McDonald’s Grinch meals US v. UK compared—which is worth the hype?
The Grinch meal is now available at McDonald’s in the U.S. and U.K. but there are some key differences between what’s on offer on either side of the Atlantic—so Newsweek sent two reporters out for a taste test.
Since Tuesday, December 2, customers dining at participating branches of the Golden Arches have been able to sample the culinary delights of this new McDonald’s Grinch collaboration.
However, there are some major contrasts between the Grinch meal offerings on sale at McDonald’s in the U.S. and U.K. So how do they compare and, more importantly, what do they taste like? Newsweek sent senior reporter, Alice Gibbs, in the U.K. and pets reporter, Liz O’Connell, in the U.S. to find out
The Grinch Big Mac Meal in the U.S., left, and Grinch McPlant meal in the U.K., right.
What Comes in the Grinch Meal at McDonald’s in the U.S.?
In the U.S., the Grinch Meal gives diners the option of either a Big Mac or 10-piece Chicken McNuggets, along with a medium drink and a portion of Dill Pickle “Grinch Salt” McShaker Fries.
The Dill Pickle “Grinch Salt” McShaker Fries are made using the sachet of tangy, dill pickle seasoning which is included in every Grinch meal, When applied via the signature McShaker bag, the seasoning gives the fries a distinct flavor.
Liz is based in Arizona, and opted for the Grinch Big Mac Meal with Dill Pickle “Grinch Salt” McShaker Fries, the latter of which she said she was “so excited” to try. Though she noted the Big Mac was “already falling apart” as she took her first bite, it was everything you would expect from the iconic burger.
One key difference between the meals was Liz received her meal in a “fun, festive” Grinch-themed box, reminiscent of Happy Meals, whereas Alice in the U.K. got hers in the standard McDonald’s paper bag.
The main event was always going to be the Dill Pickle “Grinch Salt” McShaker Fries. Liz noted that the sachet of “Grinch Salt” that came with the meal “seems like a lot” while the aroma “really smells like dill.” When it came to the taste test, Liz gave the Grinch fries a thumbs up. “I actually really like these,” she said. “I love Dill pickles. Probably one of my favorite snacks to be honest. So, I could have a few more of these.”
The Grinch Meal at McDonald’s
What Comes in the Grinch Meal at McDonald’s in the U.K.?
McDonald’s customers in the U.K. can also purchase the Big Mac or 9-piece Chicken McNuggets (one McNugget less than the U.S. version), complete with medium drink and Dill Pickle “Grinch Salt” McShaker Fries.
There is a significantly wider range of Grinch Meal products on offer across the pond as part of what has been branded the Grinched Menu. Over in the U.K. vegetarian diners can also get in on the festive fun with the Grinch McPlant Meal.
This meat-free twist on the Grinch meal includes a vegan McPlant burger, served with the choice of Grinched McShaker Fries, Side Salad or Veg/Fruit Bag, plus a pair of highly-coveted The Grinch socks and a drink.
Alice tried out the Grinch McPlant meal which she described as a “hit” even if one aspect wasn’t entirely to her liking. “The food was great,” she told Newsweek. “I might not go for the pickle fries next time but otherwise fantastic.”
Grinch Socks
It’s no surprise for both British and American customers, the highlight of the Grinch meal is the lasting keepsake—the socks.
Every Grinch meal comes complete with a pair of socks featuring a message from the Grinch himself, and are available in four distinct colors, red, yellow, blue and green.
As Liz unboxed her socks, she noted: “The prized possession in this Grinch meal is of course, the socks.”
Both reporters had slightly different packaging for their socks, but the biggest difference is Alice got a mis-matched pair of red and yellow, which she said “come intentionally as odd.” But that isn’t going to stop her enjoying them, as she said: “I will wear them all Christmas.”
However over in the U.S., Liz managed to get bag a pair of matching red Grinch socks in her meal.
Each meal comes with a pair of Grinch-themed socks.
The U.K. Grinch Meal has dessert and drink options unavailable in U.S.
Aside from the main meal options, the most notable differences come with the additional Grinch-inspired drink and dessert options on offer at participating branches of McDonald’s in the U.K.
These include a Chocolate Brownie McFlurry and Mischief McFlurry, the latter of which features vanilla ice cream mixed festive Smarties and sugar Christmas trees all topped off with strawberry sauce.
There’s also the Grumble Pie. A combination of crispy pastry filled with apple, cranberry and custard, it’s a unique Grinch meal twist on the traditional McDonald’s apple pie but one that will be unavailable to U.S. diners. Alice tried out the Grumble Pie and, much like with the Grinched McShaker Fries, it got a mixed reaction. “It’s sweet. Again, I think the original apple pie, probably a bit better, but it gets marks for Grinchy fun,” she said.
Last but definitely not least, the other big difference between the U.S. and U.K. version of the Grinch meal comes with the Grinch Frozen Lemonade, which can be purchased as part of the Grinch meal in the U.K. Zesty frozen lemonade swirled with a melon flavoured syrup and a distinctly Grinch-like yellowy green color, the Grinch Frozen Lemonade can also be purchased independent of any meal as either a medium or large drink.
How Much Are the Grinch Meals at McDonald’s in the U.S. and U.K.?
In the U.S., the cost of the Grinch meal cost varies depending on the participating restaurant’s location. In Arizona, a regular Grinch Big Mac Meal costs $13.29.
The Grinch 10-piece Chicken McNuggets meal is priced at $18.59. A portion of the Grinch McShaker fries costs $5.79. All three can be made large by paying an extra $1.
In the U.K., Alice’s Grinch McPlant meal cost £9.09 ($12.12.) The Grinch Big Mac Meal and Grinch 9 McNuggets meal are also priced at £9.09. The Frozen Grinch Lemonade is £3.19 ($4.25) while the Chocolate Brownie and Mischief McFlurries both cost £2.49 ($3.32.)
The Verdict
After sampling both offerings across the pond, these Newsweek reporters were satisfied with their meals—but mostly the socks.
Alice was pleased with her “Grinchy meal”, saying: “For around $12 I’m happy, mostly because I’m obsessed with my socks.”
Liz was equally happy with her festive feast, saying: “So all of this, including the socks, was $13.29, and I think it was definitely worth it. Especially because you get a cool pair of festive socks.”
And she was a big fan of the Grinch McShaker fries, calling them “amazing.” “I will definitely be going back for more just for the pickle dill fries,” she added.
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