13+ Mind-Blowing McDonald’s Hacks That Will Change Your Life

Use your time wisely to order the hash brown cheeseburger

Image Source/ CosmopolitanIt is the bane of our lives when McDonald's heartbreakingly swaps from the delicious breakfast menu to the normal menu at 10:30am. But someone managed to hack the system: get there at EXACTLY 10:30 and you'll be able to order the classic Cheeseburger with hash browns!

Get yourself some loaded fries

Image Source/ tjmack101Loaded fries are the absolute best. Sometimes, McDonald's will offer some sort of loaded fries on their menu, but not always. So during the dry spells you need to act tactfully. Try ordering your portion of fries with big mac sauce on the top. Fantastic!

Always ask for the receipt!

Image Source/ DelishNo, it's not in case you're ever accused of murder and need to produce an alibi. An ex-McDonald's employee actually admitted that when you ask for the receipt you are more likely to land yourself a freshly made burger. Why? Because you might be the Mystery Shopper!

Choose your times carefully

Image Source/ JerrysHomemadeTo increase your risks of getting a fresh burger even more, make sure you know the best times to visit your local McDonald's. Apparently, most chains have their peak times, between 12 and 2, then 5 and 7. Known as Gapbuster Time, Mystery Shoppers are most likely to carry out their survey then.

Use the packaging to your advantage

Image Source/ The MirrorTrying to eat a McDonald's while on the go can prove to be very difficult, but some people have found out the best hack. Simply pop the fries in the other half of your burger/nugs box, and slide onto the straw of your drink. That way you can eat and sip no bother.

Order a Big Mac without paying for a Big Mac

Image Source/ Eat This, Not ThatNo, I don't mean rob the store at gunpoint. There's a cheaper way of ordering a Big Mac, without paying the extortionate price. Head over to the self-serve kiosk and add a Double Cheeseburger to your basket. From there, add: onions, mustard, pickles, lettuce and mayo. It's the exact same but without the third bun layer and Big Mac sauce.

Order a Neapolitan milkshake

Image Source/ Irish MirrorWhy don't McDonald's ever mix up the flavours of their milkshakes? Instead, it's always chocolate, strawberry and vanilla. Well, did you know that you can actually combine the tastes of all three in what's known as the Neapolitan milkshake. Sounds delicious.

Why not try a Coffee McShake?

Image Source/ GracebandpicsOkay, while this might not actually be a McDonald's item just order a vanilla milkshake along with a shot of espresso and pour in. Voila, you've got a nice creamy coffee shake, which is far less runnier than the usual frappes McDonald's has on offer.

Always customise your burger

Image Source/ Business InsiderMcDonald's is a FAST food restaurant. That means that pretty much everything is ready by the time you reach the till. But if you want something a little fresher, just try ordering a burger customised or ask for your fries without the salt. Works every time.

Your Happy Meal box can be used as a plate

Image Source/ Ruin My WeekWe know what kids are like with their Happy Meals, they will dive in so quick that the mess after is unbearable. So, instead of having them rip everything out the box, simply tear the top of the box off so the bottom becomes a plate they can use. Voila!

Use your fries box to as a dipping space

Image Source/ Delish.comWhether this was the intention of the design or not, it's a pretty good hack. If you're out and about with your McDonald's and you're looking for somewhere to put your ketchup sachet, look no further. Simply fold the back of the fries box and plant your sauce there.

...Or your McFlurry lid!

Image Source/ EricaKuzMiczIn this world you have to be resourceful and so making use of those disposable McDonald's materials is a must. If you're sat eating your McDonald's in the car, you might want to consider putting that McFlurry lid to use. Simply slot your sauce pot in and you have your own dip holder.

Make the most of your McFlurry

Image Source/ Daily MailWe all know the heartache of having the absolute worst ice cream to topping ratio at McDonald's, like, what's with that? However, I bet you didn't know that you can add extra toppings and sauce to your McFlurry for just 20p extra, just ask at the till!

Order perfectly for your kids

Image Source/ Fun 107You might be stuck in what to order for your picky kids. They don't like nuggets, they don't like burgers, what do they like? Well, you need to learn that at McDonald's you can have anything. So if you want a slice of cheese between two brioche buns, go for it.

McDonald's is friendly to keto too!

Image Source/ Hip2KetoIf you've gone completely mad and are doing the insanely hard keto diet, then look no further. You might think that you're options are limited and, well, they are, but at least you'll be able to grab something at McDonald's. Just order 2 sausage patties, 2 slices of cheese and round eggs.

Order the Land, Sea and Air burger

Image Source/ RedditDo you think you can take a guess of what this entails? Simply ask the McDonald's employee for the Land, Sea and Air burger and they'll either look at you confused or get right ahead making it. The burger combines the three favourite classics of beef patty, McChicken and Fillet-O-Fish.

Save your money wisely by customising

Image Source/ Copej97Clearly McDonald's haven't really thought their pricing through properly. For example, if you want the Sausage Egg McMuffin, don't be a fool and actually order that. Just order the normal Sausage McMuffin and add the egg as an eggstra, save your self some dollars.

