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Many of us are familiar with McDonald’s menu items. It’s safe to say that we’ve all probably been at least once, whether for a quick bite between a busy schedule or just to satisfy a random craving.

But there is one menu item that still puzzles us: the McFlurry.

Photo: flickr/camerabee

It’s not so much the ice cream part that is confusing, but more so the spoon. It’s this thick, box-like spoon that’s also hollowed out, leaving us to wonder if it’s to be used as a straw. Are we to use it a different way?

If you’re like me, you probably avoid it altogether, and just use a regular spoon. However, the mystery of the McFlurry spoon has been solved. It’s not so much designed for customer use but more for employee use as they prepare the McFlurry.

Photo: flickr/Magnus D

As reported by Reader’s Digest, the spoon that comes with the McFlurry also doubles as a mixing tool used by the employees.

You see, once the ice cream has been dispensed into the cup, the next step is to add in the chosen toppings such as Oreo crumbles or mini M&Ms. Once this is done, it’s up to the McDonald’s staff to mix the ice cream and toppings together.

Photo: flickr/nakashi

This is done by inserting a part of the hollow straw spoon into the McFlurry machine and turning it on. The plastic spoon straw then acts like a plastic mixing attachment and mixes it all up. Then, when it’s time to serve the frozen dessert, the employees simply pop it out and serve to the customer. That’s why it comes with that spoon!

Furthermore, the plastic spoon straw also helps Mcdonald’s cut down on costs and improve time efficiency. If a McFlurry were to be mixed with a metal spoon that is spoon permanently attached to the machine, then that item would have to be constantly cleaned between uses. Not to mention, they’d have to purchase additional plastic spoons for serving.

Photo: flickr/theimpulsivebuy

By making this disposable mixing spoon straw, they eliminate several steps in the process and save money. It’s a win-win all around.

Did you know this bit of McFlurry trivia already? Let us know!