This Popular Soda Tastes "Spicy" at McDonald's, Customers Say

According to the internet, one of McDonald's fountain drinks is not like the others. While all drink options at the fast-food chain lead a pretty boring, low-key existence (except for Hi-C, which has the ability to start a fan frenzy), one of them has become an internet meme and a trending topic on Twitter last week.

According to McDonald's customers, the chain's Sprite tastes very different from the original Sprite you get in a can at the supermarket. The observation started making the rounds on social media in 2017, and many have since agreed that the McDonald's Sprite is indeed . . . funky, to say the least. "Electronic" and "spicy" have often been used to describe this specific version of Sprite, while some say it has the ability to hit you like alcohol. (7 New Fast-Food Chicken Sandwiches Everyone's Talking About)

That sprite from McDonald's can probably fry fish???

— XHitEmUpWoskiX (@Woski1300) April 12, 2021

Try a McDonald's Sprite and your body takes a screenshot

— Martín (@MartinJStark) April 12, 2021

why does mcdonald's sprite burn so good

— ₐᵣᵢₛ (@shrimpattorney) April 12, 2021

Not to mention, a recent taste test by Refinery 29 has added even more evidence to the "yes, it's different" argument. The publication also offers up some possible explanations for the discrepancy in taste. For one, chains mix their own fountain beverages by combining carbonated water and flavoring syrup, a manual task that may produce uneven results. And for another, soda fountains have been found to be notoriously dirty which may or may not alter the flavor of soda over time.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

Whatever the case, one TikTok user has spoken on all our behalfs: McDonald's, we need answers! Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter to get the latest restaurant news delivered straight to your inbox.