McDonald’s scraps popular soft drink Sprite from Australian menu

Macca’s has axed a popular soft drink from its menu, replacing it with the “no sugar” version in a move that has angered some fans.

Popular food blogger Russ Eats revealed Sprite was no longer on sale in a “devastating” video shared to social media on Tuesday.

“Over the last couple of weeks I have had comments posted on my TikTok that they had noticed Maccas only had Sprite Zero,” Russ told news.com.au.

“So I thought I would go straight to the source for the truth.”

In the clip, Russ – a popular foodie from Newcastle, NSW – heads to his nearest McDonald’s drive-through following a tip-off and can be seen ordering a medium Sprite.

While the server takes his order without a flinch, Russ notices the drink goes through as the no sugar version.

“Do you have a normal Sprite, that says Sprite Zero on the screen,” he points out.

The McDonald’s employee can then be heard explaining the popular burger franchise no longer sells regular Sprite.

“We’ve only got Sprite no sugar, sorry,” she says.

Russ then presses the employee to find out if the “normal stuff” will be returning, but she reveals: “We’re not bringing it back.”

McDonald’s has since confirmed the sad news exclusively to news.com.au, explaining the burger giant was looking forward to hearing what customer’s think.

“McDonald’s Australia has recently moved to Sprite No Sugar across its restaurants nationwide,” a spokesperson said.

“We look forward to hearing customer feedback on the new beverage option.”

Social media users have already been expressing their thoughts, and mostly, it appeared to be feelings of anger.

“NOOO. McDonald’s Sprite was the best drink,” one said.

“They removed the best drink,” another wrote.

“MACCAS SPRITE WAS HEAVEN AND THEY WENT AND MADE IT HELL,” a third said.

“What’s everyone gonna do to fix their hangover now? We need the little sugar rush,” another pointed out.

Others argued it would make more sense to offer both beverages, asking: “Why can’t they have both options so people can make the decision themselves?”

Meanwhile some welcomed the change, stating: “Sprite Zero tastes better anyway.”

According to Russ, McDonald’s began trialling the switch a few months ago before recently rolling it out nationally.

The food blogger is not happy about the change, claiming Macca’s has “done the dirty” on its customers and describing the no sugar version as tasting highly unappealing.

“My main disappointment isn’t the fact they don’t give us the choice of both Sprites when we have THREE coke choices???, but the fact that they didn’t tell me it was the no sugar version when I ordered,” he told news.com.au.

“Macca’s is one of the only places where I indulge in full sugar soft drink.

“It’s more of a ‘why not’ when having a greasy double Quarter Pounder as the harm is already done so a bit of sugar won’t hurt.”