McDonald’s Australia reveals a major menu shake-up

McDonald’s has revealed a new menu shake-up as it brings back a series of popular menu items.

Available from today for a limited time only, the extended McSpicy range includes: Spicy Chicken McNuggets, the Double McSpicy and the Cheese and Bacon McSpicy, alongside the McSpicy which is a permanent fixture on the Macca’s menu. 

Spicy Chicken McNuggets feature tender, all-white meat breaded with a sizzling tempura coating made of cayenne and chili peppers. 

Lancy Huynh, Group Brand Manager for McDonald’s Australia, said: ‘Made with 100% Aussie RSPCA Approved chicken in a crispy, mouth-wateringly spicy coating, the McSpicy range features bold, unique flavour experiences with a delicious kick that will be sure to spice up your life.

‘Perfect for lunch or dinner, these bold, unique flavours will no doubt get customers’ tastebuds tingling.’ 

The secrets McDonald’s doesn’t want you to know: Ex-crew trainer reveals how to get hot fries, half-price burgers, free soft drink – and the meal you should NEVER order late at night 

A former McDonald’s crew trainer has lifted the lid on some of the fast food giant’s best-kept secrets.

The Sydney man, who asked to remain anonymous, worked at McDonald’s for close to a decade while at school and university.

Six years later, the 26-year-old has shared the ordering tips every customer should know – including how to make sure your burger is fresh and chips are hot.

FRESH BURGERS

While McDonald’s boasts about making burgers ‘fresh to order’ – what they don’t let customers know is that the meat is pre-cooked and kept in a heated cabinet.

Workers are supposed to throw away meat after its timer goes off.

Customers who request their meat is made without salt and pepper are guaranteed a fresh burger, as kitchen staff will have to lay a new run of beef down on the grill.

If you’re after a fresh burger, ask for your meat to come without salt and pepper

FRESH FRIES

Like burger patties, fries can often be left to go cold if workers aren’t keeping track of how long each batch has been sitting there.

If you order your fries without salt, you are guaranteed hot and crispy chips.

Simply ask for some salt on the side – a free condiment at McDonald’s – and add it to your fresh fries (but be warned, you’ll infuriate the staff).

To guarantee fresh fries, ask for no salt. You’ll have to wait three and a half minutes while staff put a new batch into the deep fryer 

ALLERGIES = FRESH FOOD

While staff are meant to change their gloves regularly, keep the burger-assembling bench clean and waste old meat – things can get out of hand during peak-hour.

If you’re wanting an immaculate burger made properly – I suggest saying you’re allergic to an ingredient or gluten free.

Kitchen staff take allergy requests very seriously – there’s a huge liability if a customer gets sick – so they will wear clean gloves, wipe down the bench and take extra precaution with your order.

Meat, fish, chicken and bacon are all placed in trays that are kept in heating cabinets (pictured above) with timers. Once those timers run out staff are told to waste the product 

NO ICE = FREE SOFT DRINK

An old trick but a classic, if you’re extra thirsty but don’t have enough money to upsize your coke – ask for a soft drink with no ice.

Staff are trained to fill close to a third of the cup with ice in a bid to save money on soft drink.

But be warned, a ‘no-ice’ soft drink isn’t for everyone – it won’t be as cold as you’re used to and will be missing that refreshing icy kick.

NEVER ORDER A FILET-O-FISH LATE AT NIGHT

The Filet-o-Fish is an acquired taste, and as such the demand for it is significantly lower than other burgers like the Big Mac or Quarter Pounder.

As a result, the fish portion can often be left sitting in a heated shelf for hours – despite policy clearly stating it should be removed after its timer runs out.

If your heart is set on a late-night Filet-o-Fish, I suggest politely asking the manager if you can have a fresh burger.

PICKLES, TOMATO SAUCE, WATER, SALT AND PEPPER ARE FREE

Customers are technically entitled to order pickles, tomato sauce and salt and pepper for free – among other things.

Try your luck ordering a bulk amount of any of the above – I’ve seen a customer walk out with an entire bag of pickles for free.

Treating McDonald’s employees (stock image) with respect and kindness goes a long way

BE POLITE

If you want quality customer service and fresh food, you’d be surprised how big of a difference it makes treating the staff decently.

Employees working at the counter will almost always go out of their way to ensure customers get fresh burgers if they’re asked nicely.

Conversely, customers who treat staff like they are their slaves will more than likely end up with that old Cheeseburger or flat soft drink.