Why is McDonald's Hot Fudge So Good? (2024)

Dan Myers|

McDonald's hot fudge sundaes are a legitimate treat, one of the best desserts on their menu. And with 330 calories and 9 grams of fat, they're not that bad for you, either. But what makes them taste so good, exactly?

Here are the ingredients in McDonald's hot fudge topping, according to their website: sugar, water, sweetened condensed skim milk, hydrogenated palm kernel oil, nonfat milk, cocoa, corn syrup, salt, disodium phosphate, potassium sorbate, artificial flavor, soy lecithin, and polyglycerol esters of fatty acids.

Ignoring "polyglycerol esters of fatty acids" for the time being (we'd rather not even think about what those are), there's one ingredient lurking in there that might be the culprit for why McDonald's hot fudge is so good. That culprit is the sweetened condensed milk. One of a pastry chef's best friends, this is often the secret ingredient in lots of fudgy things, from dulce de leche to Key lime pie to, well, fudge. It's definitely something you should be baking with, if you aren't already.

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Why is McDonald's Hot Fudge So Good? (2024)

FAQs

Why is McDonald's hot fudge so good? ›

Ignoring "polyglycerol esters of fatty acids" for the time being (we'd rather not even think about what those are), there's one ingredient lurking in there that might be the culprit for why McDonald's hot fudge is so good. That culprit is the sweetened condensed milk.

Why does fudge taste so good? ›

Fudge is a type of confectionery made with sugar, butter, and milk that often includes cocoa powder or melted chocolate. It has a creamy texture and can be flavored with various ingredients such as nuts, fruits, or spices. Fudge may also contain marshmallow creme or condensed milk to give it an even richer flavor.

What is McDonald's hot fudge made of? ›

View Ingredients and Allergens

Ingredients: Sugars (sugar, glucose syrup), Water, Milk ingredients, Hydrogenated palm kernel oil or hydrogenated coconut oil, Cocoa, Salt, Disodium phosphate, Potassium sorbate, Natural flavour (plant source), Polyglycerol esters of fatty acids, Soy lecithin.

Does McDonald's hot fudge have gluten? ›

Shakes (chocolate, vanilla and strawberry), sundaes (hot fudge and hot caramel) and the McFlurry with M&M's candies are all gluten free. (There is also a McFlurry option with Oreo cookies.

What is the most unhealthy food at McDonald's? ›

6 Unhealthy Menu Items At McDonalds That Really Pack On The Calories
  • McCafé Frappes. ...
  • Milkshakes. ...
  • Hotcakes And Sausages. ...
  • Soda. ...
  • Southwest Buttermilk Crispy Chicken Salad. ...
  • Shamrock Shakes.
Oct 4, 2023

Why does hot fudge taste different than chocolate? ›

Hot fudge is made by boiling together cream, sugar, chocolate, and sometimes butter—the traditional ingredients for fudge—into what is essentially just an undercooked, unset version of the confection. It differs from plain old chocolate sauce by virtue of being gooier and more viscous.

What do McDonald's use for their hot chocolate? ›

Ingredients: Sugar, Allergen Ingredient: Skimmed MILK, 10% Fat Reduced Cocoa, Vegetable Oil (Palm), Whey Powder (Allergen Ingredient: MILK), Salt, Stabiliser (Trisodium Citrate), Flavouring, Emulsifier (Allergen Ingredient: SOYA Lecithin).

What is hot fudge sauce made of? ›

Heat Ingredients: Combine sugar, light corn syrup, heavy cream, salt and water to a saucepan and stir well. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring well. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla. Add Chocolate Mixture: Pour the chocolate mixture into the syrup and stir until smooth.

What is McDonald's ice cream made of? ›

Ingredients: Milk, Sugar, Cream, Corn Syrup, Natural Flavor, Mono And Diglycerides, Cellulose Gum, Guar Gum, Carrageenan, Vitamin A Palmitate.

Does McFlurry have eggs? ›

McDonald's ice cream does not contain egg (the milk in the ice cream is pasteurised).

What is gf at McDonald's? ›

The items on our menu that are free from ingredients containing gluten include our French Fries, which are cooked in dedicated fryers using a non-hydrogenated vegetable oil; Hash Browns; Fruit Bags; Carrot Sticks and Shaker Side Salad® with Balsamic Dressing; as well as some McFlurry® desserts, such as the Crunchie and ...

Why does McDonald's ice cream taste so good? ›

According to the site, the soft texture of the ice cream is half the solution, created from a "special combination of ingredients" including "powdered milk, sugar, cream, glucose and emulsifiers." They also note that the replacement of glucose for some sugar gives it a less cloyingly sweet flavor.

Is hot fudge actually fudge? ›

In fact, hot fudge sauce is just a fudge that never sets! Cream or milk, sugar, and butter are slowly boiled down until slightly thickened and light caramel-colored.

What makes hot fudge taste different? ›

Hot fudge is made by boiling together cream, sugar, chocolate, and sometimes butter—the traditional ingredients for fudge—into what is essentially just an undercooked, unset version of the confection. It differs from plain old chocolate sauce by virtue of being gooier and more viscous.

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