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McDonald's review: substitutions 138

I
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9:26 am EDT
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So recently, McDonalds introduced yogurt into their Happy Meals. Alright, had no problem with this. It's good to offer a nutritous substitute to fries, after all. Now, I have a small appetite, so I normally get a Happy meal, rather than the adult-sized equivalent. I'm also lactose intolerant (and not the 'I get gas in four hours' kind, the 'I vomit as soon as milk hits my esophagus' kind), so I was rather pissed to find out that they now put the yogurt in the kids meals, and you don't have the option to say 'No, I can't eat it.' When I asked for a substitution, they said they couldn't do that. When I told them to just not put it in the bag, they said they couldn't do that either. So I got home and threw a container of yogurt in the garbage, and hated myself for having to do so, because I hate wasting food.
McDonalds says on their website (and by the way, they REALLY need an email complaint system. It won't let me submit a damn thing without an American address) that they substitute apple slices, but EVERY time I ask them to do this, they say they can't. At least six times I've tried, and they won't let me.

Update by Izzy M.
Jul 20, 2012 10:51 am EDT

Tasha9, I was coming home from work when I got lunch, and no one in my family, or circle of friends eat yogurt. A large number of them are also lactose-intolerant. It was either throw it out now, or throw it out in two weeks when it's expired. And you really think that the way I choose to voice my complaint on a complaints board is how I behave all the time? What would be the point of the site if everyone was cheery and friendly? People come here because they are dissatisfied in some way.

Descartes, my complaint is, indeed, that they gave me food I did not want, nor did I ask for, in fact, I specifically asked to NOT get it. It's a waste of food, is what it is.

Lucky you, Brewgoat. I'm okay with certain yogurts, but Danino, for whatever reason, is not one of them, which is funny, because I believe the brand of lactose-free yogurt I buy is actually produced by the same company that makes Danino.

Update by Izzy M.
Jul 20, 2012 11:06 am EDT

Tasha, I'm in my twenties, and have behaved in a manner befitting an adult. I am dissatisfied with their service, and have thus come to this site to complain. That is the function of this place. I could have potentially found someone to eat the yogurt, I suppose, if I drove around my neighbourhood, asking strange kids if they wanted it, but that looks rather sketchy, don't you think? But whether I could have or not is not the point. The point is that McDonalds claims that they cater to people with dietary concerns, and in this instance, they did not.

Update by Izzy M.
Jul 20, 2012 11:16 am EDT

For the record, I said IN my twenties, not twenty, but I digress. I enjoy McDonalds' food, and have never had any problems with their service, aside from yogurt-related grievances. It's not enough to stop me going there, but I posted this complaint in search of others who share similar experiences, in the hopes that, perhaps, I might find a more concrete solution for it.

Update by Izzy M.
Jul 20, 2012 11:34 am EDT

I never said they tried to force-feed me yogurt, Descartes. Absurd comments like that get no one anywhere. My complaint is not against the yogurt itself, but against the breach of company policy to provide alternatives.

Update by Izzy M.
Jul 20, 2012 11:39 am EDT

Their website claims the alternatives on several pages of their official site, Descartes. They're not made up.
"We are sensitive to dietary restrictions. A crew member would be happy to substitute yogurt for apple slices in any Happy Meal." is seen on no less than three pages in the Q&A section, and on their nutritional information page as well.

Update by Izzy M.
Jul 20, 2012 11:49 am EDT

I don't know what sort of McDonalds you're visiting, Strunk, but where I live, the kids meals are smaller than the adults. They contain four nuggets, while the adult has six, and they include a smaller portion of fries. As I said, I have a small appetite, owing to a gastrointestinal disease, and some times can't even eat that much food.
My only issue, Strunk, is with the breach of company policy to accomodate dietary concerns. This a website specifically created to voice grievances. Why must I have an alternative source of frustration to post here? Is it not possible that I am merely a dissatisfied customer, choosing to voice this dissatisfaction in the only way possible?

Update by Izzy M.
Jul 20, 2012 12:11 pm EDT

Finding a direct link is a little more difficult, as most of the FAQ's come up as mere popups, but if you go here:
http://yourquestions.mcdonalds.ca/
And type 'lactose' or 'yogurt' in the comment bar, then click on one of the three comments I found, of people with similar problems to mine, then you will find the quote.

Update by Izzy M.
Jul 20, 2012 12:18 pm EDT

I've only ever seen 4-piece meals offered in the kids meals, Brenda, but I'll take your word for it. Even with those sizes of nuggets, the adult meals still give me far more fries than I could ever eat. Until they started in with this yogurt without an option business, the Happy Meals were the perfect-sized option for me.

