I tried the new McDonald’s summer menu – two sweet treats stole the limelight

EIGHT new items have hit McDonald’s menus today and we taste-tested all of them.

The fast food giant changes its main menu every few weeks, and this time, we’ve seen some exciting new additions.

The new menu hit restaurants at 11 am today but most of the items are limited edition so they will only be available for around six weeks.

There are quite a few newbies on the menu this summer including a new burger and a new McFlurry.

But in some cases, McDonald’s is simply rehashing old favourites.

Fan favourites like cheesy Mozzarella Bites and Chicken Selects are back on the menu but many items have had tweaks like dip or size changes.

Our Consumer Reporter Keira Clarke tasted the menu as soon as it dropped today.

Here’s what she thought.

Skittles McFlurry 4/5

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The Skittles McFlurry was one of the most anticipated items on the menu.

The one thing I would say about this menu item is that it’s incredibly sweet.

I suspect I am not the only one who expected to taste crushed Skittles pieces but in fact, I was greeted with Skittles fudge pieces and sugary pearls.

It still has the unique Skittles flavour and other ice cream as a whole topped off with a purple-ly, red Skittles-flavoured sauce.

I definitely think the sugary dessert will be a hit with fans even if it is a bit more than a standard McFlurry at £2.19 (343 kcal).

I’m not sure if I would have been able to finish the whole thing, in which case a Mini McFlurry for £1.69 (172 kcal) might be a better alternative.

The Hat Trick 2/5

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The Hat Trick burger £5.89 (726 kcal) is essentially a triple-cheese burger without gherkins and a bigger price tag.

You will need to fork out £7.69 for a medium meal with this burger.

Since McDonald’s changed the way it cooks its burgers the Hat Trick is definitely more juicy and filling than the old burgers.

And it’s not the only burger on the menu with this change.

Both the Triple Cheeseburger and Hat Trick have cheese, three patties, onion, mustard and ketchup.

Aside from the sesame bun and lack of gherkins, I can’t see any difference between the two which is a little disappointing.

It also looks like you would get more for your money if you simply purchased a triple cheeseburger for £2.99 and added gherkins.

Galaxy Chocolate and Raspberry Pie 4/5

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Of all the items on the new summer menu, this dish has been the most surprising.

The new pie (248 kcal) is definitely similar to the Raspberry and White Chocolate Pie which left menus in March.

I think the balance between the chocolate and the raspberry was just right though, I wouldn’t want any more filling than what it has.

Depending on how hot things get this summer you might not decide to pick this one up as it is the only hot dessert on the menu.

But for £1.99 I say why not?

Iced Latte 5/5

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Coffee lovers will be really pleased to know that Iced Lattes are back on the menu.

It’s stacked with plenty of ice so there’s no risk of it going warm but still definitely gives you a caffeine kick.

I enjoyed this drink but others might think it needs sweetening up slightly.

I think fans will like having one of these alongside a lunchtime meal as a pick-me-up throughout the day.

I wouldn’t say, however, that this £2.49 beverage (136 kcal) would compare to the sweeter iced coffees on the market from coffee shops like Starbucks or Costa.

Galaxy Caramel McFlurry 4/5

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I don’t think you can possibly go wrong with chocolate, caramel and ice cream.

The Galaxy Caramel McFlurry (366 kcal) has really nice thick chocolate pieces.

It actually reminds me of the Caramel Sundae which left menus years ago.

And, although I would probably prefer a Caramel Sundae this is definitely a close second.

There is the option for the £1.69 Galaxy Caramel Mini McFlurry (183 kcal) if you’re on the hunt for something a little smaller.

9 Chicken Select Sharebox 3/5

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Another new item is the nine piece Chicken Selects sharebox (1078 kcal).

Previously, you could only pick up three or five selects – so this is perfect to share or if you’re particularly peckish.

For myself, I would say nine is the right amount if you are looking to share this box but definitely too much for one.

The dips that come with the sharebox are another welcome change.

Chicken Selects can now be served with a new and improved Garlic Mayo, and Sweet and Smoky BBQ.

These new flavours are replacing the previous Smoky BBQ and Sour Cream and Chive dips.

This is as well as the already much-loved Sweet Chilli.

Fans were not happy about saying goodbye to the Sour Cream and Chive dip.

It is definitely one of the price items at £8.49.

McDonald’s Chicken Sharebox 4/5

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I suspected chicken lovers might be disappointed that the chicken Big Mac left the menu but I don’t think anyone will notice with the McDonald’s Chicken Sharebox.

The box has 9 chicken nuggets and six chicken selects plus two dips (and 1240 kcals).

For £10.59 you get quite a bit of food.

McDonald’s previously introduced the Chicken Combo in December last year which was similar.

The feast included 10 Chicken Selects and a 20 Chicken McNuggets Sharebox and cost £14.99.

Mozzarella Bites with a Rich Tomato Dip 4/5

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I love cheese so I’m really happy that these Mozzarella Bites are back.

You can get a pack of five for 211 kcals or 15 for 634 kcal.

Even more so now that the Cheese and Herb Melts and the Cheese and Herb Melts Sharebox have left menus.

I wouldn’t say they are quite as good as the Mozzarella Dippers but they are still nice and crunchy with plenty of cheese.

Although I would prefer them to be gooier.

Again there is quite a lot for £2.39 – I honestly think if you paired these with fries and drink you’d have a full meal.

What’s come off the McDonald’s menu?

With the new menu coming it it also means fans have had to say goodbye to the old menu items.

Fans said goodbye to the following items yesterday: 

• Biscoff McFlurry – £1.99
• Biscoff McFlurry mini – £1.59
• Galaxy Caramel Pie – £1.99
• Biscoff Frappe – £2.99
• Galaxy Chocolate McFlurry – £1.99
• Galaxy Chocolate Mini McFlurry – £1.59
• Quarter Pounder Deluxe – £4.89
• Quarter Deluxe Medium Meal – £6.59
• Chicken Big Mac – £4.69
• Chicken Big Mac Meal – £6.49
• Cheese & Herb Melts – £2.89
• Cheese & Herb Melts Sharebox – £7.09

How to save money at McDonald’s

You could end up being charged more for a McDonald’s meal based solely on the McDonald’s restaurant you choose.

Research by The Sun found a Big Mac meal can be up to 30p cheaper at restaurants just two miles apart from each other.

But you can pick up a Big Mac and fries for just £2.99 by filling in a feedback survey found on any old McDonald’s receipt.

The receipt should come with a 12-digit code which you can enter into the Food for Thought website alongside your submitted survey.

You’ll then receive a five-digit code which is your voucher for the £2.99 offer.

Make sure you check out all the various apps and platforms if you’re ordering McDonald’s to your home too.

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