A McDonald’s insider revealed why you’re not always entitled to free sauces after the condiment conundrum left fast-food fans scratching their heads.
And while the giant’s policy on whether you get free packets of sauce can feel like a game of chance, it would seem there is actually a reason behind it.
A peek into the McDonald’s FAQs says: “some restaurants charge for ketchup and some don’t”.
The decision is in the hands of the franchise owners who have the autonomy to set their own prices, which means they may charge for additional sauces not included in your meal deal.
The official word from the McDonald’s website clarifies: “The reason is that a significant proportion of our restaurants are owned by franchisees who set their own prices some charge for extra sauces if they are not part of a meal option.”
On the question-and-answer site Quora, a McDonald’s employee has dished out the details on why staff might be stingy with the sauce. It turns out, being generous with the garnish could dip into the diner’s profits, reports the Daily Star.
The employee revealed: “We’re not told not to give out ‘too much sauce’ but instead we are told that each specific purchase has a defined sauce packet given for free.”
They continued, outlining the sauce protocol: “For example, getting a four or six-pack nugget you are allocated one free sauce packet. However, at our own discretion, we can give an extra free packet if they got a six-pack nugget.”
And for those buying in bulk?
“If you got a 10 pack nugget, you are provided two for free automatically and another for free at our discretion, if the customer asks. If you got a 20 pack, you get three, and another extra at our own discretion.”
“For every 20 or so packets we save, we don’t have to order another box of them. So, we have more on hand longer and less risk of running out..”
“The main reason we charged for extra packets is to prevent abuse. It’s fair to assume that two packets of sauce is enough for a six-pack nugget, right? If you need more than that, then what the heck are you doing with the nuggets?”
“So, as cost control, we charge for extra to prevent abuse. But, realistically we really don’t mind giving extra if it makes you happy, just that the price of an item isn’t just accounting for the ingredients and materials.”
It might be common to receive one or two complimentary sauce sachets at McDonald’s in the UK, but brace yourself to be billed if you remain adamant about bagging more.
