Beware of McDonald's Shamrock Shake Ingredients

Okay - everyone knows McDonald's is not exactly known for selling the healthiest fast food on the planet. My own deprived children have never even experienced one of their burgers OR Happy Meals. I must confess though, we have been known on occasion (i.e., road trips) to indulge in a McDonald's ice cream cone or two since their soft serve, by itself, contains relatively natural ingredients with no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. So, when the infamous Shamrock Shake hit the airwaves (and advertising billboards) this month -- my kids begged me to give it a try. I personally have fond memories from my own childhood drinking many a minty "March Only" McDonald's Shamrock Shake so I really, really wanted to drive up and buy them each one ... until, that is, I looked up the ingredients. Sigh! High Fructose Corn Syrup; Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate and Sulfur Dioxide (As Preservatives); Yellow 5, Blue 1, and Red 40 (As Artificial Colors), PLUS artificial flavor. So I had to say "Sorry kids, no can do." But then we drove to the store to purchase a quart of vanilla ice cream, some milk, and natural mint extract and VOILA! We created our own - minus the artificial ingredients and colors - so, thank you McDonald's for introducing this fun tradition to our family. Now, if you would please consider eliminating the chemicals and artificial ingredients that are so harmful to children's growing bodies, then we could bring this tradition (and our dollars) back to you.