McDonald’s is known for offering a variety of promotions, some of which have become iconic in the fast food industry. While many of these promotions are fleeting, certain ones have gained such a strong fan following that they’ve left a lasting impact on the brand’s identity. These limited-time offerings, whether they’re menu items, collaborations, or themed events, have captured the hearts of McDonald’s fans worldwide. Let’s dive into some of the most memorable McDonald’s promotions that became fan favorites and left a lasting impression.
1. McRib: The Legendary Sandwich
Arguably the most famous of McDonald’s limited-time offerings, the McRib has been a fan favorite since its debut in 1981. This tangy, smoky sandwich with a pork patty, barbecue sauce, pickles, and onions was initially introduced as a seasonal item, which has led to its growing mystique and popularity over the years. Fans eagerly anticipate its return each year, and it often sparks debates about whether McDonald’s should make it a permanent menu item. The McRib’s elusive nature is a major part of its allure, and McDonald’s has capitalized on this by teasing its return with social media campaigns and special announcements.
The McRib’s popularity has grown so much that it’s even been celebrated with dedicated McRib festivals in certain cities. Fans have called for its year-round availability, but McDonald’s keeps it special, ensuring the McRib remains a limited-time favorite.
2. Shamrock Shake: A St. Patrick’s Day Tradition
The Shamrock Shake has been an annual tradition for McDonald’s fans since 1970. This mint-flavored milkshake, typically served in a bright green hue, has become synonymous with St. Patrick’s Day and the early spring season. Fans line up each year to get their hands on this festive treat, which is often paired with the crispy fries and a burger. Over the years, the Shamrock Shake has become more than just a seasonal drink; it’s a symbol of McDonald’s creativity and ability to tap into cultural moments.
The Shamrock Shake’s popularity has even led to the creation of variations, such as the “Shamrock McFlurry” and the “Shamrock Shake with Oreo pieces.” These adaptations help McDonald’s keep the offering fresh while maintaining its status as a fan favorite. McDonald’s has embraced its seasonal shakes so much that some locations have created limited-edition flavors to extend the celebration.
3. McDonald’s and Travis Scott: The Collaboration Heard ‘Round the World
In 2020, McDonald’s took a bold step into the world of celebrity collaborations by partnering with rapper Travis Scott. The “Travis Scott Meal” featured a Quarter Pounder with cheese, bacon, lettuce, medium fries, and a Sprite, which became an instant hit. What made this promotion stand out wasn’t just the meal itself, but the buzz around it. The collaboration sparked an outpouring of support from both Travis Scott’s fans and McDonald’s loyal customers.
The promotion was so successful that it generated long lines at McDonald’s locations, with many customers posting about the experience on social media. To take it a step further, McDonald’s released limited-edition merchandise, such as t-shirts and hoodies, featuring the rapper’s name and the McDonald’s logo. This collaboration showed McDonald’s ability to tap into pop culture, create excitement, and appeal to younger audiences in a way that resonated with both food lovers and music fans.
4. McDonald’s and BTS: The Global Meal Deal
Another standout celebrity collaboration was the one between McDonald’s and the global K-pop sensation BTS. In 2021, McDonald’s launched the “BTS Meal,” which included a 10-piece Chicken McNuggets, fries, and two dipping sauces (Sweet Chili and Cajun), inspired by the flavors BTS enjoys while on tour. The meal became a global phenomenon, appealing not only to BTS fans but also to McDonald’s customers eager to try something new.
This promotion was unique in that it wasn’t just a meal—it also became a way for McDonald’s to tap into the international market. With BTS being one of the most popular musical acts worldwide, the promotion sparked a social media frenzy and even led to the creation of a special “BTS Meal” box, which quickly became a coveted collector’s item. McDonald’s also saw a surge in sales and a spike in traffic, showing just how influential celebrity partnerships can be in the fast food industry.
5. McDonald’s and the Szechuan Sauce: A Fan-Led Revival
The Szechuan Sauce is one of McDonald’s most surprising and fascinating promotional stories. Originally released in 1998 as part of a promotional tie-in with the Disney movie Mulan, the sauce didn’t make a significant impact at the time. However, in 2017, the sauce became a viral sensation after it was referenced in an episode of the animated show Rick and Morty. Fans of the show clamored for the return of the Szechuan Sauce, and McDonald’s quickly capitalized on the growing demand.
In 2017, McDonald’s brought the Szechuan Sauce back for a limited time, creating long lines at locations nationwide. The demand was so overwhelming that McDonald’s had to limit the number of sauces available, resulting in even more hype. Although the promotion was short-lived, the Szechuan Sauce became a cultural phenomenon, with fans trading the sauce packets on eBay and posting about their experiences online.
The Szechuan Sauce’s revival proved how powerful fan-driven movements can be and highlighted the importance of tapping into pop culture to create unique promotions that resonate with a wide audience.
6. The McDonald’s All-Day Breakfast: A Game-Changing Menu Addition
Though not exactly a limited-time promotion, McDonald’s decision to serve breakfast items all day was one of the most popular and impactful changes to its menu. Introduced in 2015, the All-Day Breakfast menu quickly became a fan favorite. Breakfast classics like the Egg McMuffin, hotcakes, and sausage McMuffins were now available at any hour of the day, catering to late-night cravings and providing a new convenience for customers.
The All-Day Breakfast menu was so successful that it became one of McDonald’s most-talked-about features, leading to longer lines and even a sense of nostalgia among customers. Despite McDonald’s discontinuing the full All-Day Breakfast menu in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it remains one of the most beloved promotions in recent years. McDonald’s fans still hope for its eventual return.
7. McDonald’s 50th Anniversary of the Big Mac
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Big Mac in 2018, McDonald’s introduced a special promotional offering: the “MacCoin.” The MacCoin was a limited-edition collectible coin that customers could use to get a free Big Mac. This creative marketing stunt was a way to both commemorate the iconic sandwich and engage with McDonald’s fans worldwide.
The MacCoin promotion drew massive crowds, as customers sought out the limited-edition coins and, of course, the opportunity to enjoy a Big Mac. The promotion was particularly appealing to collectors and McDonald’s enthusiasts who were excited about owning a piece of history. Though the MacCoin promotion was brief, it left a lasting impression on Big Mac fans and solidified the sandwich’s place in McDonald’s legacy.
8. McDonald’s Monopoly: A Game of Chance and Excitement
One of the longest-running and most beloved promotions in McDonald’s history is the McDonald’s Monopoly game. Introduced in 1987, the promotion allows customers to collect game pieces with every purchase, offering the chance to win instant prizes or the coveted grand prize. Over the years, McDonald’s Monopoly has given away millions in prizes, including cars, vacations, and even cash.
The Monopoly game became an annual tradition, with customers eagerly participating each year. The excitement surrounding the promotion grew to such an extent that McDonald’s locations would often experience an uptick in business when the game launched. The McDonald’s Monopoly promotion may have been short-lived each year, but its impact on McDonald’s marketing success has been undeniable. Fans eagerly await each year’s new edition, often strategizing and trading game pieces to increase their chances of winning.
Conclusion
McDonald’s has mastered the art of creating limited-time promotions that excite and engage customers. From the tangy McRib to the sweet and minty Shamrock Shake, these seasonal offerings have become much more than temporary menu items—they’ve become cultural moments. Through celebrity collaborations, fan-driven revivals, and innovative marketing campaigns, McDonald’s has proven time and again that a well-executed promotion can turn even the simplest food item into an unforgettable fan favorite.