Themed meals have been a hit for McDonald’s in the last few years. These “adult Happy Meals” are often collaborations with celebrities and feature weird collectibles, and they usually generate a lot of buzz — which is why McDonald’s keeps doing them.
This time, McDonald’s has dropped a holiday option: The Grinch Meal. It features Dr. Seuss’ famous, cranky-turned-lovable Grinch character, along with a wearable surprise and a brand new menu item that most of the world has had, but the U.S. doesn’t. Here are the deets on The Grinch Meal.
What’s in the McDonald’s Grinch Meal?
The Grinch Meal is a grown up Happy Meal, so you get more food — no measly 4-piece chicken nuggets here. Here’s what it comes with:
- Big Mac or 10-piece McNugget
- Medium fountain drink
- McShaker Fries with dill pickle “Grinch Salt” seasoning
- Grinchy socks
The Grinch Meal is brand new to the U.S., but actually debuted last year in Canada. It was a huge success there, so McDonald’s decided to bring it south.
In a press release, the company included a quote from the Grinch himself: “i SAW AN OPPORTUNiTY TO BRiNG MiSCHiEF TO YOUR BELOVED ‘RESTAURANT’ WiTH MY DELiCiOUS CHAOS FOR THE HOLiDAYS AND i TOOK iT.” Thanks, man.
What Are McShaker Fries?
McShaker fries are a glorious McDonald’s creation that, for some reason, hasn’t existed in the U.S. until now (unless you head to the one location in Chicago that serves a global menu!).
They’re a DIY seasoned fry: You get a bag of classic McDonald’s fries and a packet of dry seasoning. You pour the spices into the bag of fries, then seal it up and shake it to get all the fries coated. It’s fun to do, and the result is a lot tastier than just dipping your fries in ketchup.
For The Grinch Meal, the seasoning is tangy dill pickle, complete with little green flecks to make your fries feel properly Grinchy. Considering how trendy dill pickle snacks still are, they’re bound to be a hit.
When Can I Get a Grinch Meal?
Don’t head over to McDonald’s just yet. The Grinch Meal isn’t going to hit stores until December 2, 2025 (the Tuesday after Thanksgiving). That’ll give you plenty of time to enjoy these meals before Christmas.
One thing we don’t know about The Grinch Meal, though, is the price. Since McDonald’s locations are franchised, each store can set its own prices. We’re guessing these meals will be around $10, but who knows.
Wait, Did You Say Socks?!
We sure did! The fun thing inside The Grinch Meal is a pair of socks. They come in four different bright colors with various Dr. Seuss How the Grinch Stole Christmas characters on them, including Cindy Lou Who and Max, the dog.
They all come with a personal note from the Grinch on the bottom, and would be very cute to wear during the holidays this year. At least they’re actually useful instead of the little trinkets that usually come in these meals.
More McDonald’s stories on Cheapism
- McDonald’s Holiday Pie Is Back and People Are Lovin’ It — Well, Almost Everyone — The newest fast-food holiday craze is here, and the internet is already buzzing about it.
- ‘Rubbery,’ ‘Horrible’: McDonald’s New Snack Wrap Is a Big Disappointment to Fans — Fans don’t seem too happy with the newest iteration of Snack Wraps, which launched this summer.
- McDonald’s Is Rounding Totals Up or Down Due to Nationwide Penny Shortage — You might be paying more — or less — than expected during your next McDonald’s visit.
