McDonald's slowly phasing out self-serve soft drinks
Self-serve pop machines, which allow customers to pour their own drinks, are being removed from restaurant dining rooms. McDonald's newer restaurants, especially in Ontario, already feature behind-the-counter staffed drink stations.
The move is intended to streamline operations for employees, reduce maintenance, improve consistency for delivery and drive-thru orders, and enhance food safety.
While self-service is ending, some franchisees may still offer free refills upon request at the counter, though this is not guaranteed.
Starting early May 2026, McDonald’s Canada is rolling out new, more complex beverage options, including "dirty sodas" and fruity refreshers with cold foam, which are designed to be prepared by staff rather than customers.
McDonald's aims for a full transition to crew-poured beverages by 2032.
