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It's astounding how imaginative people can be when it comes to fast-food. But a rumbling belly obviously gets the creative juices flowing. To get you in the mood for food, Bored Panda has collected some of the most imaginative McDonald's hacks that people have shared online.

Check out the creative ‘McHacks' that people have come up with, upvote your favorites, and share the ones that you personally know in the comments, dear Pandas. From delicious (and surprising) food combos to tips on how to eat without creating a mess and how to save a bit of money, hopefully, these hacks will make your next trip to a Golden Arches restaurant more (ful)filling.

Bored Panda spoke about McDonald’s hacks and how to save on food costs when you're craving takeaways with Jake Butler from 'Save the Student,' a British organization that advises students on how to make their money go further. Scroll down for our interview with him.

#1

If You're Craving Something Sweet With Your Coffee, Try Adding Espresso In A Vanilla Milkshake

If You're Craving Something Sweet With Your Coffee, Try Adding Espresso In A Vanilla Milkshake

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Pseudo Puppy
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

ie the McDonalds version of an affogato... it's been done for generations throughout europe. (yum!!)

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#2

This Isn't Very Nice To Do, But Cold Fries Are Icky

This Isn't Very Nice To Do, But Cold Fries Are Icky

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80 Van
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What is evil about this? They made batches of fries all day long, so a special order batch at most could delay you getting fries, but it won’t make their job any harder.

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#3

An Order Of Soft Baked Cookies + An Oreo Mcflurry = Perfect Ice Cream Sandwiches

An Order Of Soft Baked Cookies + An Oreo Mcflurry = Perfect Ice Cream Sandwiches

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Jake from Save the Student told us that, in his opinion, the best McDonald’s hack would be to create your own Big Mac for £1.49. 

“All you need to do is go to the self-service kiosk and find the £1.49 Double Cheeseburger. Then customize it by adding shredded lettuce, onions, pickles, mustard, and mayonnaise. It isn't too far off the taste of a big mac. As an extra tip, make sure you save the receipt and follow the instructions to fill out a survey. This will give you a voucher for a big mac and fries for £1.99 the next time you eat at McDonald’s.”

However, Bored Panda wanted to find out about homecooked alternatives to fast-food in order to save money. While it might sound obvious, the best way to save on fast-food and takeaways is simply not to buy them, said Jake. However, this doesn’t mean that you have to resolve to live a life of just healthy and nutritious food from now on.

#4

Eating A Big Mac (Or Any Burger, Really) Inside Of A Fries Container Ensures That Any Slippage Will Be Successfully Caught

Eating A Big Mac (Or Any Burger, Really) Inside Of A Fries Container Ensures That Any Slippage Will Be Successfully Caught

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Troux
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pro tip: Instead of the normal burger-holding method of 4 fingers on top and one thumb on the bottom, put your thumb AND pinky on the bottom to keep the back of the burger closed. Saves SOOOO much spillage.

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#5

Instead Of Ordering A Sausage Egg Mcmuffin, Order A Normal Sausage Mcmuffin And Add An Egg To Save Some Dollars.

Instead Of Ordering A Sausage Egg Mcmuffin, Order A Normal Sausage Mcmuffin And Add An Egg To Save Some Dollars.

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#6

If You're On The Go, You Can Use This Little Trick To Eat One-Handed

If You're On The Go, You Can Use This Little Trick To Eat One-Handed

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“The good news is that you can easily recreate your favorites at home for a fraction of the price. It's much healthier this way too. Google is definitely your friend here as you can find fakeaway recipes from a number of sites. During the lockdown, McDonald’s even released instructions on how to make their famous breakfast egg McMuffin at home,” he said.

“The good news is that the ingredients for most of these recipes aren't too pricey and you can still hunt for bargains to make the dish cheaper. Buying in bulk is always a winner too when it comes to saving money so it's a great idea to get together with friends and maybe take it in turns to make your favorite fakeaways.”

Jake pointed out that seasoning is essential when creating a fake takeaway. “Salt and pepper won't break the bank, but they can make or break a meal. Don't forget that sugar can take a dish to the next level too.”

