Many McDonald’s patrons argue that the best part of their meal isn’t the Big Mac or Chicken McNuggets, but rather the uniquely satisfying taste of a cold Coca-Cola from the restaurant. The appeal of McDonald’s Coke, including the crisp Diet Coke sipped through a rapidly softening paper straw, has become a popular consensus among customers.

The question of why McDonald’s Coke tastes so distinctive has been addressed by food scientist Abby Thiel, who explained the phenomenon to Parade.

According to Thiel, it boils down to the quality of water used in the soda. McDonald’s employs rigorous water filtration processes to remove chlorine, which can cause a disinfectant taste, and adjusts the hardness of the water, which affects the drink’s acidity. They also remove iron to prevent color and flavor defects, ensuring a consistent and high-quality beverage.

McDonald’s itself has noted on its website that it adheres closely to Coca-Cola’s guidelines to maintain the quality of its fountain drinks. The syrup and water are pre-chilled before they enter the dispensers, and the water is filtered, all to ensure that every sip is refreshing. These steps confirm why many believe McDonald’s serves a superior version of Coca-Cola.

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