17 things McDonald’s employees won’t tell you

Everyone has their own take on what happens behind the counter, or even how to ‘hack’ the menu. Staff think saving big on your favourite Mickey D’s order isn’t rocket science.

Try ordering a sausage muffin and a side of eggs to make a cheaper version of the Sausage Egg McMuffin.

Other menu hacks: A sundae with a McFlurry topping is cheaper than a McFlurry, and ordering any sauce on the side is free of charge.

Ever wondered what’s really going on behind closed doors when it comes to how your food is produced? People in the know share some hard facts and instructive opinions.

No, we’re not lying – there is a reason why it seems the ice cream machines are always broken.

If the mixes for McFlurries and milkshakes are poured in the wrong sections, the entire machine could be out of commission for the day.

You might be better off ordering a drink instead. Or you can go home and make this delicious blackberry ripple ice cream in a snap.

If you ask for an off-the-menu item, the staff might not know how to make it.

Just tell us exactly what you want and we will whip up almost anything we have the ingredients for.

Everyone has their own hacks for fast food these days. As long as they don’t include these weird food combinations, it’s all good.

If you’ve been standing in a long line, be ready to order when it’s your turn.

Your indecisiveness can be a major inconvenience for us – not to mention the other customers waiting behind you in line.

Just remember your manners and be curteous. Get frustrated easily? Test your resolve with these 7 common real-life situations and see how you would react.

Same goes for customers on bicycles and electric scooters.

According to McDonald’s policy, the restaurant can only serve people who are driving a motorised vehicle in the drive-thru lane.

Trust us, it’s for your own safety.

A lot goes on in the drive-through. Take a look at the weirdest things fast-food workers have seen while working a window, from the confusing to the downright creepy.

Ordering double lettuce and double cheese on your Big Mac, for example, will cost you extra.

You need worry about the hidden costs when eating out with our six money hacks that will save you a fortune on your next grocery bill.

Craving McDonald’s at 2 a.m.?

Make sure you have cash on hand.

Because the 24-hour locations must restart their cash register systems every night, there is always a certain time period when they can only accept cash.

Scrambling for cash? A clever way to build your savings account is to pretend you never had some of your money in the first place.

You won’t always love the sauce that comes with your order.

But just ask us to substitute another sauce, instead – and don’t worry, we won’t charge you for it.

Or maybe you can get creative with mayonnaise and bring your own condiment, sauce or topping.

Rest assured that employees are required to wash their hands at least once an hour.

Gloves, on the other hand, can harbor a lot more bacteria than our clean fingertips.

So be prepared to wait a little longer for your order. (The chicken alone takes an average of eight minutes to prepare!)

Same goes for Happy Meals; the toy, drink, and dessert take extra time to track down.