#7

Make Your Apple Pie A Little Bit Fancier By Adding Some Soft Serve On The Side

Make Your Apple Pie A Little Bit Fancier By Adding Some Soft Serve On The Side

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Mel
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I worked at McDonald's mid-90's, they had a dessert feature called Apple Pie ala Mode and it was an apple pie on a plate, between two ice cream swirls and all covered in caramel sauce. It was pretty popular. I don't know why they got rid of it.

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#9

Create Your Own Mcbrunch By Ordering Hotcakes And A Kid's Meal Fruit Bag To Make Your Own "Crepes!"

Create Your Own Mcbrunch By Ordering Hotcakes And A Kid's Meal Fruit Bag To Make Your Own "Crepes!"

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It's always cheaper and healthier to cook at home when you're on a tight budget. However, you sometimes get a craving for fast-food that you just can't ignore. So you head on over to your local Mickey D's (or Macca's, or McDo).

We're sure that fast-food restaurant employees do their best to make sure that the food's high quality and fresh. But let's be realists—fast-food is fast-food and you shouldn't expect Michelin-star level nosh when you order a cheeseburger at 5 in the morning on a Sunday. However, there are some things that you can do to ensure that the food is as fresh and tasty as possible.

#10

Little Tip From An Ex-Mcworker: Order A Double Espresso With A Mocha Frappé For An Extra Kick. Have Them Pour It In Just Before Mixing

Little Tip From An Ex-Mcworker: Order A Double Espresso With A Mocha Frappé For An Extra Kick. Have Them Pour It In Just Before Mixing

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Moopenheimer
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The german word for ALMOST is FAST. And instantly Fast Food reveals it's real meaning. I'll never understand who people can treat themselves and their kids with this junk on a regularly basis. We bought them a burger and a soft drink on special occasions. But that's it.

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#11

Instead Of Ordering A Regular Chicken Biscuit, Get It With Mcgriddle Bread Instead

Instead Of Ordering A Regular Chicken Biscuit, Get It With Mcgriddle Bread Instead

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#12

You Can Get A Burger That Tastes Just Like A Big Mac (And Save $$$) When You Order A Mcdouble With Fewer Condiments, But Add Big Mac Sauce

You Can Get A Burger That Tastes Just Like A Big Mac (And Save $$$) When You Order A Mcdouble With Fewer Condiments, But Add Big Mac Sauce

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One hack that a lot of you Hungry Pandas out there know is to ask for french fries (or chips if you're on the British side of the Atlantic pond) without any salt. That way, you should get a fresh and hot serving of fries, especially for you.

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You can achieve the same result when you ask for a burger without an ingredient. Say, without pickles. You'll get a fresh burger made by the chef and not one that's been sitting there for a few minutes, waiting to be eaten by the next ravenous customer.

If you're feeling especially courageous, you can always be upfront and simply ask for a fresh batch of fries or a new burger without any mind games. Sometimes, the best hack is straight-up honesty.

#13

Side Caesar With 2 Grilled Chicken Breasts. I Order On The Touch Screen Menu And Customize The Side Caesar. Comes Out To $8

Side Caesar With 2 Grilled Chicken Breasts. I Order On The Touch Screen Menu And Customize The Side Caesar. Comes Out To $8

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80 Van
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I really think you can get a better Caesar salad for $8 at other places.

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#14

And Since Breakfast Is Served All Day, You Can Absolutely Add An Egg To That Burger

And Since Breakfast Is Served All Day, You Can Absolutely Add An Egg To That Burger

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#15

Add A Soft Serve Cone On Top Of A Frozen Coke Or Root Beer To Make A Float

Add A Soft Serve Cone On Top Of A Frozen Coke Or Root Beer To Make A Float

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#17

Animal-Style Fries? Psh. Try Ordering Fries With Big Mac Special Sauce On Top!

Animal-Style Fries? Psh. Try Ordering Fries With Big Mac Special Sauce On Top!

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JuJu
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I see this pic, I know exactly why I dislike McD so strongly.

