Aussie tourists discover banned Macca’s item in US restaurants

In Australia, Macca’s stores around the country banned this item back in 2020 – but Aussies are shocked it’s still on offer in the US.

'So lucky': Aussies discover item banned at Macca's

An Australian tourist has shared her shock after discovering Macca’s restaurants in the US still use an item banned here three years ago.

Ali Smith is travelling in America with her partner Jake and stopped in at McDonald’s during their getaway where she couldn’t resist comparing the difference between the two countries.

Some of the key differences included drinks like Powerade and Dr Pepper as options from the drinks menu while burgers are also called sandwiches.

Ali Smith visited a US Macca's for the first time. Picture: TikTok/@alismithhhh

Many were quick to spot there were still plastic straws in the US. Picture: TikTok/@alismithhhh

Ali was also struck by the size difference between Australia and the United States pointing out a large drink in Australia is the medium option in the US and a large chips were “the size of her head”.

But as she showed off the drink, many noticed there were still plastic straws available in the United States after many states around Australia banned the drinking instrument as an option.

“Plastic straws,” one social media user simply said.

Another said: “I’d be taking so many plastic straws and taking the back home to Australia.”

One said: “WHAT THEY HAVE PLASTIC STRAWS SO LUCKY BRO.”

The move to ditch plastic straws in Australia was first announced in 2018, and the fast food giant began phasing them out the following year.

Initially, customers had to ask for a straw, prompting confusion among many, but the plastic item has now been completely replaced with a paper version.

Some lamented it was “ridiculous”, questioning how they’ll be able to consume their favourite drinks with the eco-friendly version — especially thickshakes.

Many were also fixated on the drink options. Picture: TikTok/@alismithhhh

The move was part of Macca’s pledge to stamp out plastic straws by 2020.

All states and territories except Tasmania made a decision to completely ban plastic straws – with Northern Territory to do so by the end of 2025.

Paper straws have also been rolled out in McDonald’s restaurants in the UK and Ireland too.

Ali and Jake both got a burger each – with Ali choosing a chicken sandwich with bacon and ranch.

Others were also shocked by burgers being called sandwiches, and many wished Powerade and unlimited drinks were an option in Australia.