Customers across Australia are experiencing a surprising revelation at their local McDonald's drive-thrus, where they can purchase full 2-litre bottles of milk alongside their usual fast food orders. This little-known service has left many families astonished by its convenience and value.
The Origins of an Unusual Offering
The fast food giant initially introduced essential grocery items including milk, eggs, and bread at select drive-thru locations during the height of the Covid-19 lockdowns in 2020. This move was designed to help Australians cope with grocery shortages and reduce shopping trips during pandemic restrictions.
While many assumed these emergency measures had ended with the pandemic, numerous McDonald's outlets across the country have quietly continued offering household staples, particularly milk in various forms including full cream, soy, and almond varieties.
A Midnight Discovery Goes Viral
Queensland father Aaron McDonald and his wife recently shared a viral video documenting their late-night milk run to a McDonald's drive-thru. The footage shows Aaron casually requesting "a 2L milk please" through the intercom, with the employee confirming "Yes, full cream?" before handing over the $3.50 bottle through the window.
"When you run out of milk at midnight in Australia..." the video caption read, capturing a scenario familiar to many parents facing unexpected household shortages outside regular shopping hours.
The 'Pro Tip' That Changed Family Shopping
Aaron revealed to Daily Mail that he first discovered this "secret" service during the Covid lockdowns several years ago. "When I first discovered you could just grab a 2L bottle of milk through the drive-thru window, I thought it was a total game-changer," he explained.
"I've been using this 'pro tip' ever since, especially when I'm commuting to or from work. The beauty of it is the pure convenience," Aaron continued. "If you've ever had kids strapped into car seats, you know the absolute nightmare of unbuckling everyone and dragging them into a grocery store just for one item. Doing a 'milk run' without ever leaving the driver's seat felt like winning a trophy."
Family Reactions and Social Media Frenzy
The Queensland dad, who documents his Filipino-Australian family life on social media, said his wife was initially skeptical about the unusual offering. "She was absolutely floored - she couldn't believe it was that easy. She immediately said, 'We have to go try this right now'," Aaron recalled.
His viral video has amassed over 8.5 million views, with thousands of Australians expressing their surprise in the comments. "No way! This is the best thing ever," one viewer exclaimed, while another commented, "I was today years old when I learned this."
Many noted the competitive pricing, with McDonald's charging just $3.50 for a 2L bottle of full cream milk compared to supermarket prices that can reach $4.50. "That's surprisingly cheap considering it's Norco," one observer pointed out, referencing the quality dairy brand.
The Caveats and Limitations
Despite the excitement, Aaron cautioned that not every McDonald's location offers this service. "What makes this a 'treasured secret' is that not every McDonald's offers it. It's not always on the main menu boards, so you have to be 'in the know'," he explained.
Some customers have reported mixed experiences when attempting to order milk. "Last time I did this, they told me they 'don't sell milk and never have' - it was very embarrassing," one social media user shared, highlighting the inconsistent availability across different outlets.
The milk doesn't appear on standard McDonald's menus, requiring customers to specifically inquire with drive-thru staff about availability. "Once you find your local Macca's that stocks the 2L bottles, and is prepared to sell them, it honestly feels like finding gold," Aaron described. "It's that rare intersection of a bargain and a massive time-saver that every busy Aussie family needs."
Alternative Perspectives and Long-Time Users
While some questioned why customers wouldn't simply visit petrol stations for milk, many responded that McDonald's offers better value and convenience. "Why would we pay more and have to walk in?" one commenter argued, while another added, "Plus the servo doesn't have McFlurries and chicken nuggets."
Interestingly, some Australians revealed they've been utilizing this service for years. "It's been my favourite life hack. Now it's gonna be sold out half the time," one long-time user lamented, concerned that the viral exposure might lead to shortages.
Daily Mail has contacted McDonald's Australia for official comment regarding the continuation of this drive-thru grocery service and its availability across their national network of restaurants.
