McDonald’s is giving away free McFlurries to anyone who ever thought the spoon was a straw

When you order a McFlurry at McDonald’s, the dessert comes with a plastic spoon. However, many people have mistaken the spoon for a straw because it’s hollow inside. It’s a common misconception, and McDonald’s has decided to have some fun with the confusion. On May 4, customers who have thought the spoon was a straw can receive a free Caramel Brownie McFlurry. According to the fast-food chain, that segment will essentially include “everyone.”

If you’re wondering why the spoon looks like a straw, there’s actually a very practical reason.

“The hollow opening on top of the McFlurry spoon serves a very important purpose!” McDonald’s told Food & Wine. “After adding our creamy, cool soft-serve and delicious toppings to your McFlurry cup, our crew members attach the spoon to a machine that mixes the creamy vanilla soft serve and yummy ingredients together, ensuring there is a perfect amount of your topping in each bite.”

You can get a closer look at the blending process with this clip posted to YouTube by McDonald’s:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elxIv6Zdpx0

As the video demonstrates, the device is perfect for mixing in toppings.

“Our McFlurry spoon is ~misunderstood~ and every true McDonald’s fan understands the struggle of confusing it for a straw,” reads the video’s description. “While we can’t change the iconic hollow spoon (a key piece of the mixing process), we can help ease the sting of your facepalm upon figuring out how to use it.”

The now-iconic dessert was created and added to Canadian menus by owner/operator Ron McLellan in 1995, McDonald’s says. Over the years, a number of flavors have been introduced, with the Caramel Brownie McFlurry being the latest addition, premiering May 3.

To get your free regular size Caramel Brownie McFlurry on May 4 at participating McDonald’s locations, just scan the offer code in the McDonald’s app and pick up the treat. No purchase is necessary for this promotion.