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#18

Hash Browns Instead Of English Muffin

Hash Browns Instead Of English Muffin

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#19

And Adding Chicken Nuggets To Your Own Bed Of Lettuce Makes For A Great Chicken Salad

And Adding Chicken Nuggets To Your Own Bed Of Lettuce Makes For A Great Chicken Salad

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Láďa Durchánek
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Tough choice between this and not going to McDonald’s at all and spending 10 minutes by frying a nice piece of REAL chicken meat.

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#20

A Double Cheeseburger, Mcchicken With Mack Sauce, Remove Bottom Buns, And Smush Together. Extra Cheese Optional

A Double Cheeseburger, Mcchicken With Mack Sauce, Remove Bottom Buns, And Smush Together. Extra Cheese Optional

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#21

Need A Sauce Holder While Driving? A Mcflurry Lid Will Come In Handy Here

Need A Sauce Holder While Driving? A Mcflurry Lid Will Come In Handy Here

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#22

Here Is A Great Quick Keto Breakfast On The Go At Mc Donald’s. Order 2 Sausage Patties, 2 Slices Of Cheese And 2 Round Eggs On A Plate

Here Is A Great Quick Keto Breakfast On The Go At Mc Donald’s. Order 2 Sausage Patties, 2 Slices Of Cheese And 2 Round Eggs On A Plate

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80 Van
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Keto hack: if you’re #livingtheketolife, avoid eating at McDonald’s.

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#23

McDonald's Hacks

McDonald's Hacks

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M.J.
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How about feeding your children with healthy food and not McDonald's stuff...

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#24

Nasi Lemak Burger Is Back And One Hack I Learnt From A Colleague Is To Ask Them For Special Order Of Extra Sambal!

Nasi Lemak Burger Is Back And One Hack I Learnt From A Colleague Is To Ask Them For Special Order Of Extra Sambal!

"So you need to order this over the counter instead of the kiosk. And the $9.40 set includes the banana pie. Without it is just $8. And you can change the fries for cup of corn instead FOC. I love sambal and the extra sauce makes this juicier... don’t worry, their sambal isn’t spicy at all but this can get messy so make sure you have a box of wet wipes handy"

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#25

Chicken Parm Sandwhich = Plain Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Sandwhich Add 3 Mozzarella Cheese Sicks And A Container Of Mariana Sauce On Top... Enjoy

Chicken Parm Sandwhich = Plain Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Sandwhich Add 3 Mozzarella Cheese Sicks And A Container Of Mariana Sauce On Top... Enjoy

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#26

Getting To Mcdonald’s For Bang On 10:30 For A Double Cheeseburger With Hash Brown

Getting To Mcdonald’s For Bang On 10:30 For A Double Cheeseburger With Hash Brown

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#27

Just Created Of The Double Chocolate Pie Mcflurry

Just Created Of The Double Chocolate Pie Mcflurry

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#28

I Tell You One Thing I Really Do Miss Is A Dirty Sausage And Egg Mcmuffin After An Even Dirtier Set Of Night Shifts

I Tell You One Thing I Really Do Miss Is A Dirty Sausage And Egg Mcmuffin After An Even Dirtier Set Of Night Shifts

"However, I found my new alternative by getting the Muffin with only Cheese and banging a Hashbrown in the middle God it is the most divine thing your lips have tasted after finishing a night shift and you’re hungry and you’re tired and...
Tip: They tried charging me full whack for the Muffin and Cheese until I questionned it and the manager advised to put it through as dips. Make sure you’re double checking the price when you’re getting Maccies baps without the Meat"

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Brandon Booth
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3 years ago

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Did an australian write this? It's like 90% regular english, then random words thrown in that make no sense. "Full whack"? "Put it through as dips"? "Maccies baps"? I have no idea what I just read. Also, no where does it explain what an actual dirty sausage egg and cheese mcmuffin is. Not to mention the "hack" is s****y anyways. And English muffin with cheese and a hash brown? My mouth feels like sandpaper just thinking about how dry that must be

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#30

McDonald's Hack No.135: Just Add Bacon

McDonald's Hack No.135: Just Add Bacon

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80 Van
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I mean...the term “hack” is used very loosely in this one.

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Note: this post originally had 35 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.