Whether it’s toasting a beer in France or munching down on some criss-cut fries in Malta, McDonald’s is always something of a novelty when travelling abroad. It’s always good to see how it compares, right?
The story of the Golden Arches all started in San Bernardino, California, back in 1940, founded by brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald.
Since then, it’s grown into the world’s largest restaurant chain (by revenue, that is), and now operates in more than 100 countries.
But when it comes to the UK’s version, how do Americans reckon it compares? Sadly, for one tourist, it’s not top marks.
Amber Kacherian headed for the Golden Arches after touching down in the UK with three friends, but has not held back on her feelings, including on the choice of milkshakes and too many ‘diet’ drinks on offer.
Writing on her TikTok account, Amber said the UK’s ‘sugar tax’ meant that her favourite drinks cost more here than in the States.
She added that you have to scroll to the bottom of the order screen to find sugary drinks such as ‘classic’ Coke.
But the American also noticed marked differences in McDonald’s signature fast food items.
One taste of a cheeseburger and the American had concluded that the British like their patties less salty than across the pond.
She wrote: ”It’s a bit less salty. I can tell that UK food does not have as much salt as American food.’
She slammed the brand’s signature French fries as ‘sad potatoes with no salt.’ Now, that feels personal.
The British version of the fast food chain is also more sustainable, with separate bins for liquids, cardboard spoons for desserts and paper straws.
‘They’re a lot more environmentally friendly here than we are in America,’ she noted.
For her pudding, Amber went for a Smarties McFlurry, but even that was different to what she was used to on the other side of the Atlantic.
‘These are much more like M&M’s, Smarties in America are not chocolate candy,’ she said.
The fast food-loving American concluded that Britons would struggle to get their ‘junk food fix’ at our version of the Golden Arches, with less fatty and sugary options on the menu.
However, the Quarter Pounder was passed off as ‘palatable’ by one of Amber’s friends – some welcome news for UK Maccies fans.
Meanwhile, McDonald’s fans are in mourning after discovering a beloved item has been removed from the breakfast menu.
Before you ask, the McMuffins are safe, but sadly, those who enjoy a Breakfast Roll won’t feel quite the same sense of relief, because the roll is no longer available.
McDonald’s has confirmed it was taken off the menu in September.
For those who weren’t familiar with the product, it featured sausage, egg, bacon and cheese in a soft white roll and was served with either ketchup or brown sauce.
This article was first published on September 19, 2025.
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