Daily Dirt: McFlurry Flavors Take Different Forms Around the World

The garlic and onion in those Brunei McFlurries may be questionable. Jus’ sayin’ … Welcome to today’s three thoughts that make up Vol. 1,777 of The Daily Dirt.

1. The McFlurry will never be found among the dietary choices of someone seriously trying to lose weight.

That, however, does not mean it’s not among my regular choices when I visit the Golden Arches. The high amounts of sugar, fat and calories — with very few nutrients — be damned!

McDonald’s struck gold in 1998 when it introduced the McFlurry to its full-time U.S. menu with five original flavors: Oreo, M&Ms, Butterfinger, Nestle’s Crunch and Snickers. Oreo and M&Ms remain from those original five flavors. 

The McFlurry has become one of McDonald’s true international hits, with numerous unique flavors found in specific regions around the world. The McFlurry is often underrated, but never underappreciated. 

If you’re ever visiting any of the ensuing regions, you might consider checking out its most popular style of McFlurry:

Italy: Pistachio

Slovakia: Cookie Butter.

Vietnam, Japan: Green Tea

South Korea: Strawberry.

Estonia: Nutella. (Oh those crazy Estonians …)

Trinidad and Tobago: M&M/Oreo crossover.

Paraguay: Brownie.

New Zealand: Cookie Monster.

Brunei: Durian. (Brunei is a tiny nation on the island of Borneo, in two distinct sections surrounded by Malaysia and the South China Sea, Durian tastes like a rich, sweet,and velvety custard with complex savory undertones of almond, caramel, garlic and onion.)

The Netherlands: Stroopwafel. (Stroopwafel is a vanilla soft serve mixed with sweet caramel sauce and crispy bits of traditional Dutch stroopwafel cookies.)

Spain: Donettes. (Think doughnuts and hot fudge.)

Switzerland: Torino. (Crunchy almonds and chocolate).

Canada: Cadbury Creme Egg. (I am told eating/drinking one of these and you can literally feel your waist expand.)

2. Did you know (Part 876)

• — That the “Bourne Identity” was originally going to be made in the early 1980s with Burt Reynolds playing Jason Bourne.
• — That among the things introduced at 1893 World’s Fair in Chicago were Juicy Fruit chewing gum, Pabst Blue Ribbon beer, Quaker Oats and Cracker Jack.
• — That a “mumpsimus” is a person who stubbornly sticks to wrong beliefs.
• — That in the fall of 1987, among the most popular movies were “Lethal Weapon,” “Some Kind Of Wonderful,” “Platoon,” “Angel Heart,” “Hoosiers” and “Tin Men”.
• — That some of the top country hits 36 years ago today were: “Friends In Low Places” by Garth Brooks, “Dumas Walker” by the Kentucky Headhunters, “Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow” by Alan Jackson, “Love Without End Amen” by George Strait, “Nobody’s Home” by Clint Black, “Country Club” by Travis Tritt, “You Lied” by Reba McIntire, “You Really Had Me Goin'” by Holly Dunn and “Love Can Build A Bridge” by The Judds.

3. Appalachian Word of the Day: Budweiser.

“Yeah, she’s really sweet and I like her, Budweiser voice sound like that?”

Steve Thought O’ The Day – Interestingly, the McFlurry was actually invented at a Canadian McDonald’s franchise three years before it reached the U.S. market.