I've just found this thread and would like to share my experience today. I've never been a MacDonalds fan, but today out of sheer desperation I bought a burger and a vanilla shake - the vanilla shakes were the only thing I've ever liked from there, and always thought it was the least sweet tasting option. The burger was vile, but I wasn't expecting anything much anyway and just needed a stomach filler. I was looking forward to the vanilla shake, but you know what? It was not how I remember it. It was very sweet and tasted like plastic. I have also suffered fallout for this sweet and carb filled lunch, as I have had terrible chocolate cravings, and ended up stuffing myself with chocs this evening. I now feel quite sick, so I don't think I would like to go back to the way things were. It's not as tasty as you remember folks