Revealed: Here‘s How McDonald’s Makes Their Burgers Look So Perfect in Ads
- Posted on June 21, 2012 at 1:22pm by
Becket Adams
- Print »
- Email »
Have you ever noticed that burgers in McDonald’s advertisements look like God Himself prepared them, while burgers in real life look like, um, someone sat on them?
And yet, we still eat them (image courtesy GrubGrade)
Brace yourselves. We have some startling news: the “food” in McDonald’s commercials is heavily doctored. Yeah, you probably already knew that. No one and nothing can make a burger look that perfect. However, with some clever tricks, fancy lighting, and digital editing, you can make anything look incredible.
And that’s exactly what McDonald’s does — they dress up their food with all kinds of fancy editing and lighting. But that’s not all, they also use a trick that stacks all the “goodies” near the front of the burger. The result? A lopsided sandwich:
Another trick? They use a syringe to apply the ketchup:
Wait — how do we know all this? In a surprisingly honest PR move, McDonald’s Canada put together the following video to answer a customer’s question regarding the appearance of ad burgers vs. real burgers.
This video takes you behind the scenes to show you how they make their food look so perfect in commercials:
(H/T & front page photo source: Business Insider)
Popular Stories
Paper Details Obama Admin’s Alleged Secret Note Sent to Iran: If Israel Attacks, We Won’t Get Involved 582 Comments
‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 411 Comments
This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 408 Comments
Roseanne Barr: Most Billionaires ‘Violent Pedophiles’ & ‘Heartless’ Cocaine Addicts 374 Comments
President Obama Issues Major ‘Green Energy’ Executive Order 363 Comments
Faith
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 408 Comments
Pakistani Muslim Cleric Accused of Framing Disabled Christian Girl in Koran-Burning Case Read More- ‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 411 Comments
Meet the Controversial German Imam Accused of Brutally Beating His Wife & Pushing Sharia Law Read More
‘Self-Proclaimed Messiah’ & Unification Church Leader the Rev. Sun Myung Moon Has Died — Here’s His Life Story Read More
Business
- President Obama Issues Major ‘Green Energy’ Executive Order 363 Comments
- Germany’s Upcoming Court Ruling Will be Huge for the EU Read More
Ford Looks to Beat Toyota for Best-Selling Car in 2012 With This Model 151 Comments
Bernanke & QE3: Here’s What You Need to Know Read More- ‘Extortion’: Why Did the Labor Department ‘Drop the Hammer’ on Oregon Farmers? 302 Comments
Technology
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 408 Comments
‘TaserDrone’: Hackers Weaponize Quadcopter With Actual ‘Shocking’ Technology Read More
Ever Heard of the Wild ‘Burning Man’ Festival in the Middle of the Nev. Desert? Here’s Your Primer Read More
Stanford Develops Technology ‘Better Than Steroids’ for Athlete Recovery Read More
Have You Pretended to Know What ‘the Cloud’ Is? You’re Not Alone Read More
Submitting your tip... please wait!
Comments (124)
angroehl
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 4:26pmAnd cereal companies use glue instead of milk to make the bowl of cereal more appealing. They ALL do this!! Have you EVER gotten something from a restaurant that looks like their ads? Um, no! So why just point at McDonalds?
Report Post »Bum thrower
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 4:57pmIsn’t it AMAZING what they can do with cardboard these days!!!????
Report Post »TomFerrari
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 5:06pmJust the other day I was talking to my food stylist…
LOL First world characteristics, huh? FOOD STYLIST is an actual JOB!?! He he he
Kudos to Mickey D’s for being up front.
I have no problem with showcasing it in its best light.
However, when any company shows the meat LARGER than the bun, then, the one you get has nothing visible besides bun, that seems dishonest. At least use an accurate depiction of the protein, okay?
At Arbys recently (before they caved to left-wing extremist pressure, and dumped ALEC),
Report Post »I bought a meatloaf sandwich. The picture showed a nice 3/4“ or maybe even a 1” thick slice of meatloaf on a bun. Upon receipt, it was two slices that were barely thick enough to hold together, about as thick as sliced bologna. ONLY BUN was even visible, the meat was so small. Yes, I felt “cheated.”
Just don’t show a pound of meat in a picture and then deliver a 2oz portion. Alright?
chips1
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 5:25pmBragging about size? Where have I heard that one?
Report Post »Mikev5
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 5:28pmWell if you actually go to a real restaurant yes it looks like the pictures but any fast food place doctors there pictures and plump there food up.
I do not eat fast food never will that is not food its garbage that looks sort of like food but with 100 pounds of salt to make it tast good and 10 pounds of MSG.
