In the history of fast food, few menu items have generated as much controversy, fond memories, and enthusiasm as the McRib. Despite the chain’s repeated attempts to permanently discontinue it, McDonald’s BBQ pork sandwich maintains a cult following that keeps customers demanding its return.
McDonald’s is reintroducing the McRib this Christmas season, along with a surprise treat that will elevate the McRib experience to a new level.
Here’s all you need to know about the return of McRib and the company’s most recent inventive offers, whether you’re a devoted fan or just interested.
This December, The McRib Will Return
A Sandwich That Causes Disagreement
The McRib is scheduled to return to the limelight on December 3 at participating McDonald’s locations. It is a barbecue pork sandwich first served on a toasted bun in 1981. It comprises a seasoned, boneless pork patty covered in tart barbecue sauce garnished with pickles and sliced onions.
Due to its 520 calories, the McRib has been dubbed “delicious” by die-hard fans and “gross” by its detractors, but its influence on popular culture is evident. Due to consumer demand, the McRib continues to appear even after being canceled several times, most recently during a 2022 “Farewell Tour.”
McRib Sauce in a Gallon
McDonald’s is launching a hitherto unheard-of product in honor of this year’s McRib revival: half-gallon jugs of McRib barbecue sauce. These enormous jugs, marketed as “A Whole Lot of McRib Sauce,” will enable customers to add the famous sauce to other foods or replicate the McRib experience at home.
The sauce retails for $19.99 a jug and will only be sold online on November 25 at 10 a.m. ET at www.wholelottamcribsauce.com. Fans who want to purchase a jug should move quickly to avoid this limited-edition product selling out.
An Examination of the McRib’s Legendary Past
In 1981, the McRib was introduced as a temporary menu item. Since then, it has made intermittent appearances, cultivating an air of exclusivity that feeds its loyal following. Although McDonald’s has officially canceled the sandwich at least four times, the McRib isn’t going away.
McDonald’s advertised a “Farewell Tour” for the McRib in late 2022, giving supporters the impression that it was permanently discontinued. But by autumn 2023, the sandwich had subtly returned in a few markets. In June 2024, McDonald’s U.S. President Joe Erlinger suggested that the McRib would make a comeback later that year, and it has already come true.
In a recent statement, Tariq Hassan, Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer of McDonald’s highlighted the cultural influence of the McRib:
“The McRib is more than just a sandwich; it’s a legend, an occasion, and a piece of culture. We wanted to honor that McRib SZN is a holiday in and of itself by providing fans with an even more extravagant way to celebrate this year with A Whole Lotta McRib Sauce.
Recent Menu Items at McDonald’s
This Christmas season, McDonald’s is serving more than just the McRib. Other new arrivals and re-emerging favorites to watch out for include as follows:
1. Dulce de Leche Frappé:
- Description: A modern twist on the traditional Caramel Frappé, this drink combines a caramel base with a touch of coffee and syrup with a dulce de leche taste.
- Calories: It has 630 calories per medium drink.
- Why Give It a Try? Coffee enthusiasts with a sweet appetite will adore this decadent beverage.
2. Holiday Pie
- Calories: 260 per pie
- Description: This delicacy, a recurring seasonal classic, has a buttery, flaky crust that is filled with creamy vanilla custard and sprinkled with rainbows.
- Why Give It a Try? It’s a Christmas delight that tastes as good as it looks.
3. Spicy Chicken McNuggets
- Description: Back by popular demand, these nuggets are seasoned with a robust, spicy coating for people who want a little heat.
- Calories: They cost 290 calories per six-piece order.
- Why Give It a Try? They go well with the new McRib sauce or McDonald’s famous dipping sauce.
The Reason the McRib Returns
Why is the McRib so unique? Many admirers find the sandwich’s restricted availability most appealing. Loyal consumers have something to look forward to with each reappearance, which seems like an occasion.
However, detractors contend that the McRib’s lasting appeal stems more from memories than authentic flavor. Whether you like it or not, the McRib is a classic example of marketing how to use scarcity to create demand.
Conclusion
McDonald’s again demonstrates that the McRib is a cultural phenomenon rather than merely a sandwich. Fans will have much to rejoice over this holiday season with the reintroduction of McRib sauce scheduled for December 3 and the launch of half-gallon jugs.
This year, McDonald’s offers something for everyone, whether you’re seeking the classic flavor of a McRib or want to try something different like the Dulce de Leche Frappé.
FAQs
1. When will McDonald’s reintroduce the McRib?
Beginning on December 3, 2024, the McRib will return to participating McDonald’s restaurants.
2. What is the price of the jug of McRib barbecue sauce?
Only while supplies last, the half-gallon jar of McRib barbecue sauce will be offered online for $19.99.
3. How many calories does the McRib contain?
There are 520 calories in a McRib.
4. What other recent additions have McDonald’s made?
In addition to bringing back beloved dishes like the Holiday Pie and Spicy Chicken McNuggets, McDonald’s also introduced the Dulce de Leche Frappé.
5. What makes the McRib so well-liked?
The McRib is always a popular favorite because of its limited supply, nostalgic charm, and tangy barbecue flavor.
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