McDonald’s in Canada and the US have many similar menu items, but how similar are they in flavour? One Canadian decided to taste-test several items.
Joseph DeBenedictis is an Ontario-based stand-up comedian and content creator. He lived in the US for three years and often shares videos in which he compares the many differences between Canada and the US, from snacks to ordering milk or cream with coffee.
Previously, DeBenedictis compared Tim Hortons in Canada to Tim Hortons in the US with surprising results. Now, he is crossing the border to compare another popular chain: McDonald’s.
“Today, I’m trying American vs. Canadian McDonald’s McCrispy chicken sandwiches, fries, iced tea,” says DeBenedictis on TikTok. “Gonna try them all to see which country has the better McDonald’s.”
McDonald’s fries
@josephdebenedictis/TikTok
First up: the McDonald’s french fries.
Aside from the tiny red maple leaf logo on the Canadian packaging, both look similar. But what about the texture and flavour?
“First, let’s try the fries. Canadian ones first,” says DeBenedictis. “It’s what I’m used to: salty.”
He then tries the American french fries and looks unimpressed.
“The Canadian ones are a little more firm, a little more crispy,” he observes. “[The American ones] are a little more flimsy. For the fries, Canada wins: 1-0.”
McCrispy chicken sandwich
@josephdebenedictis/TikTok
DeBenedictis says he paid US$8.69 (C$12.51) for a McCrispy sandwich in the US, but the same sandwich was significantly cheaper in Canada, at C$7.08.
One of the main differences he observes is the condiments.
He says that the McCrispy chicken sandwich in the US doesn’t have lettuce but comes with pickles and sauce, while the Canadian one does include sauce and lettuce.
At first, DeBenedictis finds himself leaning toward the American version but decides that the McCrispy sandwich doesn’t quite live up to its name.
“It’s kind of soft. The spice level’s nice; it’s not extremely spicy,” he shares. “Something about the pickle and the sauce doesn’t mix well.”
He then turns his attention to the Canadian McCrispy.
“Maybe the lettuce is the way to go,” he says. “Okay, let’s see. Definitely seems bigger. Okay, that is considerably better. The chicken is thicker and more juicy. Sauce tastes better, and it works better with the lettuce. Mmm, damn, that’s good and crispier. That is a win. That’s 2-0 for Canada. Wow.”
Iced tea
@josephdebenedictis/TikTok
DeBenedictis then tries some iced tea to “cleanse the palate.”
“That is so good,” he says of the American iced tea. “Much more of a natural sweet tea that the US is known for. I really appreciate that.”
He believes the Canadian version is the standard Nestea.
“But then compared to [the Canadian one], this is so much better. The Americans get a point: it’s 2-1,” he states.
Conclusion
After comparing three McDonald’s menu items, there’s a clear winner for DeBenedictis.
“Canada, still winning the McDonald’s game in my mind,” he shares.
Have you noticed a difference between McDonald’s in the US vs. Canada? Let us know in the comments.