Has McDonald’s ‘accidentally’ leaked return of a much-loved item back to menus? Fans hail error message as ‘genius marketing move’

McDonald’s has captured the imagination of fans after ‘accidentally’ leaking the return of a popular menu item – and called it a ‘genius marketing strategy’.

Eagled-eyed smartphone users spotted a message this morning sent “in error” to those with the McDonald’s app installed. 

Diners across the UK can use the Rewards app to order or collect food, as well as clocking up loyalty points to exchange for free mains, sides, drinks and desserts. 

At 9am this morning, smartphone users with notifications enabled received a cryptic alert from McDonald’s that suggests a beloved burger is making a comeback. 

The message read: “McRib_Test.notification_16.10.24 [TEST].” However, when users attempted to open the alert, it lead to a web page with a 404 error screen.

The McRib was first introduced to UK McDonald’s menus in 1981, but was axed just four years later

Even more mysteriously, another message posted by the fast food giant below the error screen read: ‘There is definitely currently no reason for this page to not exist. Probably.’ 

The notification has since sparked a frenzy among fans, with some deciphering it as the McRib making a return to UK restaurants on October 16.  

However, other diners have suggested the ‘accidental’ leak is solely a ‘clever marketing scheme.’ 

The McRib was first introduced to UK McDonald’s menus in 1981, but was axed just four years later. 

The burger, which features a boneless pork patty dipped in barbeque sauce and topped with onions and pickles, has made sporadic returns for a limited time since. 

Taking to X, one person wrote: ‘H*** f*** did McDonald’s accidentally announce they’re bringing the McRib back???’

Another said: ‘That exciting moment when McDonald’s sends a test McRib notification accidentally.’ 

A third hailed the move as an ‘absolutely genius marketing strategy,’ while another said, ‘Very clever marketing. A “test” notification that leads to a fake 404 page to make everyone think you messed up and released it early.’

The notification has since sparked a frenzy among fans, with some deciphering it as the McRib making a return to UK restaurants on October 16

Meanwhile, others claimed to see straight through the ‘tactic,’ with one person writing: ‘”Accidentally”…. It’s a hype tactic and it works!!’

Another said: ‘Definitely wasn’t an accident when you see what the page says when you click. Genius marketing.’

A McDonald’s UK spokesperson told the Liverpool Echo: ‘McDonald’s is always looking to innovate with new and exciting menu items, as well as bringing back the fan favourites.’

‘If you’re keen to be the first to receive more info from McDonald’s stay tuned.’

It comes after McDonald’s unveiled the incredible new cost of its popular drinks last month. 

For those needing a caffeine fix on the go without wanting to break the bank, customers can now grab an Americano or white coffee from the fast-food chain in the UK for just £1.39.