Choose your eggs perfectly

Image Source/ Taste of HomeIf your picky about your eggs and prefer the coveted 'round egg' that McDonald's offer, rather than the sheet-like egg that comes in the wrap, just ask. Sometimes it's hard to remember that these people are human and will go out their way for a paying customer.

Choose your bun perfectly too!

Image Source/ Reader's DigestLike I said, they want you to have a good experience at McDonald's so always allow for a little personalisation to your order. If you find the usual seeded buns to be a bit too stodgy for your liking, try asking for the soft buns that come with the Fillet-O-Fish, you won't be disappointed.

Make your very own McDonald's crepes

Image Source/ pres10maeWhoever came up with this one must be very resourceful. You can actually create your own delicious McBrunch crepes. Simply order the McDonald's pancakes with your preferred topping and then order a fruit bag on the side. Pop these inside your cakes and voila.

Create your own ice cream sandwiches

Image Source/ InsiderFirstly, order two of the most perfectly baked McDonald's soft-bake cookies. Secondly, order the Oreo McFlurry (or any other flavour you prefer). Finally, smack those cookies on either side of a thickly layered gloop of McFlurry and there you have it.

Get your hot apple pie with some soft serve

Image Source/ cmacmitchMaybe you think you're a bit too posh for a McDonald's (maybe you're in denial too) but if that's you then listen up. Grab a hot apple pie and pair it together with a cheap soft-serve ice cream cone. Bang it on a plate and there you have, it a delicious dessert.

Make your own McDonald's float

Image Source/ grabyourforkWe're not over with the soft serve ice cream hacks yet, no, no, no. If you like a nice Coke float and you don't live in a country where McDonald's serve this as a much-beloved option, then simply make one of your own. Just order a soft-serve ice cream and plant this on top of your coke.

Cheese, cheese and more cheese

Image Source/ JmbergersonThere's nothing like an extra cheesy burger, but here's how to take it to the next level. Order a burger of your choice, could be the Big Mac, Chicken Parm or McChicken, and don't forget to order three Mozzarella Dippers on the side. Slip these in-between your bun and burger and pour that marinara sauce on top.

Use your common sense

Image Source/ InsiderWhile it might be tempting to order the ten piece McDonald's chicken nuggets, don't do it! TikTok user 'imsimonecardoso' exposed the McDonald's lies in a TikTok. She said that the ten piece is $5.09 while the six piece is $2, meaning you get 12 for $4. How does that work out?

Make your own (somewhat) boba tea

Image Source/ Eat With Hop!McDonald's hasn't offered boba tea yet, and they may well do eventually. But for now, you can create your own concoction in order to have delicious milk boba tea. Order a sweet tea with pump of hazelnut syrup, along with three creamers. Mix these all together and there you have it.

Get yourself some buffalo ranch fries

Image Source/ Totally the BombFirstly, get yourself a large fries. Empty these into your McDonald's bag and smother in one pot of ranch and one pot of spicy Buffalo sauce. Give these a good shake up and you'll be left with some pretty tasty Buffalo ranch fries for enjoying with your Big Mac.

Create your own chicken Big Mac

Image Source/ WalesOnlineSome people just aren't massive fans of beef, and that's okay, why should that let them miss out on the delicious Big Mac. Well, here's how to make your own. Order two chicken sandwiches with Big Mac Sauce, and assemble together how ever you want to. Done!

Add caramel sauce to that Oreo McFlurry

Image Source/ FlickrYou heard it first. Customise anything the way you want at McDonald's and that includes the McFlurrys. Battle that awful ice cream to topping ratio by adding caramel sauce to your Oreo McFlurry and you'll never taste McFlurrys the same ever again.

Couple up to save dollars

Image Source/ MyWaste.ieLike I said before, the pricing at McDonald's can be somewhat questionable, as pointed out by TikToker 'moneychannel'. You never go for the small drink because the medium is only 29 more cents, while the large is just 20 more cents than that. Well, if you're in a pair, order the large in two small cups!

Ask For Your Fries Without Salt

Image Source / The MirrorFries are always cooked up in batches ready to go, with the salt thrown on them - because let's face it, we all do really want salt on those delicious fries, don't we? But if you order yours without salt, they'll have to make a fresh batch just for you - and then you can add your own salt later anyway!

Ask For Your Burger Without A Specific Ingredient

Image Source / Bored PandaIt doesn't really matter which one, but preferably the one that's your least favourite. They'll then have to whip up a fresh burger for you because it'll need to be customised rather than the ready-made ones that have been sat there waiting to go. So you'll get a fresher tasting burger!

Go Between 10:30 And 11:00 AM

Image Source / TripAdvisorThis is the time when they'll be moving from the breakfast menu to the lunch time menu. This transitional period is the perfect opportunity to get the best of both if you like something from both menus. Sort of like the perfect brunch!

Get Yourself A Free Hot Drink

Image Source / The Big IssueIf you want to buy a super special promotional hot drink that's a little on the pricey side, you can bag it for free. Simply order a cheaper drink - the cheapest hot drink if possible, like a white coffee or something - and then drink it before asking for a refill. When they ask you which drink, just name that promotional drink of your dreams!