Update by Izzy M.
Jul 20, 2012 12:31 pm EDT

Actually, DSGamby, my boyfriend just called their contact line, and he says they told him it is company policy to recognize and accomodate dietary concerns within the current means available. The representative said the employee was in the wrong for specifically telling me that I could not substitute, and apologized for any inconvenience.

Update by Izzy M.
Jul 20, 2012 1:16 pm EDT

I trust a paid representative to know what is company policy and what is not, more than I trust some stranger on the internet.

Update by Izzy M.
Jul 21, 2012 6:49 am EDT

Tasha, I would like you to provide me with an example of where I behave like a three-year-old. You are the one dragging this entire comment thread offtopic by choosing to insult me, personally, rather than focusing your attention on the topic at hand. Making absurd claims like this, as I said to Descartes, do nothing but make you look like you have no other argumentative skills than to be absurd, which is, in itself, rather childish.

Update by Izzy M.
Jul 21, 2012 10:36 am EDT

Give me a suggestion for another meal the size of the McDonalds chicken nugget happy meal, then, without any yogurt. Because as far as I'm aware, no such meal exists in size and product similarities.
I am not blaming McDonalds as an entity, but this establishment, and the particular employee, for telling me specifically, that I could not substitute what is essentially an inedible product, for something I could eat. No one forced me to throw out the yogurt, and I never said that anyone forced me to do anything, but I was given no other option. And the proof I posted was right there on their websites.
And you still haven't given me specific examples of how I am behaving at the level of a toddler.
If I wrote 'WAHH MCDONALDS IS A BUNCH OF MEANIES' then, yes, I would accept such a criticism, but I've behaved in a manner befitting the adult that I am, and you have yet to give me specific, textual examples of incidents otherwise.

Update by Izzy M.
Jul 21, 2012 11:19 am EDT

It is a small thing to worry about, I will concede that, Ducky, but it does bother me having to throw out food. Not to the point that I would call myself upset or anything, but it still bothers me.

Update by Izzy M.
Jul 21, 2012 11:59 am EDT

I don't think they have the dollar menu in Canada, nor mini meals, as I've never seen them advertised. I'll ask next time I go in, though, and hopefully I'll find an employee better advised than the one who told me I could not substitute my yogurt. Also, it's not so much the purchasing price that I'm focused on, but the size of the portions, themselves.

Update by Izzy M.
Jul 22, 2012 6:54 am EDT

Why don't you two take this off-topic chatter to the email system?

Update by Izzy M.
Jul 22, 2012 11:55 am EDT

Well, here's an alternative to messaging a stranger: Just leave this thread and ignore him. If Paul is asking sexually explicit material of you, then simply file a harassment claim with the website's providers.

Update by Izzy M.
Jul 23, 2012 6:03 pm EDT

I've messaged the website provider regarding some inflammatory comments other users have made, Tasha, and the comments were removed. It even says in the rules that users harassing others, or asking sexually explicit material of them is not allowed. If you messaged them, and had proof of Paul's wrongdoing, then they would indeed do something.
For the record, I'm not accusing anyone of anything. Just offering an avenue to deal with problems people have claimed.
I really don't see why you guys don't just go to another site where you can troll each other, without taking away from the original intent of this website. Might I suggest 4chan?

Update by Izzy M.
Jul 24, 2012 6:23 pm EDT

So I've seen, DIRM.
Pasrof, I may be an adult, but I am not like most adults. I feel the need to reply when people address me and things I have said. Call me crazy.
For the record, though, the comments weren't ones on this thread, but on others I have seen, with people needlessly throwing around racist slurs and the like.
tasha, get some new material. The three-year-old bit is getting staler than your mother's ovaries.

Update by Izzy M.
Jul 26, 2012 2:23 pm EDT

Izzy had to work- that's where she's been. Plus, there's not much else to say here. The discussion of this actual thread ended someone back on page 2. Maybe page 3 if you squint.

Update by Izzy M.
Jul 27, 2012 11:17 pm EDT

You can look it up, Kevin Richards, they started putting yogurt in their happy meals in recent months. Apple slices, too, I guess, are available as a substitution for the small amount of fries they now give you.

Here. I was nice enough to even provide you with news articles about it.
http://www.canada.com/health/McDonald+adds+yogurt+Happy+Meals+cuts+back+fries/5161111/story.html
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2011/07/26/mcdonalds-canada-to-put-_n_909567.html

http://www.mcdonalds.ca/ca/en/menu/meal_bundles/happy_meal.html
The one on the official page even has a picture of the yogurt there, with the rest of the Happy Meal.

