Kamil Perry
McDonald's cheese is not dairy-free. The fast-food chain started using real butter on their grills a few years ago, mainly for preparing breakfast items and grilled chicken. This poses a risk of cross-contamination for other items on the menu. In addition, McDonald's French fries in the US contain milk, while in Canada, the UK, and some other countries, the fries are dairy-free. The Filet-O-Fish sandwich patty also contains milk in the US, but not in Canada and the UK. McDonald's sauces such as Spicy Buffalo Sauce and Creamy Ranch Sauce also contain milk. However, there are still several dairy-free options available at McDonald's, including the McRib sandwich, Baked Apple Pie, and the McChicken Sandwich.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| McDonald's cheese dairy-free in the US | No |
| McDonald's cheese dairy-free in Canada and the UK | Yes |
| McDonald's French fries dairy-free in the US | No |
| McDonald's French fries dairy-free in Canada, the UK, and some other countries | Yes |
| McDonald's salads dairy-free | No, McDonald's discontinued making salads in North America in 2023 |
| McDonald's sauces dairy-free | Spicy Buffalo Sauce and Creamy Ranch Sauce contain milk |
| McDonald's dairy-free milk options for coffee in the US | No |
| McDonald's dairy-free milk options for coffee in Canada | Yes, oat milk |
| McDonald's dairy-free milk options for coffee in other countries | Yes, some countries have begun adding vegan milk to their McCafe menus, e.g., Austria serves oat milk |
| McDonald's smoothies dairy-free | No, made with dairy yogurt |
| McDonald's Egg McMuffins dairy-free | No, normally served with cheese and butter, but can be ordered without |
| McDonald's Sausage McMuffins dairy-free | Yes, if ordered without cheese, egg, or butter |
| McDonald's burgers dairy-free | May be cross-contaminated with butter on the grill or cheese from the assembler's gloves |
| McDonald's fries dairy-free | May be cross-contaminated with dairy from shared frying oil |
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What You'll Learn
McDonald's fries are not dairy-free
McDonald's offers a variety of dairy-free options, including some of their most popular items. However, it is important to note that their French fries are not dairy-free in the United States. While the ingredients in the fries themselves do not contain milk, McDonald's cooks their fries in the same oil as other dairy-containing menu items, leading to potential cross-contamination.
In the United States, McDonald's uses a blend of canola, corn, and soy oil for deep frying. While this oil blend is free of dairy products, the potential for cross-contamination with dairy makes the fries unsuitable for those with dairy allergies or strict dietary restrictions.
Outside of the United States, the situation is different. In Canada, the United Kingdom, and some other countries, McDonald's fries are dairy-free. This is because these locations use separate fryers for their fries and other menu items, eliminating the risk of dairy contamination.
It is worth noting that McDonald's does offer other dairy-free options besides their fries. For example, the McRib sandwich, the Baked Apple Pie, and the McChicken Sandwich are all dairy-free choices. Additionally, several of McDonald's sauces, such as the Big Mac Sauce, Tangy BBQ Sauce, and Sweet and Sour Sauce, are also dairy-free.
While McDonald's fries in the United States are not dairy-free due to potential cross-contamination, the company does offer a range of dairy-free options for customers with dietary restrictions or allergies. It is always important to check the ingredients and allergen information before consuming any food item, especially when dairy allergies are a concern.
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The Filet-O-Fish contains milk
The Filet-O-Fish is a fish sandwich sold by McDonald's, an international fast-food chain. It was created in 1962 by Lou Groen, a McDonald's franchise owner in a predominantly Catholic neighbourhood in Cincinnati, Ohio. The sandwich was designed to address declining hamburger sales on Fridays due to the practice of abstaining from meat on that day. While the fish composition has changed over the years, the core ingredients have remained constant: a fried breaded fish fillet, a steamed bun, tartar sauce, and pasteurized American cheese.
The Filet-O-Fish has a unique history and has gone through several changes since its creation. In 1961, Ray Kroc, who had recently purchased McDonald's, made a deal with Groen to sell two non-meat sandwiches on Fridays: Kroc's Hula Burger (grilled pineapple with cheese on a cold bun) and the Filet-O-Fish. The Filet-O-Fish was the clear winner and was added to menus across the country by 1965. However, in 1996, McDonald's removed the sandwich from its menus in the United States, replacing it with the Fish Filet Deluxe. Due to overwhelming petitions, the Filet-O-Fish was brought back by 1997, and the Fish Filet Deluxe was eventually discontinued.
The Filet-O-Fish has also undergone changes in the type of fish used. Initially, it used pollock, but in 2007, McDonald's started using more Alaska pollock due to declining sustainability of the New Zealand hoki fishery. The sandwich has also been modified in certain locations, such as in New Zealand, where a fisheries company owner substituted the pollock with red cod to improve the taste.
In terms of nutrition, the Filet-O-Fish has higher amounts of thiamin, niacin, folate, and Vitamin B12 compared to milk. However, milk contains more pantothenic acid and Vitamin B6. The sandwich also has significantly more iron, dietary fibre, and protein than milk. It is worth noting that the nutritional information for the Filet-O-Fish may vary due to factors such as serving sizes, preparation techniques, and regional differences.
