If you’ve ever ordered a cold, creamy beverage at McDonald’s, you may have observed that the staff doesn’t refer to it as a milkshake. Instead, they use terms like “shake” or “McFlurry.” Why is that? The explanation is related to the ingredients and the regulations within the dairy industry.
What Defines a Milkshake?
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a milkshake is “a thoroughly shaken or blended drink made of milk, a flavoring syrup, and often ice cream.” The crucial component here is ice cream, which imparts the milkshake with its rich and smooth texture. Ice cream is subject to regulation by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which establishes standards for its composition and labeling.
Why McDonald’s Shakes Differ from Milkshakes
Conversely, McDonald’s shakes do not include ice cream. Instead, they consist of a liquid mix dispensed from a machine and aerated. This mix comprises milk, sugar, along with various thickeners, stabilizers, and artificial flavors. The outcome is a product resembling a milkshake but falling short of the FDA’s ice cream definition.
According to the FDA’s Code of Federal Regulations, ice cream must have at least 10% milkfat and 20% milk solids by weight, weighing at least 4.5 pounds per gallon. McDonald’s shakes, as per the company’s website, contain only 3.2% milkfat, 11% milk solids, and weigh 3.8 pounds per gallon.
How McDonald’s Avoids Legal Issues
Since McDonald’s shakes don’t meet the criteria for ice cream, the company cannot legally label them as milkshakes. Such labeling would violate the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, prohibiting the misbranding of food products. Misbranding can occur if a product’s name or label is false, misleading, or omits essential facts.
To circumvent legal issues, McDonald’s opts for terms like “shakes” or “McFlurry,” which aren’t regulated. The company also transparently discloses the ingredients and nutrition facts on its website and in its establishments. This allows McDonald’s to sell its products without violating the law or misleading customers.
Conclusion
The next time you crave a cold, creamy drink at McDonald’s, don’t be surprised if the term “milkshake” isn’t used. This is because McDonald’s shakes lack ice cream and therefore don’t qualify as milkshakes. Instead, they consist of a liquid mix aerated and flavored with artificial ingredients. Whether you prefer a genuine milkshake or a McDonald’s shake, the choice is yours. Just be mindful of what you’re consuming and savor the experience!
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