Update by Izzy M.
Jul 28, 2012 9:02 pm EDT

And you mispelled his username. What's your point?

Update by Izzy M.
Jul 28, 2012 9:04 pm EDT

And I'm already in a committed relationship with a very nice young man, but thank you for playing Yenta for me, Tasha, all the same. I'm sure you're as wonderful at matchmaking as you are at rhetoric.

Update by Izzy M.
Jul 29, 2012 3:20 pm EDT

"And bazzar has no clue how to spell"

His name has no R in it.

Show me how I have not behaved like an adult. Give me a specific example of dialogue between us or between any other person and I, wherein I have not behaved in a manner befitting an adult.

Update by Izzy M.
Jul 29, 2012 6:23 pm EDT

You gave me examples of nothing, tasha. You've given me examples of things I have not said, or done, and the only instances of mine that you'd provided gave no indication that my age was any less than what I stated it was, and I challenge you to prove otherwise.

Update by Izzy M.
Jul 30, 2012 2:45 pm EDT

I never once said that they forced me to do anything. Their actions caused me to enact an undesirable action of my own, but I never said that they forced me.
And at the time, McDonalds was the most convenient place to stop at. Traffic in my city is terrible right now, and the three possible routes I could take home are slowed down by construction. The McDonalds happens to be on the least terrible stretch, and thus, it was the quickest place to stop to get food. I thought extensively about other places I could have gone, and it proved the best option in the end. Of course, this was before I was aware of the non-optional yogurt. Knowing that, now, I will take that into consideration when choosing a restaurant again, of course.

Update by Izzy M.
Jul 30, 2012 3:14 pm EDT

Who's arguing? I'm merely stating things. Arguments usually require both parties to be angry, and I can assure you that at least one is perfectly calm.

Update by Izzy M.
Jul 31, 2012 2:46 pm EDT

Tasha, I had packed a healthy lunch, and a snack, and ate it already, because I worked for ten hours. Didn't really feel like cooking after that. You'll learn what that's like some day. Although you'll probably be on the other side of the counter from me. Well, at least now you know that your future employers can sub their yogurt with apples.

Update by Izzy M.
Aug 01, 2012 2:10 pm EDT

Tasha, perhaps you should take your own advice, regarding acting your age.

Ramelle, what, exactly, is wrong with my complaint, in your eyes? In what way is it ridiculous? McDonalds has certain policies regarding dietary restrictions, and in this instance, this employee disregarded those policies entirely. That is a legitimate complaint.

Update by Izzy M.
Aug 08, 2012 7:53 am EDT

Pam has a point, though. If people aren't here to discuss the complaint itself, why be here at all? There are much better places on the internet to chat, and even to troll. This is one of the lamest places to do either, really. I don't see how anyone finds this entertaining.

Update by Izzy M.
Aug 08, 2012 11:10 am EDT

Because it's my complaint?

Update by Izzy M.
Aug 08, 2012 12:30 pm EDT

I'm desperately clinging to the hope that maybe, just maybe, people will stray back on topic.

I'm not the one who's trolling here.

Update by Izzy M.
Aug 08, 2012 1:50 pm EDT

You tell me, Brenda. You tell me. At least 11 pages of spam. That's a whole lot of people straying back to a dead topic.

Update by Izzy M.
Aug 08, 2012 4:10 pm EDT

I'm aware, Brenda, but I have to wonder why they keep wandering back to this thread. There are a million other places they could communicate. Why here, of all places?

Update by Izzy M.
Aug 16, 2012 4:11 pm EDT

Jesus, you people really need to go outside once in a while; get some air, maybe. Feels like I'm back in high school, with all of the freshman hardcore wangstas.

Update by Izzy M.
Aug 16, 2012 7:42 pm EDT

This has nothing to do with anything. You people aren't even discussing anything anymore. You're just throwing metaphorical rocks, and it's ridiculous.

Update by Izzy M.
Aug 24, 2012 7:08 pm EDT

Two or three isn't that late at night, tasha. In fact, most people in their twenties shift into a more nocturnal stage, particularly those who end up staying up late to work on college papers and such. I still think nothing of staying up until 4, or 5 AM, working on my thesis. And everyone knows the best TV shows come on after 1.

The fact that you read Pam's posts, and, despite the obvious differences in grammar and formatting, still think we are one in the same- Holy hell that's just hilarious.

Update by Izzy M.
Sep 06, 2012 10:32 am EDT

Referring to me, Drenda, or someone else? I'm still here, checking back on my messages every so often, but I've seen nothing of interest to reply to, and so I haven't.

Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

138 comments
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fizzyrose
Warwickshire, GB
Aug 01, 2012 1:27 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

P--V. Why haven't you been banned yet?!

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Efllkin
Lakeside, US
Aug 01, 2012 5:12 am EDT

Some complaints might be joke/rediculous. But there are some that are very legitimate. But that makes no differences with trolls like Peter J Brockingham, Tasha9 et al...

Ramelle
Ramelle
Weed, US
Jul 31, 2012 9:00 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Most Op's complaints are ridiculous and needn't be posted had they read the T&C's, applied some common sense ans]d weren't such attention [censored]s. Take this complaint for instance, and Pam's about tasha9. How pathetic.

ript
ript
, US
Jul 31, 2012 8:53 pm EDT

Most Op's post a complaint to vent, don't want or require feedback, and never return after their initial post.

PaminOhio
PaminOhio
Brunswick, US
Jul 31, 2012 8:43 pm EDT

LOL Drenda-Maybe more then that!
Maybe once he-she starts school it might calm down.
People come here to share their complaints, ask for help and just need someone to talk to. Some if not most of them kinda hope they can find someone else that may share the same situation as theres and it is nice to talk.
But instead most are attacked once they post their complaint(s).
Its just a shame that a few have to ruin it for the ones that really need help including myself when I made my first complaint/post here.

As much as the good people want this to change it wont and we all know it.

Hope everyone had a great day!
Pam ©

Ramelle
Ramelle
Weed, US
Jul 31, 2012 7:37 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

You are the trolls Venice09.

PaminOhio
PaminOhio
Brunswick, US
Jul 31, 2012 7:23 pm EDT

Nonnie M0use

PaminOhio
PaminOhio
Brunswick, US
Jul 31, 2012 7:22 pm EDT

"You'll learn what that's like some day. Although you'll probably be on the other side of the counter from me."

OMG! I almost peed myself with that post! LMAO That was so good but so true haha
I'm still laughing my ### off, . So much of the truth to this!
You made my nite, thank you.
Izzy, Carry on.
LOL
Pam

PaminOhio
PaminOhio
Brunswick, US
Jul 31, 2012 11:09 am EDT

Sorry, needed to correct my post ;)

PaminOhio
PaminOhio
Brunswick, US
Jul 31, 2012 11:06 am EDT

Izzy, Not worth arguing with tasha9. Been there done it. Attention seeker. My mom told be many years ago, it's not polite to argue with a mentally challenged person. There are MANY nice people here that are willing to be helpful, including the the site administrator.

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Efllkin
Lakeside, US
Jul 31, 2012 10:19 am EDT

I have to agree with tasha on that one.

PaminOhio
PaminOhio
Brunswick, US
Jul 31, 2012 9:45 am EDT

Izzy, I have had my go around with this tasha9 myself. I just think back to what my parents told me when I was younger, don't ever argue with a mentally ###ed kid. Keep that in mind

PaminOhio
PaminOhio
Brunswick, US
Jul 31, 2012 9:43 am EDT

Izzy, I sent you a message.

PaminOhio
PaminOhio
Brunswick, US
Jul 31, 2012 9:29 am EDT

Izzy, I just joined this boad/blog recently myself and had been, on occasion dealing with this person, tasha9. Most of the others I have interacted with have been very pleasent, not to mention helpful.
Izzy-Your posts and comments are valid. I agree that tasha9 has not provided you with any examples.
He/she has also called-said that Im a child and made accusations in public against my husband stating he was sexual predator.
He/she waits for new members and comments/complaints then goes after them without even getting to know the person.
Its all a game with this person.
The more I read his/her (tasha9) rude remarks to new and older members (which most memebers are very nice) the more Im convinced this person has major mental disabilitys. I just try not to in-gage in their raves due to my parents taght me never agrue with mentally ###ed kids.
Izzy, please feel free to post your complaints-you can find help from others here.
Also if you would like you can send me a private message if you want to talk. I have some info you may be intrested in, lol.
Have a wonderful Day!

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Efllkin
Lakeside, US
Jul 31, 2012 7:43 am EDT

Tasha needs to learn to respect other members.

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Sheriff's Aunt
Cambridge, US
Jul 30, 2012 9:00 pm EDT

No one likes Tasha.

Regions Bank Employee
Regions Bank Employee
Honolulu, US
Jul 30, 2012 3:04 pm EDT

Izzy,
Why are you arguing with dumb folks in cyber space. OMG give it a rest already.

NeveragainAmazon
NeveragainAmazon
Sahuarita, US
Jul 30, 2012 11:07 am EDT

Give more examples.

