If you’ve popped into your local Macca’s lately and thought, ‘Hang on, something looks a bit different about my drink,’ you’re not imagining things.
McDonald’s Australia is quietly rolling out a major change to its cold drink lids, and it’s all in the name of sustainability, with a few unexpected perks for customers, too.
Let’s set the scene: you’re treating yourself (or the grandkids) to a classic Frozen Coke and fries after a busy day.
You reach for your drink and notice the lid isn’t the familiar opaque plastic with the straw hole smack-bang in the middle. Instead, it’s a clear, shiny lid with the straw slot off to the side. What’s going on?
A new lid on the block
This isn’t just a random design tweak. McDonald’s is trialling new rPET (that’s recycled polyethylene terephthalate, for the science buffs among us) lids in select stores across NSW and Queensland.
The goal? To ensure that by the end of 2025, 100 per cent of their guest packaging comes from renewable, recycled, or certified sources.
It’s a big step for the fast-food giant, and one that’s already getting noticed by eagle-eyed customers.
A McDonald’s spokesperson explained, ‘You may have noticed a new lid on your cold drinks! As part of our commitments to 100 per cent of our guest packaging coming from renewable, recycled, or certified sources by the end of 2025, we are currently trialling rPET lids in some restaurants across NSW and QLD for the next few weeks.’
What’s different—and why it matters
So, what’s actually changed? The new lids are made from recycled materials, are completely clear, and feature a straw slot on the side rather than the centre. This might sound like a small detail, but it’s already winning fans.
For one, the clear design means you can instantly see what drink you’ve been given—no more mystery sips or having to pop the lid to check if you got blueberry or raspberry.
For those of us who like to savour our drinks (and let’s be honest, paper straws don’t always go the distance), the side slot means you can remove the straw and sip straight from the lid, takeaway coffee-style. It’s a little thing, but it makes a big difference for slow sippers.
Let’s not forget the environmental impact. By switching to rPET, McDonald’s is reducing its reliance on virgin plastics and giving a second life to materials that might otherwise end up in landfills.
It’s a win for the planet and for those of us who want to leave a lighter footprint for the next generation.
What are customers saying?
Feedback so far is positive—at least from the ‘in-house’ focus group of one family’s two kids. The daughter loves the versatility of the new lid, and the son declared them ‘fire’ (which, for those not up on the latest lingo, means ‘very good’).
The clear lid also means you can keep an eye on how much drink you have left, which is handy if you’re sharing or just want to pace yourself.
For those of us who remember when McDonald’s first introduced paper straws (and the collective groan that followed), this feels like a step in the right direction.
The new lids are not only better for the environment, but they’re also more practical for everyday use.
A broader trend in fast food
McDonald’s isn’t alone in making these changes. Across Australia, major food and beverage brands are rethinking their packaging in response to growing consumer demand for sustainability.
From compostable coffee cups to reusable cutlery, the industry is in the midst of a green revolution.
It’s a reminder that even small changes, like a new lid, can add up to a big difference when millions of drinks are served every year.
What’s next?
The rPET lids are currently being trialled in select locations, but if feedback remains positive, you can expect to see them rolled out across more stores later this year.
McDonald’s is actively seeking customer feedback during this trial period, so if you have thoughts (good or bad), don’t be shy about letting them know.
What do you think?
Have you tried the new McDonald’s drink lids yet? Do you love the clear design, or are you nostalgic for the old-school opaque lids? And how important is sustainable packaging to you when choosing where to eat out? We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences—share your comments below and join the conversation!
After all, it’s the little things that make a big difference—whether it’s a new lid on your favourite Frozen Coke, or a small step towards a greener future. Cheers to that!
Also read: Macca’s rolls out hot cross bun desserts just in time for Easter