Report Post »Bluebonnet
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 5:38pmThe ads show plastic replicas of meat, tomato, pickle, etc. No wonder they look so good on the ad or poster on the wall. In real life, they’re dropped on the dirty floor, stomped on and put on a bun.
Report Post »Seriously, I know how most of these places handle their food, so rarely ever eat anything more than a cup of coffee and perhaps an ice cream (which I’m sure has questionable ingredients.)
When I hear some of the kids who work in these places go out back to smoke a joint, and
see some use the restroom and don’t wash their hands, I kinds lose my appetite. When I imagine where their fingers have been, I can’t eat the food. Cook at home, it’s cleaner.
The-Monk
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 5:52pmI used to work at a company that photographs food for advertising.
This article does not even come close to what is done to food products to make them look tasty.
It is an art unto itself….. that reminds me of what is done at funeral homes.
Report Post »neidermeyer
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 6:08pmabsolutely , real milk looks oddly blue in tint and the glue can be positioned on individual flakes…
Report Post »AxelPhantom
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 7:46pmNo surprise. A friend of mine did a Burger King commercial back in the 70’s when she was little and she said the buns were stale. When she told them she didn’t like stale bread, they told her to pretend she did. The stale buns made it “look” fresher.
Report Post »What_Did_I_Miss
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 7:55pmAnd tonight’s “News” anchor that reports on this serious matter will be wearing makeup to look better on camera. The next thing you know, guys will suck in their gut when a good looking woman walks by and girls will wear padded bras to get a guy to look their way. Keep it up and before we know it we will have a president, pandering to an electorate by issuing executive orders favoring different constituencies.
Report Post »FortySixand2
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 9:04pm@What…looks like you didn’t miss a thing
Report Post »earthbonz
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 9:36pmMy favorite Teriyaki place makes food that looks EXACTLY like the picture on the wall.
Report Post »apollo18
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 11:29pmref: tomferrari
That‘s why I stopped going to Blimpy’s. Great bread with a “meat VAPOR” in between.
“What‘s a Blimpy’s, Dad?”
Where’s THAT bailout?
Report Post »warhorse_03826
Posted on June 22, 2012 at 1:33amthey use glue because milk photographs with a BLUE.tinge that is unappealing. they want it to photograph..oh I don’t know..WHITE like actual milk.
after all they’re not advertizing the milk.
Report Post »georgette
Posted on June 22, 2012 at 9:55ameverything from the government to food seems “photoshopped” ..
Report Post ».
don’t you know? those cardboard boxes you’re sitting on are fine furniture..?.
lawrench
Posted on June 22, 2012 at 10:10amThe only fast food restaurant that serves food that looks close to what they advertise is Taco Bell. Since McDonalds stopped selling the McDLT sandwich I stopped going to McDonalds. I have disliked McDonalds since they started serving Chicken McNuggets because their fries started tasting bad. I personally think Wendy’s is a much better burger than McDonalds. I just wish there was a Jack in the Box in the state that I live.
Report Post »prage2001
Posted on June 22, 2012 at 10:51pmI wonder how good they can make that burger look 12 hours AFTER I eat it.
Report Post »Fla Del
Posted on June 23, 2012 at 4:04amI have been a professional photographer for more than 27 years. I have shot many product inserts for print and commercials. There are many tricks we use to make the food look better than real life, just as we do for people. No one looks as good in life as they do in one of my portraits, me included.
Report Post »Here are some tricks that we have used many times. To make a stake look just cooked and delicious smear it with KY Jelly. To make peas look hot and plump pour Silicone Glue over the top layer and drop a frozen patty of hard butter in the middle. Shoot fast. The studio lights will melt the butter fast.
Yes, all companies use tricks to make you desire to have or consume their product. Just like you use your best photo to attract that sexy person so they will want to be with you. Say Cheese!!
Fla Del
Posted on June 23, 2012 at 4:05amIt is the nature of the beast. I have been a professional photographer for more than 27 years. I have shot many product inserts for print and commercials. There are many tricks we use to make the food look better than real life, just as we do for people. No one looks as good in life as they do in one of my portraits, me included.
Report Post »Here are some tricks that we have used many times. To make a stake look just cooked and delicious smear it with KY Jelly. To make peas look hot and plump pour Silicone Glue over the top layer and drop a frozen patty of hard butter in the middle. Shoot fast. The studio lights will melt the butter fast.
Yes, all companies use tricks to make you desire to have or consume their product. Just like you use your best photo to attract that sexy person so they will want to be with you. Say Cheese!!
The citizen who cares
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 4:19pmYeah, looks matter to a certain degree, but when it comes right down to it, all I care about is the taste
Report Post »emomobile
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 4:53pmWhen it comes down to it all I care about are taste and how HEALTHY it is. McDonalds will send you to an early grave, my friend.
