By ChinRes 
Throughout the year, McDonald’s has been working around the clock to ensure that its food remains top-of-mind for people.
In 2023, the business tested new, improved burgers in select regions before rolling them out nationwide. This was the first step in improving the food’s overall quality. Afterwards, the focus shifted to size, with the goal of bringing the Big Arch burger to American markets once it had been tested in other countries.
To appeal to customers who are put off by the exorbitant costs of fast food, the company introduced a $5 meal offer. A limited-time Collector’s Meal with collectible mugs is another selling point.
So, the latest strategy at McDonald’s is to… shrink?
A Mini McFlurry will be available for order at some McDonald’s locations starting on September 10. A standard McFlurry is around two thirds of this size, according to the chain. The news release from McDonald’s says that the new item is meant to appeal to people who just want a small treat in the middle of the day.
Is there a friend of yours who is continually asking for “just a bite”? As stated in the press release, “Instead of getting them an extra spoon, you can get them their own Mini McFlurry.” Or perhaps you’re looking for something to perk you up in the afternoon. Additionally, the Mini McFlurry would be ideal for that.
In an effort to be more eco-conscious, McDonald’s is doing more than simply offering a new, adorable alternative.
The press statement glosses over some of the additional advantages of a Mini McFlurry. By allowing customers to customize their ice cream orders, we can reduce food waste. Additionally, it provides an affordable option for those who are put off by the ever-increasing prices of fast food.
Thirdly, a standard McFlurry could seem excessive to some consumers, so they are more inclined to increase their ticket size by adding a small-format dessert to their order. A Mini version of any limited-edition flavor will also be available.
Not only that, but there will be other McFlurry variations outside the Mini. Additionally, the frozen treat will be more environmentally friendly across the board.
In 2018, McDonald’s pledged to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, incorporate regenerative farming practices into its supply chain, and power its operations with renewable energy by 2030, demonstrating its seriousness about climate change.
Cutting back on plastic, an ingredient in many McDonald’s menu items and cutlery, is a major component of this. Especially so with the McFlurry, which has traditionally been sold with a plastic lid with a dome on top and a thick, stiff spoon that doubles as a machine turner.
To mitigate plastic usage, a smaller, more ubiquitous plastic spoon was launched in 2023. There will no longer be a plastic dome lid to go along with McFlurry. A cup lacking a removable cover will accommodate both the standard McFlurry and the new Mini McFlurry.
At the top of the cardboard cup, there are four interlocking sides. McDonald’s states, “This modification will help reduce waste and progress us towards our goal of sourcing all primary guest packaging from renewable, recycled, or certified materials by the end of 2025.”
One crucial and practical concern remains, nevertheless.
Given that the four-flap cup is presently available for purchase in other countries, including Indonesia and Canada, it is safe to presume that any design issues have been permanently resolved. But the Mini McFlurry raises the question of whether or not the mix-ins can genuinely be mixed with such a tiny amount of ice cream.
Mike Haracz, a former corporate cook at McDonald’s, expressed his doubts about the small McFlurry’s ability to combine ingredients in a TikTok video regarding the new menu item. “It has been mentioned by some that the staff at your neighborhood McDonald’s only sprinkles the ingredients rather than mixing them.”