controversial in some consumers. One of them is Tert butylhydrochinone (TBHQ), a synthetic antioxidant that prevents oils from becoming rancid. It is considered safe in small quantities, but has triggered controversy due to possible health concerns at higher doses. Insert high doses from TBHQ can cause nausea, delirium, collapse, tinnitus (ears) and vomiting. Studies have also shown that TBHQ could be carcinogenic in high doses.

2. Dimethylpolysiloxan:
   Dimethylpolysiloxan is mainly used as anti -hole in food, but also occurs in cosmetic and industrial applications. Although in small quantities it is generally considered safe for consumption, there are concerns about the possibility that this substance contain other connections or could be reduced into those that could be harmful, such as formaldehyde.

3. palm oil:
   In some regions, McDonald’s uses palm oil or used palm oil as part of the frying oil. The production of palm oil is associated with deforestation, habitat destruction and other environmental problems.

4. high salt content:
   The high sodium content in McDonald’s French fries is also a controversial point due to the associated health risks such as high blood pressure and heart diseases when consumed.

5. acrylamide:
   Frying potatoes at high temperatures can lead to the formation of acrylamide, a chemical that was associated with cancer in animal studies. The presence of acrylamide in fried and baked foods is a wider problem in the food industry and not exclusively for McDonald’s.

6. sugar:
   The use of dextrose, a form of sugar, is also controversial because it is used to achieve an even golden color. Added sugar, even in small quantities, can be concerned for consumers who monitor their sugar consumption.

7. pesticide residues:
   Some consumers have expressed concerns about pesticides on conventionally grown potatoes that are used to produce french fries, although such residues are usually within the legal limit values.

Note that these ingredients and controversy can change and do not have to apply in every country. For the most accurate and latest information, it is always best to stick to the official nutritional information and ingredients of McDonald’s or to contact McDonald’s directly.

Healthy recipe for French fries

do you love french fries, but don't trust the "natural" ingredients in restaurants and fast food chains? Here is a healthy and delicious alternative: homemade healthy baked french fries! This recipe dispenses with the unhealthy aspects of conventional fries, avoids oils such as plant, soy and rapeseed oil and instead relies on a more heart-friendly option- avocado oil.

wonderfully crispy and golden yellow