I received a McDonald’s coupon booklet in the mail recently and the coupons weren’t very interesting. However, I was intrigued by the coupon for a small coffee and oatmeal for $2.59. My mother has told me that I was a very picky eater as a child, and oatmeal was one of the few things she could count on me eating. Needless to say, I’m still a big fan of oatmeal. Since the coupons expire on June 3, 2012, I thought I would give it a try this week.
I saw the “Fruit and maple oatmeal” listed on the menu board for $1.99, and it had the Quaker Oats logo beside it. I envisioned thick, creamy oats simmered in a pot over low heat like my mom used to make for me.
This is the oatmeal I hoped for, as depicted on the McDonald’s website.
Instead, I watched in horror as the server ripped open an envelope of Quaker instant oats (the kind that go on sale for $1.99 for 10 packs), dumped them in a paper cup and poured hot water in it as if she were making a cup of tea. Then she opened up a package of fruit pieces, threw them into the cup and stirred everything up with a metal spoon. She saved the last packet for me, which contained a pale brown sugar. My heart sank at the sight of the watery mixture. I gave it a try and my eyes hadn’t deceived me. At least the fruit didn’t taste that bad but I still felt ripped off, even with the coupon. I would have preferred the muffin and coffee combo for $1.39.
My recommendation: Avoid this breakfast item at all costs. I wouldn’t eat McDonald’s oatmeal again, even if it was free of charge.
Ewww! Thanks for helping me save my money. That picture makes it look so good! I can cut my own apple and add raisins to a package of instant oatmeal.