Go Inside Instead Of The Drive Thru

Image Source / Experience SalisburyMost people think the drive thru is the quicker option - that's the whole point, right? Stay comfortable in your car and get fast food the fastest way. But it's actually quicker to go inside and grab your order a lot of the time, because most people will be having the same thought about the drive thru and causing a queue for the windows!

Get Your Hash Browns For Cheaper

Image Source / TripAdvisorWhen a breakfast meal is bought at McDonald's, you have the option to ask for an extra hash brown, where the cashier is supposed to pick an 'Uplift Hash Brown' button resulting in an extra hash brown for a low price. Employees are usually told to instead charge a full price, around double the cost, for the extra hash brown. But now that you know the 'uplift' button exists, you can ask for it because you bought a meal and get the cheaper price without them being sneaky!

Find Great Deals And Discounts With The McDonald's App

Image Source / Business InsiderIt's always worth checking the app before you set off to your nearest Maccy D's. This is because there will be promotions on that can save you money, and these promotions might be short-term deals or long term promotions you'll be able to bag more than once.

Ditch The McChicken Sandwich And Switch To Mayo Chicken

Image Source / YouTubeThey're pretty much the same thing, but with a Mayo Chicken you don't get the high price tag! The Mayo Chicken is obviously a little smaller and less chicken for your buck, but ultimately, they taste pretty much the same, do the same job and you could also get three of them for the price of one McChicken sandwich. Yep.

Get Some Extra Toppings For Free

Image Source / The SunBecause why not! When you're ordering on the self-service screen, or through the app, you can add extra pickles, onion, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise and lettuce for free. If the item already comes with the ingredient you add, you'll just get double the amount.

Always Ask For Your Cold Drinks Without Ice

Image Source / Totally The BombIce will always come as standard for McDonald's fizzy drinks - so why not ditch the ice and get a whole lot more drink for your money? We all know the ice is stacked up inside the container taking up valuable space, so get around 20% more drink by making sure to ask for no ice.

Switch Up Your Buns

Image Source / Burger LadDid you know you can request a different bun? This is a great hack for parents with fussy children (or maybe you're a fussy parent yourself). If the regular buns that come on McDonald's burgers, like seeded or the brioche buns, aren't to your liking, you can ask for a steamed bun instead (the type that's normally used for Filet-O-Fish). Do you want eight extra nuggies for less money than you'd usually pay? Of course you do, because who doesn't want McDonald's chicken nuggets? You might have often been put off by the whopping 20 nuggets in a share box and instead get a six pack, or maybe even double that to get 12. But buying the 20 sharebox will work out cheaper than buying 2 x six packs of nuggets.

Make Your Own Chicken Salad On The Cheap

Image Source / Insider Salad and McDonald's sound a little strange in the same sentence, but there's no getting out of the fact that they do sell salads, and one day you might fancy one. So why not save money? Instead of directly ordering a chicken salad at its full price, go to self-service and order a side salad and a Mayo Chicken. This is all you need to create your own, for a lower price tag!Because who's gonna say no to a free hot drink? You can no longer collect those physical stickers for free drink cards, but you can use the handy McDonald's app to collect digital stickers. You need five of these to get a free hot drink. Simple!

Order Nuggets In Multiples Of 4 - Not The 10 Box

Image Source / Summer YuleYou want a lot of nuggies (understandable) but you don't want the 20 share box. So maybe you're considering that the 10 box would save you money from ordering the boxes of 4. Actually, it'll run cheaper for you to order 3 x the boxes of 4 for 12 nuggies than it would to buy the 10 box!

Always Ask If There's Any Food Going For Cheap

Image Source / One CountryBecause it doesn't hurt to ask, right? When you're placing your order, simply ask them if they have any food spare that nobody else is going to eat. This is because sometimes food is prepared and then not bought, or maybe the food has been sitting out for too long. They then might sell them to you for a cheaper price just to get rid of them!

Celebrate Being Over 55 With A Free Cup Of Coffee

Image Source / Birmingham LiveA lot of people might not know that you can grab a free cup of coffee if you're over 55. And this isn't just a one off, either - it's every time you go in! (Granted you're not going in 20 times in a row within an hour). To be eligible, you actually have to sit and eat in the restaurant. Not all McDonald's do this offer, but it's always worth an ask!

Don't Turn Your Nose Up At The Value Menu

Image Source / Business InsiderWe get it, you're starving and the value menu looks like poor offerings compared to three large Big Mac Meals, but stay with us here. The value menu items are actually a great deal in terms of price. If you're hungry, you could always get more than one value item and it'll probably still work out cheaper than the big menu items. For example, buy two cheeseburgers and a side of fries and it's still a filling value meal!

Fancy Some Hotcakes With Ice Cream For Breakfast?

Image Source / TripAdvisorOr any time of day, to be fair! Did you know that the dessert kiosk at McDonald's does operate at breakfast time, too? Perfect if you've a hankering for something sweet in the morning. You can go to one and order a hotcakes meal, and then add a vanilla soft serve with maple syrup. Here you've created a delicious dessert for breakfast!