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Efllkin
Lakeside, US
Jul 29, 2012 6:29 pm EDT

Tasha enjoys being the center of Paul Vances attention.

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bazzaa
Cambridge, CA
Jul 29, 2012 5:50 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Hey Tasha you call every one dumb you must be trying to bring every to your level and you must live at home with mom and dad to be able to waste mone food to give away. You call everyone dumb who doesn't agree with you but from what is see i an bull headed child that doesn't know the world just their out little sheltered life that your mom dad give you.

*littleshorty*
*littleshorty*
Tempe, US
Jul 28, 2012 8:54 pm EDT

Tasha! Learn some manners and grow up little boy.

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bazzaa
Cambridge, CA
Jul 28, 2012 7:10 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Tasha has no clue what she is talking about why give it away if I have to pay for something and it is a health issue what ever happened to the customer is always right

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Gino Orlando
Dickson, US
Jul 27, 2012 8:49 pm EDT

"When I asked for a substitution, they said they couldn't do that. When I told them to just not put it in the bag, they said they couldn't do that either."

Here's a solution, you should have told them that that is ### and if they put it in the bag you will take the yogurt out of the bag and shove it up their ###. That's how we deal with these things in US, you Canadians are too polite.

M3C QueenBee
M3C QueenBee
Defiance, US
Jul 25, 2012 8:10 am EDT

Izzy you should post on my3cents. It's a far better class of people.

DIRM74
DIRM74
Albuquerque, US
Jul 24, 2012 6:07 pm EDT

Izzy, complaintsboard is one of most troll-infested sites on the web. It's like the emotional holacaust.

The Lidman Foundation
The Lidman Foundation
Lewisville, US
Jul 24, 2012 1:12 pm EDT

Tasha9 = Irish gal. Brenda is petrified of her.

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Wowza
Denver, US
Jul 24, 2012 1:42 am EDT

Wowza.

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pasrof muppet
, US
Jul 23, 2012 8:47 pm EDT

Most adults just ignore comments and posters they don't agree with. Careful not to swallow and choke on your whistle Izzy.

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Ghost of DocJ
Salem, US
Jul 23, 2012 6:08 pm EDT

Great suggestion Izzy.

raven2010
raven2010
Saint Joseph, US
Jul 22, 2012 7:54 pm EDT

The facts are that you are racist and filled with hate.

raven2010
raven2010
Saint Joseph, US
Jul 22, 2012 7:34 pm EDT

Looks like tasha having a childish temper tantrum just to get attention.

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I am the walrus
, US
Jul 22, 2012 5:51 pm EDT

No I'm Paul. I am he as you are he as you are me and we are all together.
I am the eggman, they are the eggmen. I am the walrus, goo goo g'joob.

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Ghost of DocJ
Salem, US
Jul 22, 2012 8:32 am EDT

You're Lori Drew impersonating teenagers again.

my3cents will never die
my3cents will never die
Bainbridge, US
Jul 21, 2012 7:27 pm EDT

shut it tasha

chocturtle
chocturtle
n/a, US
Jul 21, 2012 1:35 pm EDT

You can order the 4 piece chicken nugget from the dollar menu and it's cheaper than a happy meal.

Dreamlandx314
Dreamlandx314
Houston, US
Jul 21, 2012 12:34 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

hmm... i understand Izzy, thought all franchise have the same foods and portions would be the same, but anyways if not then, just buy the food indivdually that way you wont waste food plus save a few bucks, it wont hurt.

Dreamlandx314
Dreamlandx314
Houston, US
Jul 21, 2012 11:54 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

Perhaps you can buy from the dollar menu, you can buy a side salad or a mcchicken sandwich or a mcdouble add a small fries. Because when you add up the indivdual purchased food, they equal about the same if not a slight bit more in the purchasing price. They also have mini meals for adults now.

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Ducky87
Portland, US
Jul 21, 2012 10:45 am EDT

Izzy, you have behaved like an adult. The McD associate wasn't using his/her brain when he/she insisted that you had to take the yogurt. The only criticism I would have is that perhaps you are over-worried about having to dump a yogurt. I do think they should have substituted another menu item for you (such as the apple slices).

chocturtle
chocturtle
n/a, US
Jul 20, 2012 9:17 pm EDT

Why don't you order the dollar menu 4 piece nugget and small fry. It would be cheaper than the happy meal and you can avoid the yogurt. Problem solved.

The Lidman Foundation
The Lidman Foundation
Lewisville, US
Jul 20, 2012 1:52 pm EDT

Is a cheeseburger without cheese still a cheeseburger?