Ex-McDonald's Chef Explains Why to Avoid Ordering Big Macs

Former McDonald's company chef Mike Haracz has garnered a large following on TikTok by sharing some behind-the-counter secrets as well as his pro tips and tricks for getting the best meal at the Golden Arches. When it comes to McDonald's flagship Big Mac burger, however, he advised diners to steer clear and instead order a Big Mac-inspired alternative.

"Don't order a Big Mac ," Haracz stated plainly when discussing what to order. "You should be ordering this every time: A McDouble like a Mac." A traditional McDouble comes with two beef patties, pickles, onions, ketchup, mustard , and one slice of cheese. By asking for your McDouble to be dressed like a Big Mac, you'll be able to swap out the ketchup and mustard for Big Mac sauce as well as get some shredded lettuce added to the burger. The end result is a double-patty delight similar in taste to a regular Big Mac, albeit without the signature bun in the middle.

"You save like $2, and if a restaurant is not willing to do that for you, maybe don't go to that one [and] go to a different one because this is the superior way," Haracz said. "It is so much better and cheaper."

Late last year, the fast food giant announced it was changing how it prepared its Big Macs in an effort to create a more natural-looking (and tasting) product. Earlier this month, McDonald's unveiled a new take on the classic Big Mac with the Chicken Big Mac , a poultry-centric version of the beloved beef burger. It'll be available in stores starting Oct. 10.