Report Post »RepubliCorp
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 8:41pmEMOMOBILE Living will kill you………… figure it out!
Report Post »Smokey_Bojangles
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 9:17pm99.99% of dead people have consumed water.Water seems more deadly than Cheeseburgers Michelle.
Report Post »Today I saw an article blaming discount grocery stores for obesity.The leftist media needs to make up its mind.is everyone so RICH that they can eat at McDonald’s and Burger King and drink Big Gulps all day or so poor they have to shop at Discount Grocery stores? LA Bans McDonald’s in poor Neighborhoods and Michelle swears there are Food Deserts so she wants to spend a billion.Make up my Mind Food Nazis!
mlcblog
Posted on June 22, 2012 at 1:35amMe, too. I’ve seen this vid before, or one like it. So what? Let‘s just eat ’em.
Report Post »Jabocx
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 4:19pmOh geeeez, say it isn’t so!
Report Post »Slipstick
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 3:59pmSome of the food is is PLASTIC.
In the old days, they would put a lit cigarette behind s ‘steaming’ cup of coffee. Lately I heard they use a special 2-part chemical ‘smoke’ that does the same thing, but more effectively. Bottom line, ALL advertising is lies. Some are just bigger than others…
Report Post »South Philly Boy
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 3:45pmI knew that Advertisers did those things for a long time.
Report Post »cranberry
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 3:42pmYummm
Report Post »Rabble In Arms
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 3:27pmBet MacDonald‘s could do wonders with Nancy Pelosi’s face job…….
Report Post »OniKaze
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 3:33pmNo, I don’t think God Himself could do anything about that…
I mean, if he could, don’t you think he would have? I can’t imagine what it must be like to wake up in the morning, roll over, and see THAT resting it’s face on the pillow next to me… (although, I guess that assumes that his husband still sleeps with it…)
Polosi is the thing Nightmares are made of….
Report Post »LovinUSA
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 3:42pmNow that is really FUNNY, Idon’t care who you are!!!!!nGood job!
Report Post »MJOforIAM
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 4:09pmThanks for the LOL!!
Report Post »chips1
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 5:29pmIs that a pickle, or are you just glad to see me?
Report Post »What_Did_I_Miss
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 7:59pmI wonder where they’d shove the pickle?
Report Post »waterboyharris
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 3:16pmWow, I’m hungry now! Double Quarter with cheese, please.
Report Post »USACommoner
Posted on June 22, 2012 at 12:42pm…with some extra salty fries! Breakfast of champions.
Report Post »MasterJoshua7
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 3:02pmI guess the transparency is nice.
Report Post »LetUsReason
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 6:14pmEven the “transparency” is doctored, though. That’s the thing I have a problem with. They are giving the facade of being transparent when the burger she bought in the restaurant was specially made for “the corporate lady coming in soon to buy this that we need to make look awesome”.
Even the show was a show! Ha! Who cares, right? Shut up and eat it.
Report Post »Chromo200
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 2:53pmAh, but the Quarter Pounder with Cheese without ketchup and extra pickels sure tastes good. The photography is nothing new .. I earned a good paycheck doing photography of food for restaurants in the late 70′s.
As long as the ingredients are safe and the food is prepared properly, I don‘t care that the photo and actual burger don’t match. Now the issue in their support of Planned Parenthood. I guess I will miss going to McDonalds. I already boycott Arby’s.
Report Post »Guitar Master
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 2:41pmzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
From THE REPORTER
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Heaven is = Two double cheese and a chocolate shake !
Report Post »Carlinpa
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 2:34pmSome ads for food use NON food items..
Report Post »@leftfighter
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 2:47pmSome front windors in asian restaurants use plastic.
And?
Report Post »Todd P
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 3:32pmI saw a similar story decades ago where some cereal company was using white paint instead of milk because paint has a “better consistency”. The ads are all fake. The burgers are good, though…
Report Post »Mainer forever
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 2:30pmI like thoes sandwiches….just wish they weren’t so salty tasting. I usually only eat 1/2 becasue of the salt taste.
Report Post »ZMcLean
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 2:29pmi pesonaly thought this was about the delicious burgers but the transparency angle is interesting i like how we can find a simipolitical view in the preperation of food for a commercial
Report Post »lapitup
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 2:22pmIm in the wrong buisness. I now have a degree in Hamburger Makeup. I am a make up artist for food. Ofcourse I don’t have a paper degree. I have just declaired my degree in this feild. Anyone want to hire me? I only charge 1000.00 a day. I even bring my on condiments. Hey this is a deal call while it lasts.
Report Post »teddrunk
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 2:17pmSo it’s really not any different than what they do to women in pictures to make them look good. trick photography, heavy make up, and silicone.
