Special Tastes

The Blue Marble Blog by way of Mother Jones reported on an interesting study which seems to say small children believe McDonald’s food tastes better. The researcher, Tom Robinson of Stanford University states, a child’s sense of taste has been “physically altered by the branding.”

My kids love McDonald’s, as I’m sure yours do. I loved McDonald’s as a child too. I don’t think it has as much to do with the taste of the food as it does with the playground and the symbolism of doing something special. Special as opposed to a tuna or turkey sandwich at home.

My kids don’t prefer McDonalds to Chick-fil-A, which also features a playground and also serves as a special treat. I, however, do prefer McDonalds because I think they have cheap healthy options. I am most likely to visit Mickey D’s when I am running errands and don’t have time to go home to eat. The chicken wraps are yummy, cheap and healthier than most fast food options.

Overseas though is a whole different story. If you’ve ever been outside the United States you know McDonalds tastes exactly like America.