McDonald’s has mastered the art of marketing through high-profile collaborations with celebrities, bringing exclusive limited-time meals and merchandise that create buzz among fans and fast-food lovers alike. These partnerships tap into nostalgia, pop culture, and the personal tastes of famous figures, driving massive sales and social media engagement.
The Rise of Celebrity Meals at McDonald’s
McDonald’s began leveraging celebrity collaborations as a way to create unique menu experiences, allowing customers to “eat like” their favorite stars. These meals typically feature items already available on the menu but combined in a way that reflects the celebrity’s personal preferences. Some collaborations also come with limited-edition packaging, exclusive merchandise, or digital experiences.
Notable McDonald’s Celebrity Collaborations
1. Travis Scott Meal (2020)
One of the most successful McDonald’s collaborations was with rapper Travis Scott. His meal featured a Quarter Pounder with Cheese, bacon, and lettuce, a medium fries with BBQ sauce, and a Sprite. The promotion was so popular that some McDonald’s locations ran out of key ingredients due to high demand. The Travis Scott Meal marked the first celebrity partnership for McDonald’s since Michael Jordan’s McJordan meal in the 1990s.
2. J Balvin Meal (2020)
Following Travis Scott’s success, McDonald’s teamed up with reggaeton superstar J Balvin. His meal included a Big Mac (no pickles), medium fries with ketchup, and an Oreo McFlurry. McDonald’s also initially planned to release J Balvin-themed merchandise, but it was eventually canceled. Despite this, the meal saw strong sales and reinforced McDonald’s strategy of partnering with global music icons.
3. BTS Meal (2021)
The BTS Meal was one of McDonald’s most globally impactful collaborations. The meal, inspired by the South Korean supergroup, included 10-piece Chicken McNuggets, medium fries, a Coke, and two special sauces—Cajun and Sweet Chili, which were previously only available in South Korea. Alongside the meal, McDonald’s released limited-edition packaging, and fans even collected and resold the BTS-branded McDonald’s bags. This collaboration extended beyond food, as McDonald’s launched a limited merchandise line featuring clothing and accessories, further fueling the frenzy among BTS’s massive fanbase, known as ARMY.
4. Saweetie Meal (2021)
Rapper Saweetie brought her signature style to McDonald’s with a creative meal that encouraged customization. The meal featured a Big Mac, 4-piece Chicken McNuggets, medium fries, a medium Sprite, Tangy BBQ sauce, and “Saweetie ‘N Sour” sauce (a rebranded Sweet and Sour sauce). McDonald’s also promoted unique ways to eat the meal, such as stacking nuggets inside the Big Mac or mixing fries with sauce-covered buns.
5. Cardi B & Offset Meal (2023)
On Valentine’s Day 2023, McDonald’s released a meal inspired by celebrity couple Cardi B and Offset. The meal was designed for sharing and included a cheeseburger with BBQ sauce, a Quarter Pounder with Cheese, large fries, an apple pie, a Hi-C Orange Lavaburst, and a Coca-Cola. This collaboration leaned into the theme of love and partnership, resonating with couples and fans of both artists.
6. Grimace Birthday Meal (2023)
Although not a celebrity in the traditional sense, McDonald’s leaned into nostalgia with the Grimace Birthday Meal. The meal featured a limited-edition purple Grimace Shake alongside a Big Mac or 10-piece McNuggets and fries. The unexpected viral success of the Grimace Shake on social media, particularly with humorous and eerie TikTok trends, made this collaboration a major cultural moment.
Why These Collaborations Work
McDonald’s celebrity meals succeed because they combine three key elements: nostalgia, exclusivity, and personalization. These collaborations create excitement by allowing fans to experience their favorite stars’ preferred McDonald’s orders, often enhanced with unique packaging, merchandise, and digital content. Additionally, social media plays a crucial role, as fans share their experiences, creating viral trends that boost sales and brand engagement.
The Future of McDonald’s Collaborations
Given the success of past partnerships, McDonald’s will likely continue to collaborate with influential figures across music, sports, and entertainment. Future meals may incorporate more customization, international flavors, or even digital tie-ins with NFTs or augmented reality experiences. The brand’s ability to adapt to cultural trends ensures that these collaborations remain fresh and relevant.
By leveraging the power of celebrity influence and social media, McDonald’s has turned limited-time collaborations into major marketing events that drive both sales and cultural impact. As fans eagerly await the next big partnership, McDonald’s continues to solidify its status as a trendsetter in fast food marketing.