The Grinch Meal: Every year, the holidays bring a little chaos, and this year, the king of fast food is embracing the mischief. McDonald’s has rolled out a special, limited-time offering in partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises:
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Far from your standard value meal, this is an adult-sized event that includes a nostalgic element of surprise, a classic burger, and a side that is absolutely stealing the show, the Dill Pickle McShaker Fries. If you’ve heard the buzz about “Grinch Salt” or people scrambling for the “Grinch Meal socks,” here is your complete, guide and review by (hstech).
What is in a Grinch Meal? (It’s an Adult Happy Meal)
The Grinch Meal is designed as a limited-time, festive combo that bundles a popular entrée with a quirky, collectible side. It’s essentially McDonald’s giving adults their own version of a Happy Meal, complete with a mystery “toy” and unique packaging.
Here is the full breakdown of what you get when you order The Grinch Meal:
- Choice of Entrée: You select one of the following:
- A Big Mac
- A 10-piece Chicken McNuggets
- Medium Drink: Your choice of any medium soft drink (like a Coke) or other fountain beverage.
- The Signature Side: Dill Pickle McShaker™ Fries: This is the star. You receive a medium order of McDonald’s classic World Famous Fries, a special McShaker bag, and a packet of “Grinch Salt”, which is tangy dill pickle seasoning. You mix it yourself!
- The Collectible: A pair of limited-edition Grinch-themed socks featuring the Grinch, Max, and Cindy Lou Who illustrations. These socks come in one of four festive colors (Green, Red, Blue, or Yellow), and you can’t choose the color; it’s a surprise!
The Star of the Show: Dill Pickle McShaker Fries Review
The Big Mac and McNuggets are reliable classics, but the Grinch Meal’s success hinges entirely on the Dill Pickle McShaker Fries. This is the first time the popular McShaker Fries concept (a global favorite, especially in Canada and Australia) has been rolled out widely in the US.
The Experience: Shake, Shake, Shake
The meal comes with a paper bag that serves as your personal seasoning vessel. The process is simple:
- Dump the fries into the McShaker bag.
- Pour in the packet of “Grinch Salt” (many reviewers recommend starting with half a packet to control the flavor intensity).
- Fold the top of the bag and shake vigorously—like you’re trying to summon Christmas chaos.
The Taste Verdict: A Delightfully Bold Tang
The dill pickle seasoning is an immediate hit. It’s not just plain salt; it has a bold, vinegary, tangy flavor, often described as having a hint of ranch or herbaceousness, thanks to actual dried dill weed.
Review Consensus: The flavor is surprisingly authentic and addictive. It provides a sharp, tart kick that cuts through the richness of the fries and contrasts perfectly with the traditional Big Mac or McNuggets. It’s the kind of inventive, bold flavor many people wish McDonald’s offered year-round.
The Mystery Prize: Grinch Meal Socks
One of the main drivers of the meal’s viral popularity, and the reason it’s selling out in some locations, is the collectible socks.
The Gimmick: It’s a fun piece of nostalgia. While some may laugh at getting socks, they are well-made enough to be legitimately wearable. The element of surprise, getting one of the four color/design variations, adds an actual “adult toy” feeling to the purchase. The socks often feature a scrawled message from the Grinch himself, adding to the character’s mischievous branding.
The Catch: Many customers are explicitly buying the meal just for the socks. This has led to some locations running out of the socks earlier than expected. If your main goal is to collect all four pairs, you should call your local McDonald’s beforehand.
Where and How Much is the Grinch Meal?
Availability (Where can I get a Grinch meal?)
- When: The Grinch Meal is a limited-time offer available during the holiday season (typically launching in early December).
- Where: Available at participating McDonald’s restaurants nationwide. Availability may vary by location and country (it was featured in some international markets before its US debut).
- How: You can order it at the drive-thru, counter, or through the MyMcDonald’s app for pickup or McDelivery.
Price (How much is the Grinch meal at McDonald’s?)
- Cost: Prices are not standardized and vary significantly by location, state, and local taxes.
- Price Range: Reviews suggest the price generally falls between $14 and $18 USD for the entire combo. This is noticeably higher than a typical value meal. This cost is factored in to cover the novelty packaging, the Dill Pickle seasoning, and, most importantly, the collectible socks.
Final Verdict: Is The Grinch Meal Worth It?
If you are looking for a Big Mac, the meal is probably overpriced. But the Grinch Meal is an experiential purchase, a piece of holiday fun that taps into nostalgia and novelty.
- For the Foodie (Pickle Lover): Yes, it is worth it. The Dill Pickle McShaker Fries are fantastic and unlike anything else currently on the US menu. They are the clear stars.
- For the Collector/Nostalgia Seeker: Yes, it is worth it. Getting the unique box and a pair of collectible Grinch socks adds a layer of fun that justifies the premium cost. It’s the closest you’ll get to an adult Happy Meal prize.
- For the Budget-Conscious: No. If you don’t care about the socks and want to try the flavor, you might be able to purchase the McShaker Fries and seasoning packet separately (this varies by location). Otherwise, save your money and stick to the standard value menu.
Get your Grinch on, embrace the chaos, and enjoy those sour, salty fries. Don’t forget to shake well!
Are you planning to go for the Big Mac or the 10-piece McNuggets combo with your Grinch Meal?