The Real Reason McDonald's Is Giving Its Classic McFlurry A New Look

Fans of the McDonald's McFlurry frozen treat may notice some changes afoot in the coming days; specifically, to the treat's cup. That's in addition to what happened back in 2023, when the McFlurry jettisoned its signature hollow spoon.

The old-style McFlurry spoon actually doubled as a mixing attachment for the McFlurry machine that blended in the treat's toppings. Nowadays, the machines use a reusable mixing spindle that can be cleaned after each McFlurry is conjured up. Meanwhile, customers receive a regular spoon for their dessert, which requires measurably less plastic than the old spoon née mixing paddle.

More recently, the fast-food giant revealed the McFlurry cup itself would be getting a makeover. Much in the same spirit of using less plastic, the old cup's domed plastic lid is being eliminated. Instead, the new cup will be all-cardboard with four folding flaps at the top which will form a "lid" for the container. As well, a new smaller portion of McFlurry will be sold: the "Mini McFlurry."

For the past several years, McDonald's has been making meaningful changes to its packages in an effort to reduce pollution and, in particular, microplastics, which can harm marine life. A recent press release explained the new four-flap McFlurry cup "will help reduce waste and advance [McDonald's] goal of sourcing 100% of primary guest packaging from renewable, recycled, or certified materials by the end of 2025."

In fact, in 1999, UK McDonald's restaurants had already begun switching from single-use plastics, removing the McFlurry plastic lid, as well as replacing its salad bowls with cardboard containers, as reported by The Independent at the time. To wit, a portion of McDonald's iconic Happy Meal toys — some of which can be worth a ton of money — are now paper-based rather than plastic.

The new cardboard McFlurry cup is already being used in some international markets like Canada and Indonesia. According to the fast-food chain, American McFlurry fans will also now "know [that] you're making a more sustainable choice with every bite."

Alongside new McFlurry cups is news of a new Mini McFlurry that's approximately half the size of the original. The brand is promoting the new waistline-friendly smaller option as a "quick afternoon pick-me-up" or for gifting to friends who always steal a spoonful of your McFlurry. However, there's no doubt part of the raison d'être of the Mini McFlurry is increased affordability. A smaller quantity at a smaller price will satisfy your sweet tooth in a more budget-friendly way.

Indeed, McDonald's recently rolled out a limited-time, summertime $5 meal deal to combat weak earnings and sagging traffic to its restaurants. Though the offer was supposed to be temporary, 93% of McDonald's locations opted to extend the deal through August. (And as of this writing, it's still available, too.) While the profit margin from the $5 McDonald's meals was a tight 1% to 5%, like other businesses' "loss leaders," the promotion was successful in drawing customers, some of whom may order other more pricey menu items while there. (Here's how much Americans spend on fast food overall).

As for the McFlurries, if you're anxious to see how the new packaging affects your experience — aside from feeling good about saving the environment — the new cups and Mini McFlurry will be available at U.S. locations starting September 10, 2024.