McDonald’s fans confused over new mini McFlurry containers – but others praise the ‘flaps help’

MCDONALD’S fans have been debating the effectiveness of the new McFlurry containers.

As of Tuesday, customers could start getting fresh cups with an environmentally conscious design.

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Both the mini McFlurry and standard-size McFlurry now come with “sustainable packaging” made entirely of recyclable paper-like material and without a plastic cap, per a press release .

It has been tested at select locations and international markets for some time and is now being introduced nationwide to McDonald’s restaurants in the United States.

The move from McDonald’s comes less than a year after it phased out the plastic spindle spoon that used to be served with the McFlurry as well, according to Fox Business .

Now, the fresh packaging will feature a “four-flap” cup for the mini McFlurry and standard McFlurry .

The flaps, which connect to the rest of the cup as one complete piece, can be bent to close and seal the top to avoid spills or opened to enjoy the treat at the customer’s discretion.

It also comes with a spoon made of recyclable material.

The new mini McFlurry design features pink and purple coloring, while the standard has two shades of blue.

McDonald’s said the packaging move is a significant part of its effort to make “100% of primary guest packaging renewable, recycled, or certified materials by the end of 2025,” per the release.

Michael Gonda, senior vice president and chief impact officer of North America for McDonald’s, stressed the importance of the McFlurry’s “makeover” in the company’s goal.

“Packaging updates like this matter,” Gonda said in the release.

“Not only is this a fun new way for our U.S. fans to enjoy the McFlurry, [but] we’re also moving one step closer to fulfilling our packaging and waste commitments.”

Customers will likely still see some plastic cups pop up for a short period as the new sustainable designs start to phase them out.

The news of the packaging update has also sparked controversy among fans.

Some were confused when they came across it at their local McDonald’s.

McFlurry Flavor Offerings

McDonald's typically offers some consistent McFlurry options for customers and brings in limited-time flavors to spice things up. Here's what's available now and has been offered on the menu this year:

• McFlurry with Oreo Cookies (Staple)
• McFlurry with M&M’s (Staple)
• Oreo Shamrock McFlurry (February)
• Grandma’s McFlurry (May)
• Kit Kat Banana Split McFlurry (July)

DESIGN DEBATE

“Got a McFlurry for the first time in quite a while the other day and was confused by the packaging lol,” someone wrote in the comments of a post about the update on Facebook from foodie Markie Devo (@markie_devo).

Others were worried about the flaps on the updated cup.

“Won’t the ice cream get all stuck on the flaps?” someone asked.

Another customer argued that the flaps would likely be beneficial in a thread on Reddit about the change.

A consistent worry among McDonald’s fans was that despite the packaging change, McFlurry machines still wouldn’t work.

PRICING CONCERNS

Many have complained in the past about the fast food giant’s ice cream machines breaking down whenever they try to get a mini or standard-sized McFlurry.

Some employees have denied that the complaints are accurate.

McDonald’s move also comes after pricing complaints and a struggle with profits.

Several customers went viral over the past year citing $18 for a Big Mac meal and other high costs for menu items.

The brand has since promised to offer more value to customers through meal deals this summer and to make other changes.