We tried McDonald’s new ‘Grimace Birthday’ milkshake. Here’s what we learned – NBC Chicago
Some birthdays come with cakes. Someone brings cupcakes. But this one, celebrating a fan-favorite purple McDonaldland character, comes with something a little more colorful.
Earlier this week, Chicago-based McDonald’s launched the special edition “Grimace Birthday Meal and Shake” that comes with a medium fries, choice of Big Mac or 10-piece Chicken McNugget, a Grimace-approved purple milkshake — made from ” McDonald’s signature vanilla soft serve and berry flavors, says a spokesperson for the chain.
Birthday treat or not, the shake has found both lovers and haters on social media.
“Happy birthday, Grimace,”[ads1]; says one tweet. “Your long lasting signature shake tastes chemically purple and I kind of love it.”
“My daughter just got one and thought it would be too overwhelmingly berry and sweet and she didn’t like it. I tasted it,” read a comment on NBC’s Facebook post. “It’s actually really good. More vanilla than berry. Of course it’s sweet, like a shake. But it’s tasty too.”
Others, however, were more descriptive.
“My said children’s grape Claritin,” someone wrote in response.
Those looking to buy the meal can expect to spend about $15, but the price is determined by “each restaurant and may vary based on location,” McDonald’s says.
And while the shake is meant to be served with the rest of Grimace’s special birthday menu, “requests for just the shake can be accommodated by speaking with a member of our crew,” in person at participating restaurants, the chain adds.
Although Grimace’s exact date of birth remains unknown, it is clear that the creature was first introduced as a McDonaldland character in June 1971, and is said to be thriving as a young, healthy 52-year-old.
“Our fans have wonderful childhood memories of their birthdays at McDonald’s … and Grimace’s Birthday is about celebrating the wonderful, fun moments we all share,” said Tariq Hassan, Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer at McDonald’s USA, in a release.
According to officials, the “Grimace Birthday Meal and Shake” will be available at participating restaurants for a limited time, while supplies last.
But Grimase isn’t the only pillow-shaped item hitting McDonald’s Meals this year.
From the end of 2023, McDonald’s will start inserting popular plus Squishmallows into Happy Meals across the country.
According to toy maker Jazwares, Happy Meals later this year will feature one of 24 exclusive Squishmallows, with each participating McDonald’s location featuring between 10 and 12 designs. Additionally, 14 of the Squishmallows will also include a themed digital playlist, accessible via QR code and intended to “capture the excitement and energy of each Squishmallow’s personality.”
“This Happy Meal campaign brings together the worlds of McDonald’s, Squishmallows and music to elevate the fan experience and evolve our iconic Happy Meal brand within culture,” said a statement from Jennifer DelVecchio, Senior Director Global Campaigns and Alliances at McDonald’s in a release.
According to officials, Squishmallows will be available at participating locations while supplies last. A specific start date was not given.