# 3D-Printed Drinking Straws One of the New McDonald's Shamrock Shakes Comes with a Shapely Straw By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2017-02-16 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-shamrock-shake References: [3ders.org](http://www.3ders.org/articles/20170216-3d-printed-straws-just-made-mcdonalds-suck-even-more.html) & [mcdonalds](http://mcdonalds.com) Ahead of St. Patrick's Day this year, the [McDonald's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/colorchanging-cold-cups) Shamrock Shake collection was expanded to include several new flavors, including the Shamrock Chocolate Chip Frappe, the Shamrock Hot Chocolate, the Shamrock Mocha and perhaps the most notable of all, the [McCafé Chocolate Shamrock Shake](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ultimint-milkshake). As well as being of interest to consumers for its flavor, the Chocolate Shamrock Shake boasts a unique drinking straw that solves some of the pains of trying to get every last drop of a drink from a container. Engineers from NK Labs and JACE collaborated on the creation of a J-shaped straw design called 'STRAW' that includes holes in three places along its tube. 2,000 of the 3D-printed drinking straws will be distributed across 80 cities over the coming weeks in celebration of St. Patrick's Day. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.2/10 - Popularity: 47% | Activity: 41% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Drinking](https://www.trendhunter.com/drinking) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **3d-printed Straws:** The use of 3D printing technology to create innovative and functional straw designs. - **Customized Straws:** The demand for personalized and unique drinking straw designs through 3D printing. - **Enhanced Drinking Experience:** The development of straw designs that improve the functionality and enjoyment of consuming beverages. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Food and Beverage:** Opportunities for restaurants, cafes, and beverage companies to offer unique and customizable straws that enhance customer experience. - **3D Printing:** The advancement of 3D printing technology in the creation of innovative and functional straw designs. - **Packaging and Manufacturing:** The integration of 3D printing technology into packaging and manufacturing processes to produce specialized straws for various industries. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Colorful Paddy's Day Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/under-the-rainbow-shake.md) - [Dairy-Free Mint Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lucky-leprechaun-shake.md) - [Co-Branded QSR Milkshakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mint-mobile-shake.md) - [Springtime Holiday Cafe Drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biggby-coffee-beverages.md) - [Reusable Drink-Stirring Straws](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/whiskee-straw.md) - [Minty QSR Drink Menus](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jacks-lucky-mint-trio.md) - [Minty Chocolate Cookie Shakes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mint-oreo-shake.md) - [Reusable Straw Promotions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/starbucks-reusable-straw.md) - [Shamrock-Hued Custard Treats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mint-cookie-concrete.md)