I tried the new McDonald’s menu – one item had a spicy kick but it didn’t blow my socks off
IT'S the New Year - and there's a new McDonald's menu with two tasty products to try.
The fast food giant changes its menu every few weeks in a bid to attract customers and January is no different.
The new items are a spicy sriracha chicken wrap and a double McPlant burger and they are available in all of Maccies' 1,450 restaurants as of yesterday (January 4).
Also returning to the McDonald's menu are the cheesy garlic bites and the Aero peppermint McFlurry.
Despite January usually being a no-takeaway month, I put the new items to the test.
Sadly, the new McFlurry was out of stock at our local restaurant so I didn't get to try it.
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The Spicy Sriracha Chicken One - 3.5/5
Fans who enjoy a bit of heat will like this one and I was surprised by how spicy McDonald's has made it.
But please bear in mind I go for the medium sauce at Nando's so some would argue I can't handle heat.
While there was a kick it didn't completely blow my socks off, especially considering it came with a warning that it would be "too hot to miss".
The wrap is made with either crispy chicken breast or grilled chicken, spicy sriracha sauce, cucumber, onions, and lettuce in a toasted wrap.
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It looked ok, but it wasn't as full as I've have expected - the chicken looked a little lonely I have to say.
Food lovers will pay £3.29 for just the wrap or for £6.49 as a meal, though prices can vary depending on location.
But, like all good things that come to an end, it'll only be available until February 14 - so if you do fancy it, get in while you can.
Double McPlant Burger - 4/5
If you're tried a McPlant, then you'll know what you're getting.
The burger features two Beyond Meat patties, a vegan sesame bun, mustard, ketchup, vegan sandwich sauce, onion, pickles, lettuce, tomato and vegan cheese.
To be honest, it looks very similar to a normal McDonald's double cheeseburger and as a meat eater myself, it tastes pretty similar too.
I've tried the McPlant before, so I knew I'd like it and I think it matches up to the meaty equivalent.
A double McPlant will cost £4.89 and £6.49 as part of a meal, but prices may vary depending on location.
Cheesy Garlic Bites - 4/5
This is one of my favourites and I'm glad to see it back on the menu.
It was first featured on the McDonald's menu in June 2021 and lasted four weeks, so it's been a while since we last got to try them.
The bites are made with a blend of mozzarella and emmental cheese, in a garlic herb coating.
Customers can get them as five bites on their own for £2.59, or as a sharebox of 15 for £6.69.
I really like this, they're cheesy, creamy and extremely "garlicy" so be warned.
I now stink of garlic which I'm sure is a delight to the colleagues sitting next to me.
Menu shake-up for January
The additions come after eight items have been removed from the fast food chain's main menu as of yesterday (January 3).
The items were only ever meant to stick around for a limited period as part of the McDonald's Christmas menu.
The items include:
- Big Tasty - £5.29 on its own or £6.89 as a meal
- Big Tasty with bacon - £5.89 on its own or £7.49 as a meal
- Cheese Melt Dippers - £2.29
- Cheese Melt Dippers Sharebox - £5.99
- Celebrations McFlurry - £1.79 for regular
- Festive Pie - £1.29
McDonald's is also removing its festive hot drinks from menus.
The drinks menu included the caramel waffle latte and the hot chocolate deluxe.
How do I find my nearest McDonald's?
If you're planning on taking a trip to McDonald's, you'll want to know where your nearest branch is.
The chain has a restaurant locator tool on its website you can use to find your nearest one - and check what time it opens.
Bear in mind that McDonald's serves breakfast every day until 11am.
After that, the menu switches to the normal menu serving meals such as burgers, chicken nuggets and more.
How can I save on my McDonald's order?
There are plenty of ways you can save on your next trip to McDonald's.
You should choose your branch wisely - menu prices can vary across different restaurants just a couple of miles apart.
We've seen Big Mac meals up to 30p cheaper before, which added up over the course of a year could save you a fair few pounds.
You can also get freebies on your birthday if you've got the My McDonald's app.
Remember to log your date of birth on the app though, otherwise you'll miss out.
You can get a Big Mac and fries for just £1.99 as well if you fill out the quick feedback survey following your last visit.
All you'll need is your receipt which should have been issued no more than 60 days after your visit.
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A 12-digit code will be printed on the proof of purchase and then you can enter the McDonald's website to fill out a quick survey.
For the full list of tips, you can read our guide here.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected]