McDonald’s latest transition from its recognizable striped straws to more clear-finished ones has split opinions among its fans. The fast-food giant introduced new straws as part of an effort around sustainability or, perhaps, the bottom line, but the change has not gone unnoticed — or uncriticized.
Physically clearer than the previous straws, the new versions have also prompted complaints about being less durable. The thinner material, customers have said, bends easily, sometimes cracking or becoming unusable.

Social media has exploded with opinions from those reminiscing over the classic, white-and-yellow striped straws to others who are outright annoyed by the withered design. Though the new straws may fit in with McDonald’s sustainability objectives, they’ve inadvertently ignited debate among fans who link the old design to the brand’s identity.
Some people have noted that for those thicker drinks like milkshakes, the straws collapse under pressure. So far, many have also noted that the tactile change — the way it feels in the hand and mouth — changes the way liquids taste, something that has prompted further complaints.
Customers based outside the U.S. have also chimed in, reporting that alternatives such as paper straws are even more unpopular, lending an additional dimension to the discussion. As expected, the move away from the iconic striped design attracted and garnered a lot of attention from its customers who hope that McDonald’s would consider their decision or find a more practical way.
As it stands, McDonald’s appears to be invested in the transition, and the question remains if fans will be able to acclimate to this new chapter in the fast-food establishment’s existence — even as many still pine for the revival of the classic McRainbow straw.
For years, McDonald’s has had a reputation for paying attention to the little things that elevate the customer experience, one of which has been the design of its venerable straws. McDonald’s straws were also wider than the average straw, by design — it enhanced the taste of their drinks. This slight difference means more of the drink arrives at the taste buds at the same time, heightening flavour and satisfying the senses.
This flavour enhancement is not only an issue of taste—it elicits a brain response. That burst of sugar stimulates pleasure-inducing hormones like dopamine and serotonin, adding to the jocular experience that many people associate with drinking their favourite McDonald’s beverages.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.