McDonald’s offers smoothies in a variety of convenient sizes to meet the needs of all customers. Understanding the available sizes can help you decide which smoothie to order based on your thirst level or dietary preferences. The most common sizes for McDonald’s smoothies are small, medium, and large. Some locations may also offer extra large smoothies.
Small Smoothie
The small McDonald’s smoothie comes in a 12 ounce cup. This provides a lighter, more modest portion for customers who want just a taste or are watching their calorie intake. The small size has between 210-270 calories, depending on the flavor. This makes it a sensible mini-meal or snack. The small smoothie is a great option if you want something sweet but don’t need a huge serving.
Medium Smoothie
McDonald’s medium smoothies are served in 16 ounce cups. This mid-range size gives you more volume than the small but less than the large. The medium delivers between 280-360 calories, varying based on which smoothie variety you choose. The medium is popular among customers who want a satisfying drink without overdoing it on the portion size. It’s enough to quench your thirst on a hot day or accompany a meal.
Large Smoothie
For maximum smoothie indulgence, customers can order the large size. McDonald’s large smoothies come in 24 ounce cups. They contain between 420-540 calories each, again depending on the recipe. The large smoothie is great for sharing or when you want something ultra-refreshing with all the flavors. This size is also ideal for very active customers who need more calories and nutrients. If you have a big appetite or thirst, the large smoothie will satisfy it.
Extra Large Smoothie
Some McDonald’s locations offer extra large 32 ounce smoothies. These provide the biggest smoothie portion on the menu, with 560-720 calories each. Extra large smoothies are great for sharing among 2-3 people. They’re also a smart choice if you’ll be physically active and require the extra hydration and energy. But the extra large is probably too much smoothie for one person in most scenarios.
Smoothie Nutrition Information
| Smoothie | Small (12 oz) | Medium (16 oz) | Large (24 oz) | Extra Large (32 oz) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strawberry Banana | 210 calories | 280 calories | 420 calories | 560 calories |
| Mango Pineapple | 230 calories | 310 calories | 460 calories | 620 calories |
| McDonaldland Cookies | 270 calories | 360 calories | 540 calories | 720 calories |
This table provides the calorie counts for small, medium, large, and extra large sizes of popular McDonald’s smoothie flavors. As you can see, the calorie content scales up as the size increases. Use this to help choose the right smoothie size based on your calorie needs and tastes.
Why the Range of Sizes?
McDonald’s offers smoothies in different sizes to cater to diverse customer preferences. Some customers want a small, sensible smoothie serving. Others have big appetites or need extra hydration and nutrition from a large or extra large. The range of sizes allows customers to get just the right amount of smoothie to suit their circumstances. It helps maximize customer satisfaction.
Smoothie Ingredients by Size
Although the smoothie sizes have different volumes, the ingredients remain generally the same. All sizes contain real fruit purees and juices as the base. Here are some of the main ingredients in a McDonald’s strawberry banana smoothie, for example:
- Strawberry puree
- Banana puree
- Apple juice concentrate
- Low fat yogurt
- Ice
The larger sizes simply contain more of these ingredients. So you get a greater amount of fruit flavors and nutrients as you go up in size. The extra large strawberry banana smoothie has over twice the ingredients of the small version.
Tips for Choosing Your Smoothie Size
Here are some tips to help determine which smoothie size is right for you:
- If you want a light snack, stick to the small size.
- Get a medium or large smoothie with your meal combo for balanced nutrition.
- Split an extra large smoothie with a friend or family member.
- Consider getting a large or extra large smoothie if you’ll be exercising soon after.
- Let your hunger level and thirst guide you in choosing between a filling large or standard medium smoothie.
Keep in mind that the calorie difference between a medium and large smoothie can be over 200 calories. So opt for medium if satisfying your thirst and avoiding too many extra calories are both priorities.
Smoothie Size Price Differences
Naturally, the larger McDonald’s smoothie sizes cost more than the smaller sizes. Here is an overview of the typical price differences in 2022:
- Small: $2.99
- Medium: $3.49
- Large: $3.99
- Extra Large: $4.49
As you can see, upgrading your smoothie size from small to medium costs about 50 cents extra. Going all the way up to extra large adds $1.50 to the price. Consider whether the bigger size is worth the price premium based on your smoothie cravings.
Ordering Hacks for Smoothie Sizes
Here are some useful ordering hacks to get the McDonald’s smoothie size you want:
- Specify the exact ounce size if you have a particular craving, like a 20 ounce smoothie.
- Ask for a “kids size” smoothie if you want something smaller than 12 ounces.
- Order an extra ingredient like chia seeds or protein powder in your smoothie to make it more filling.
- Request light ice if you want a less thick, slushy smoothie.
- Ask for extra ice to make your smoothie frosty and thick.
Don’t be shy about customizing your McDonald’s smoothie order. The staff can accommodate reasonable requests to get you the perfect smoothie experience.
Smoothie Size Availability Varies
It’s important to note that not all McDonald’s locations offer extra large smoothies or the full range of sizes. Smoothie size options can vary depending on the restaurant’s facilities, staffing levels, customer demand, and other factors. If your local McDonald’s is out of a certain size, another size or menu item may be substituted. But in general, you can expect small, medium, and large smoothie sizes to be available. Call ahead if you want to confirm availability of a particular size.
Should You Size Up Your Smoothie?
In the end, should you order a larger McDonald’s smoothie size? Here are some key considerations when making your decision:
- Nutrition: Larger smoothies provide more vitamins, minerals, and calories in a tasty way.
- Hydration: Bigger smoothies quench thirst and replenish fluids more effectively.
- Value: Ounce-for-ounce, larger sizes give you more smoothie for your money.
- Portability: Smaller smoothies are easier to drink on-the-go.
- Calories: Extra calories from larger smoothies may not fit your health goals.
Evaluate these factors against your personal needs and diet. In many cases, sizing up your McDonald’s smoothie can be smart way to get more nutritional benefits while satisfying cravings. But a smaller smoothie may be the better choice in other situations. Either way, you can’t go wrong with a delicious McDonald’s fruit smoothie!
Conclusion
McDonald’s smoothies come in handy sizes to suit all types of customers. The small, medium, large, and extra large options let you choose a smoothie portion tailored to your thirst, appetite, and nutritional needs. Consider the calorie differences, prices, and ordering hacks to get the ideal McDonald’s smoothie experience. Sip your way to fruit smoothie bliss!