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Cross-contamination is likely
McDonald's uses real butter on their grills for prepping breakfast items and grilled chicken. If a burger patty is placed on the grill after or next to these items, cross-contamination is likely. Similarly, when burgers are ordered without cheese, the person assembling them has often touched cheese with their gloves. Therefore, if cross-contact is a concern, inform them of your allergy and ask them to change their gloves.
McDonald's fries contain dairy in some countries like the United States. However, in Canada, the UK, and some other countries, the fries are dairy-free. This inconsistency in ingredients across different countries can lead to cross-contamination if the wrong ingredients are used or if fries are cooked in shared frying oil with dairy-containing products.
The Filet-O-Fish sandwich is another item that usually contains milk in the fish batter. In Canada and the UK, the patty does not contain milk and can be custom-ordered without cheese to make it dairy-free. However, even without cheese, there is still a risk of cross-contamination from fried foods or other dairy-containing ingredients.
The McChicken Sandwich and nuggets are dairy-free but are fried in the same fryer as Buttermilk Crispy Chicken, which means there is a chance of cross-contamination. If you are lactose intolerant, you may still be able to consume these items without issues. However, for those with severe milk allergies or sensitivities, even trace amounts of dairy can cause serious reactions. Therefore, it is essential to be cautious and informed about the potential risks of cross-contamination when ordering at McDonald's.
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Sauces like Spicy Buffalo contain milk
McDonald's offers a variety of dairy-free options, including some of their most popular items. However, some of their sauces, such as the Spicy Buffalo Sauce, do contain dairy. This sauce is a popular condiment that is often used for chicken wings or as a dipping sauce for nuggets. While spice tolerance varies from person to person, Spicy Buffalo Sauce is generally considered to have a moderate level of spiciness.
The iconic sauce gets its characteristic creamy texture and spicy kick from a combination of ingredients, including butter or other dairy ingredients or fats. These dairy components are what set Buffalo sauce apart from simple hot sauces, giving it a smoother, richer, and less punchy flavor. The addition of butter or dairy also provides a silkier texture and a more intense taste.
The inclusion of butter or dairy in Buffalo sauce is a traditional aspect of the sauce's preparation. It is said that the original Buffalo sauce was created in 1964 at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo, New York, by co-owner Teressa Bellissimo. She deep-fried chicken wings and coated them in a secret sauce, which ultimately became the beloved Buffalo sauce we know today.
While some people may opt for butter alternatives like margarine or oil when making Buffalo sauce, McDonald's Spicy Buffalo Sauce does contain butter or dairy. This information is provided by McDonald's on their website, where they disclose the most current ingredient details for common allergens. This transparency helps customers with food allergies or dietary restrictions make informed choices.
It's important to note that cross-contamination can occur during cooking and preparation, as McDonald's also mentions on their website. Therefore, it's always advisable for customers with specific dietary needs or allergies to consult the McDonald's website or their doctor for detailed ingredient information and guidance.
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Dairy-free options include the McRib and Baked Apple Pie
McDonald's offers a variety of dairy-free options, including some of their most popular items. The McRib sandwich, for example, is a dairy-free option. However, it is only sold periodically, so you may need to use a locator to find a restaurant offering it. The McRib is joined by the Baked Apple Pie, which, surprisingly, does not contain butter or milk. This makes it a suitable option for both dairy-free and vegan diets.
According to McDonald's, they take great care to serve quality, tasty menu items that meet the needs and considerations of their customers, including those with food allergies. They provide current ingredient information for the nine most common allergens, as identified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, enabling guests with food allergies to make informed food selections.
However, it is important to note that normal kitchen operations may involve shared cooking areas, equipment, and utensils, which can lead to potential cross-contact with allergens. For individuals with dairy sensitivities or allergies, even the presence of dairy on equipment can cause serious issues.
In addition to the McRib and Baked Apple Pie, there are other dairy-free options at McDonald's. The bun, beef patty, pickle, and onion of the classic Mickey D's burger are all dairy-free, as long as you skip the cheese. You can also enjoy a range of sauces, including Big Mac Sauce, Tangy BBQ Sauce, Sriracha Special Sauce, Ketchup, Sweet and Sour Sauce, and Mayo.
While McDonald's offers dairy-free options, it is always advisable to double-check the most up-to-date allergen information and ask at the restaurant to ensure a safe dining experience.
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Frequently asked questions
No, McDonald's cheese is not dairy-free.
Yes, McDonald's offers several dairy-free options, although the availability may vary by region. Some dairy-free options include:
- Fish Finger Happy Meal® with Fish Fingers and Fries (in the UK)
- Grilled Chicken Salad with specific dressings (no longer available in North America as of 2023)
- Fruit Bag
- Hash Browns
- Sausage McMuffin without cheese, egg, or butter
It depends on the region. In the United States, McDonald's French Fries contain milk. However, in Canada, the UK, and some other countries, the French Fries are dairy-free.
