McDonald’s is getting rid of McFlurry spoons

Oct 25, 2023, 10:10 AM | Updated: 12:29 pm

McDonald's is phasing out McFlurry spoons. (Credit: Hollandse-Hoogte/ZUMA Press)

(Credit: Hollandse-Hoogte/ZUMA Press)

CNN Wiresource

New York (CNN) — McDonald’s is getting rid of one its most recognizable utensils.

The McFlurry spoon, which sparked confusion among its fans for being hollow, is being phased out as the fast food chain says it seeks more sustainable alternatives. The clear plastic spoon doubled as a spindle, with the utensil being inserted into the McFlurry machine to mix in the toppings into the ice cream.

McDonald’s said that its US locations are changing how they mix McFlurry treats, with the machines now using a “reusable spindle that’s swapped out and cleaned after each McFlurry is made.” The shakes will now be served with a “smaller black spoon that uses less plastic,” which are currently handed out with its sundaes.

The company explained that the “small change will help reduce single-use plastic waste” without altering how the McFlurry tastes.

Reducing plastic is part of the fast food giant’s goals to become more environmentally friendly. Earlier this year, it tested new strawless lids in some US cities in an effort to stop giving out plastic straws.

McDonald’s set a goal in 2018 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its offices and restaurants by 36% between 2015 and 2030. In 2021, the chain switched out some of its plastic Happy Meal toys for 3-D paper-based toys that customers can put together themselves.

The McFlurry spoon is the latest thing to go at McDonald’s, with the chain recently announcing that self-serve soda machines will be eliminated by 2032. Consumer behavior has changed since the pandemic, and the chain has experienced a surge in business through its drive-thru and delivery services, with fewer people choosing to eat in its dining rooms, reducing the need for the machines.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Business + Economy

By Samantha Delouya, CNN

Judge blocks Montana’s TikTok ban from taking effect on January 1

(CNN) — A federal judge on Thursday halted Montana’s TikTok ban, which was set to go into effect at the start of 2024. In a filing, US District Judge Donald Molloy said that despite the state government’s attempt to defend the law, “the current record leaves little doubt that Montana’s legislature and Attorney General were […]

4 hours ago

**This image is for use with this specific article only** Price hikes and spending cooled last mont...

Alicia Wallace, CNN

Price hikes and spending cooled last month, Fed’s preferred inflation gauge shows

The Commerce Department on Thursday delivered an early present to the Federal Reserve: The central bank’s favorite inflation gauge fell to its lowest level since the spring of 2021, and consumers lifted their foot off the gas pedal.

12 hours ago