McDonald’s Australia under fire over major change to popular buy: ‘Sneaky’

McDonald’s is attracting criticism over a controversial and “sneaky” change to one of its most popular buys.

The fast food giant has started serving sundae ice creams in paper cups – a dramatic shift from the plastic tubs that it has used for decades.

A McDonald’s spokesperson confirmed the new cups were introduced last year to comply with legislation in some states and its own sustainability goals.

Stream the world’s best reality, entertainment and true-crime shows free on 7plus >>

But while many have applauded Macca’s over the move, some have complained that the new cups aren’t as effective.

Others claim that it’s difficult to tell if you’ve received the right amount of sauce and ice cream, given the cups are no longer see-through.

“I ordered a large chocolate sundae today with a flake and I got it in a paper cup, and it was the worst one I’ve ever had,” one Macca’s customer said in a recent Facebook post.

“It was all melted — I could drink it, it was that melted — and it was double (sic) smaller in size. I was devastated as I was so looking forward to it today being a hot day.

“Your meals and service are really gone down hill lately. SHAME.”

Another Reddit user said: “Horrible. Where’s the topping? Less ice cream? Ugly? That’s not a sundae? WTF. Saving on plastic my a***. The plastic used was a recycled type anyway. Ridiculous. So now we’re cutting down the trees to make the cup.”

One more critic added: “Thing is they’re really sneaky because they don’t fill them up full like the plastic cups, you get very little product. So it’s better value to buy a cone in a lid.

“Bought one for my son as a treat and swore not to buy them again, it was a rip-off.”

Another said: “It’s less ice cream, less topping, and don’t forget it’s not a sundae at all, is it really? Now it’s just ice cream in a cup.”

Speaking on Reddit, someone claiming to be a McDonald’s employee added: “I like it better — customers won’t yell at you for not putting enough topping because they can’t tell.”

A McDonald’s spokesperson has told 7NEWS.com.au that all Macca’s restaurants now serve its sundaes in the new packaging.

“We introduced sundae cups containing fibre based materials in restaurants nationwide last year,” the spokesperson said.

“This was in line with government legislation in some states, as well as our commitment to sourcing all customer packaging (excluding pre-packaged products) from renewable or reclaimed materials by the end of 2025.”