McDonald’s explained why the Filet-O-Fish sandwich features only half a cheese slice, sparking curiosity among fast food fans.
The Filet-O-Fish is a well-known item on the McDonald’s menu.
Many people enjoy this sandwich, but there is one question that often comes up.
Why does it only have half a slice of cheese?
This question has sparked curiosity among fans of the sandwich.
The history of the Filet-O-Fish
The Filet-O-Fish was created by a McDonald’s franchise owner named Lou Groen.
He invented the sandwich in 1965 to attract more customers during Lent, a time when many people do not eat meat.
The original version contained fried halibut and tartar sauce on a bun, and surprisingly, it did not have cheese at all.
At first, McDonald’s executives were not sure about the idea.
They were hesitant to make the sandwich a permanent item on the menu.
However, customers loved it, and the meal quickly gained popularity.
Eventually, McDonald’s decided to keep it on the menu, but they asked Groen to make some changes.
He had to replace halibut with a cheaper fish, Atlantic cod, and he added half a slice of cheese to the sandwich.
The reason for half a slice of cheese
The use of half a slice of cheese has remained a constant feature of this meal for many years.
While some people might think McDonald’s is being stingy, there is a specific reason for this choice.
A representative from McDonald’s Canada explained that half a slice of cheese is the perfect amount to complement the other flavors in the sandwich.
The cheese balances well with the tartar sauce and the crispy coating of the fish.
“We only use half a slice of cheese because that’s exactly the perfect balance for the tangy tartar sauce and crispness of the Filet-o-Fish coating,” they said.
Adding a whole slice of cheese would change the taste.
It could overpower the delicate flavor of the fish, which would not be ideal.
The company has stated that a whole slice is used in the Double Filet-O-Fish, which has two pieces of fish.
In that case, the extra cheese works well. However, for the regular Filet-O-Fish, half a slice is just right.
They continued: “We use a whole slice on our Double Filet-o-Fish. Anything more than that would throw off the mojo of the sandwich and overshadow the delicate flavour of the pollock.”
Customer reactions
Many customers have noticed the half slice of cheese and have shared their thoughts online.
Some appreciate the unique flavor combination, while others feel that it is not enough cheese for a satisfying sandwich.
McDonald’s is aware of these opinions and has encouraged customers to request extra cheese if they want it.
On their website, they mentioned that asking for “extra cheese” is perfectly acceptable.
So they can charge you full price for a slice of cheese. Everyone knows that. It’s also easier to misplace on the sandwich, one user said.
Well, technically that’s about all that actually makes it onto their other burgers anyway, so may as well save on food costs and keep the product the same, the third user wrote.
Because they’re so small now,if it had a whole slice it would have more cheese than fish, they’d have to change the name to filet-o-cheese…, another user wrote.
It’s now the size of a little slider. And expensive, someone said.
The popularity of the Filet-O-Fish
Despite the cheese debate, the meal has maintained its status as a popular menu item.
It appeals to those looking for a tasty fish option, especially during Lent.
The combination of the crispy fish, tartar sauce, and that signature half-slice of cheese continues to win over fans.
The sandwich has become a staple for many McDonald’s customers.