RUMOURS have been swirling on social media that the McDonald’s McRib burger is set for a comeback after 10 years off the menu.
So when I was invited to a secretive press event by the fast food chain earlier this week – with no details on what it was about – I was very intrigued and expected something big.
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A couple of hours after arriving, my anticipation finally ended as Maccies workers started dishing out box upon box filled with the iconic burgers, first launched in the UK in 1981, from the back of a van.
The pork-based patty, which is lathered in smoky BBQ sauce, pickles and onions and encased in a homestyle bun, is back on menus for a limited time from October 16.
McDonald’s didn’t say how long exactly the menu item is back for, but limited edition additions like this are usually on sale for about six weeks.
It will be on sale for £4.49 as an individual item or £6.19 as part of a medium extra-value meal deal, which means it comes with fries and a medium drink.
But I, alongside a host of other journalists and social media influencers, got an early taste of the fan-favourite item, which was last seen on UK menus in early 2015.
While I am old enough to remember the McRib being on menus, I never actually tried it at the time.
And I must admit, I was buzzing to give it a go, especially after all the clamour about it online in recent weeks.
How did it taste?
After opening the box, the burger looked pretty plain and unspectacular, while its rectangular shape made it hard to hold, to be honest.
But I was pretty impressed when it came to the flavour and texture.
The pork patty melted in my mouth and was super tender – definitely better than other burgers I’ve tried.
The pickles and onions added a nice textural contrast to the soft bun and meat as well, while adding a slight sour kick.
But one thing I would say was that after eating an entire burger I did feel a bit sickly due to the abundance of the BBQ sauce, which was too sweet for me personally.
At 509 calories, the burger is more calorific than a Double Cheeseburger, McChicken and Bacon Double Cheeseburger as well.
But overall, I’d definitely choose to get a McRib again on my next trip, especially as it’s only on menus for a limited time.
OTHER MCDONALD’S CHANGES
McDonald’s customers are in for a busy October, with the fast food chain already having confirmed a new breakfast item is making its way onto menus.
From October 16, foodies will be able to get their hands on mini hashbrowns in a portion of five or 15, with prices starting from £1.49.
McDonald’s already sells regular-sized hashbrowns for £1.19 but these are bitesized.
Many customers have already taken to social media saying the product reminds them of Tater Tots – a popular side dish in America.
It is still unclear whether or not the morning snack will become a permanent menu item or will only be available for a limited period.
A number of items are coming off menus this month too.
Customers will have to wave goodbye to six menu items:
- Philly Cheese Stack
- Chicken Big Mac
- Mozzarella Dippers
- Galaxy Chocolate McFlurry
- Twix Caramel McFlurry
- Twix Latte
The items were rolled out across stores on September 4, in conjunction with the return of McDonald’s Monopoly.
But when the game ends on October 15, these items will be removed.
How to save 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 30% cheaper at restaurants just two miles apart from each other.
You can pick up a Big Mac and fries for just £2.99 at any time by filling in a feedback survey found on McDonald’s receipts.
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.
There are some deals and offers you can only get if you have the My McDonald’s app, so it’s worth signing up to get money off your meals.
The MyMcDonald’s app can be downloaded on iPhone and Android phones and is quick to set up.
You can also bag freebies and discounts on your birthday if you’re a My McDonald’s app user.
The chain has recently sent out reminders to app users to fill out their birthday details – otherwise they could miss out on birthday treats.
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