The fast food chain has gone back to plastic lids temporarily and said it is working toward finding an alternative
McDonald’s has axed its eco-friendly moulded fibre coffee lids following customer complaints.
The fast food chain has gone back to plastic lids temporarily and said it is working toward finding a “suitable” alternative. The Sun reports that the change was made in England restaurants at the end of last month.
Frustrated Maccies fans had called the lids “awful” on social media, and begged the chain to ditch them. One said: “Please BAN these flimsy, easy to cause spills coffee cup lids.
“They also fail to keep coffee warm due to an opening in the lid that can’t be closed.”
Another said: “NOT FIT FOR PURPOSE! McDonald’s new eco-friendly coffee lids: because who doesn’t love a side of soggy cardboard with their morning coffee?”
Another person praised the return of the plastic lids. They said: “It’s not Christmas until @McDonalds break out their Christmas Cups.
“Drink is good but the real present is the return of PLASTIC LIDS. Please please keep these after Christmas, those paper lids are awful…”
McDonald’s said it increased the recycled content of its plastic lids for cold drinks from 40% to 100% in 2024.
In a message on the McDonald’s website, the company said: “We’ve temporarily returned to plastic lids on our hot drinks after customer feedback showed our moulded fibre lids didn’t meet expectations.
“We’re currently exploring better‑performing alternatives that meet our quality standards, while continuing to work towards our goal of making all our packaging from renewable, certified or recycled sources.”
A spokesperson also told The Sun: “The innovation didn’t meet expectations and customers told us they weren’t satisfied. We will be temporarily returning to plastic lids while we find a suitable alternative that performs to the standards we require.”
It comes after McDonald’s launched its Christmas menu – with a Grinch theme. There are new Grinch McShaker Fries, which come with dill pickle seasoning.
These are basically regular McDonald’s fries, but with a seasoning that you shake on top of them for extra flavour.
There is also a new Grinch Meal, which includes a main menu item, such as a Big Mac or McPlant, plus McShaker Fries, a medium drink, and Grinch socks.
You’ll also find a new Frozen Grinch Lemonade and Grumble Grinch Pie, with an apple flavoured filling. There is also a new Cheesy Chicken Stack burger, alongside the Double Big Tasty.
Coconut Noglobe Latte, Coconut Noglobe Hot Chocolate and Chocolate Brownie McFlurry have also joined the UK menu.