Report Post »PPMStudios
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 3:33pmI’ve always heard about those photos of “Hot” women…
“No matter how hot she looks, some guy, somewhere, is tired of her crap!”
Report Post »scuba13
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 2:13pmJust like the Obama administration… they lie.
Report Post »The-Monk
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 5:39pm….and all the Kings food stylist and all the Kings photographers
Report Post »couldn’t makes the words or vision of encinom palatable or tasteful.
The-Monk
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 5:41pmEdit;
make, not makes
Report Post »livin4him
Posted on August 8, 2012 at 12:57pmHonestly, all the administrations have lied. I‘m as republican as they come but if you think for one second they don’t lie to you as much as the democrats you‘re just believing you’re own lie. The government‘s job is to keep things secret so we don’t freak out. What do you think the people of the U.S.A would do if we found out Russia was secretly giving bombs to Iraq to launch an attack on us? We’d freak out. Why? Because we wouldn’t know what to do. Then some thumb sucking ****** comes up and says: “the people have the right to know!“ And the media says ”yeah! We have a right to know!” Do we? Should we? Do you want to know all the dirty covert ops and weapon selling your government does? Just something to think about. :-)
Report Post »KyleD
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 2:12pmI really don‘t care what it looks like and I really don’t care what it’s made of. As long as it tastes good and doesn‘t infect me with something I’m going to eat it…well, not McDonalds…but fastfood in general.
Report Post »woodyb
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 2:49pmWhy pick on MacDonalds?
When have you EVER ordered from a menu, even at a top-of-the-line steak house, and received a plate which even CLOSELY resembles what you saw on the menu???????????
Report Post »teddyc73
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 2:01pmAll companies do this to make their food look good in photographs. This isnt exclusive to McDonalds. Has this company become the national punching bag or what?
Report Post »angelcat
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 2:08pmYou are so right! It is called food styling, and every magazine that has food pictures does exactly the same thing.
Report Post »Dismayed Veteran
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 1:52pmIt’s comfort food!!!! Leave it alone. I don’t want to know.
Report Post »Broncobuster
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 1:46pmTry to get a shake or parfait that looks like their pictures .I usually get served at least 1 inch below what the pictures show. How about a Frosty at Wendy’s? The picture on the window always shows the Frosty peaked above the cup.what you get will be filled an inch below the rim . If one asks about it they will say that‘s where they’re told to fill it.
Report Post »Midwest Blonde
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 1:29pmEVERY food photo is edited so it looks “pretty” for a photo shoot – no different than makeup on a model.
Report Post »rickc34
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 1:29pmMcDonalds has donated millions of dollars over the years to planned parenthood, fyi
Report Post »teddyc73
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 2:00pmSo, I don’t agree with it but they are allowed to do that.
Report Post »ONLY4UANDME
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 2:19pmThank You!!
Report Post »LostInTheSpin
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 2:27pmYes, they are allowed to do that…just like I’m allowed to not eat there anymore because of it. Thanks for the info Rick.
Report Post »Exrepublisheep
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 2:31pmAnd probably saved lives doing so.
Report Post »formidable_foe
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 4:48pmGood information to know. I already quit shopping at Target because of the groups they support. What was more damning for me though was when they refused to allow the Salvation Army to collect donations in front of their store at Christmas time.
Report Post »Cabo King
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 1:29pmkinda like the way Michelle puts on her makeup….you can make anything loud 1/2 way good
Report Post »teddyc73
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 2:02pmMust everything be political or a bust on the President and his wife? I dont like his policies and I want him gone in November but good grief. Enough.
Report Post »AzThunder
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 2:11pm@ Cabo King — Doesn’t matter what muchelle does, she is still f–ugly no matter what she does with her face
Report Post »KyleD
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 2:14pmEverything is political. Denying that just makes it easier for people to manipulate you.
Report Post »Too_Far_Gone
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 1:26pmWhi cares.
Report Post »Servant Of YHVH
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 1:34pmI agree!
Report Post »BigPawz
Posted on June 21, 2012 at 1:43pm@TOOFAR, I can honestly see how you would feel that way. Also, I am in no way disparaging your feelings. However, on a little more positive side, let us take a moral from this story. Remember back to 2008 when the HNIC who is presently in the White House proclaimed proudly that he would maintain the most transparent administration this country had ever seen? I see this as an attempt, on the part of McDonald’s, to be transparent to their consuming public. Does a fresh level of honesty ring a bell? (By the way, it means nothing to me that this came out of Canada rather than a franchise or an office in the United States. What matters to me is that somebody had the temerity to do it and the home office of McDonald’s has not objected to the point that sanctions were handed out to the folks who did this.) THANK YOU, MCDONALD’S!!!!
Report Post »