Why You Should Rethink Your Big Mac Order, According to a Former McDonald’s Chef
May 18, 2024
source: McDonald's
My favorite fast food chain? McDonald’s, without a doubt. I go there more often than I’d like to admit. My typical order? Big fries and a Big Mac. I love the taste of that juicy burger, the crispy lettuce, the tangy sauce, all sandwiched between those perfectly soft buns. And let’s not forget the fries—golden, crispy, and oh-so-delicious. And the Coke? There’s something about McDonald’s Coke that just tastes better than regular Coke. It’s like a fizzy, sugary slice of heaven.
But recently, my Big Mac loyalty was shaken. Former McDonald’s corporate chef Mike Haracz took to TikTok with a piece of advice that made me rethink my usual order. He said, “Don’t order a Big Mac.” At first, I was skeptical. How could he suggest that? The Big Mac is iconic! But then he offered an alternative that piqued my interest. He recommended ordering a McDouble “like a Mac.” According to him, it’s not only better but also cheaper.
Naturally, I had to investigate. What’s the real difference between these two orders? And could I really save money while still satisfying my Big Mac cravings?
Let’s start with the classic Big Mac. This burger is assembled with two 100% pure beef patties seasoned with just salt and pepper. It’s got a slice of cheese, lettuce, onions, pickles, a middle bun, and, of course, the famous Big Mac sauce. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite, and that middle bun adds an extra layer of satisfaction.
Now, let’s break down the McDouble. A McDouble has two beef patties with pickles, onions, and a slice of cheese. However, it’s dressed with ketchup and mustard instead of the Big Mac sauce. On the surface, it seems like a simpler, less glamorous option. But according to Haracz, if you order your McDouble “like a Mac,” the restaurant will layer it similarly to a Big Mac—sans the middle bun—adding in the lettuce and subbing in the signature Big Mac sauce for the ketchup and mustard.
Intrigued by Haracz’s suggestion, I decided to give it a try. I ordered a McDouble “like a Mac” and eagerly awaited my customized creation. When I took my first bite, I was pleasantly surprised. It tasted remarkably similar to a Big Mac. The only real difference was the missing middle bun, but honestly, I didn’t miss it much. The beef patties were juicy and flavorful, the lettuce was fresh, the pickles added a nice crunch, and the Big Mac sauce brought it all together in that familiar tangy, creamy way.
But the real kicker? The price. The cost of an average McDouble is $2.41. In contrast, a typical Big Mac averages around $5.58. That’s more than $3 cheaper! By opting for a McDouble “like a Mac,” I was able to save a little cash while still enjoying a similar taste experience.
This revelation got me thinking about the bigger picture. Fast food chains like McDonald’s have a lot of menu items that can be customized in ways that save money without sacrificing flavor. It’s all about knowing what to ask for. Haracz’s tip opened my eyes to the possibilities, and now I’m curious about other potential menu hacks.
For example, what if you’re in the mood for a Quarter Pounder with Cheese, but don’t want to spend the extra money? You could order a Double Cheeseburger and customize it with the same toppings, often for a fraction of the cost. Or, if you’re a fan of the Filet-O-Fish, you might find that ordering a basic fish sandwich and adding your preferred toppings can be more economical.
Beyond the cost savings, there’s something satisfying about customizing your order to suit your tastes perfectly. It feels a bit like you’re in on a secret, a savvy insider who knows how to get the most out of the menu. And let’s be real, in today’s economy, every little bit helps.
So next time you find yourself at McDonald’s, consider shaking up your order. Give the McDouble “like a Mac” a try and see for yourself how it compares to the Big Mac. You might just find that you prefer it—or at least prefer the extra cash in your pocket.
And while you’re at it, think about other ways you can customize your fast food favorites. You never know what delicious discoveries await. Thanks to a former McDonald’s chef, I’ve found a new go-to order that’s both budget-friendly and satisfying. Who knows what other menu hacks are out there, waiting to be discovered?
As for me, I’ll still enjoy my fries and my McDonald’s Coke—some things never change. But when it comes to my burger, I’ve learned to think outside the (Big Mac) box.
