It’s 26 days into 2024, so if your goal was to eat healthier this year, you’re probably over that by now, right?
If you aren’t, well, I am because today I was assigned the task of trying two new menu items at McDonald’s, a place that never figures positively into someone’s New Year’s resolutions.
I’m not a McDonald’s hater – first of all, over 20 years ago, I was employed by the company and actually really enjoyed making jokes with people in the drive-thru. Second, I am a Millennial and as such, McDonald’s was always considered a “special treat” that one might get on a trip with Grandma to Valley River Center in Eugene. You never lose the taste for a special treat.
And third, as much as I may have looked down upon the mothers buying Happy Meals at 5 p.m. on a weekday when I was 17 working the drive-thru, I now have been that mother and I know the truth: A Happy Meal is very convenient.
And so, on a Thursday, I went to my local McDonald’s drive-thru and ordered myself the new Double Big Mac, the new Strawberry and Crème Pie and an extra small Coke to wash it all down.
First, the Double Big Mac.
This sandwich is 780 calories, which actually isn’t the most of a sandwich on the menu. That honor goes to the Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese Deluxe, which clocks in at 830 calories.
This new sandwich is like a Big Mac but with four beef patties instead of a paltry two. It also comes with pickles, onions and lettuce (healthy?), one slice of American cheese and three buns.
Look, I am not a person who orders a Big Mac at McDonald’s. Why get an extra bun? It makes no sense. But for science, and because I was told to, I tried this one.
Even though the burger I got wasn’t that aesthetically pleasing, it was large. Too large really to fit my normal-sized mouth around.
Other issues with this large and oddly floppy sandwich: The cheese wasn’t even remotely melty and why only one slice? I guess this must be standard for the Big Mac but still, one slice of cheese doesn’t quite scream “double.”
Finally, somehow, this burger was both dry and oozing sauce. How is this possible? I’m not sure.
Here’s one thing I know about McDonald’s: Sometimes, the parts add up to something delicious. Sometimes, the same parts add up to something very blah. I think it has to do with when each individual part was cooked or heated up. The fresher, the better. My suspicion is that my Double Big Mac wasn’t very fresh and therefore wasn’t very good. Don’t blame this location for that because I’ve seen the same happen at locations across the globe (I’ve been to McDonald’s in Italy and South Africa and Sweden, and I will not be shamed).
Next time, I won’t get a Double Big Mac. But my standard McDouble will probably be better.
Now, the Strawberry and Crème Pie.
I am not a McDonald’s pie girl. I am a McDonald’s hot fudge sundae girl. But heck, I’ll try most things once.
This pie, OK, it’s actually pretty tasty. The flaky crust is flaky and the strawberry and cream, or “crème,” excuse me, filling is sweet and creamy. Will I get it again? Probably not, when there’s the option of getting a hot fudge sundae, but if someone in my car were to purchase one, I would take a bite when they aren’t looking.
Want to watch me try these foods in my car? You’re in luck. You can watch it now.
— Lizzy Acker
503-221-8052; lacker@oregonian.com; @lizzzyacker
Our journalism needs your support. Please become a subscriber today at OregonLive.com/subscribe
