Exciting changes are coming to McDonald’s menus in the U.S. this year, according to multiple reports. These changes potentially include the arrival of the huge Big Arch burger that’s now available in other countries.
Other new additions could be a Pokémon collaboration and “Secret Menu” items.
According to the Daily Mail, a U.S. McDonald’s employee recently posted a photo on Reddit “showing a document for managers outlining new menu items coming in January,” that listed the Big Arch, as well as hot honey sauce and the returning Oreo and Shamrock shakes. The outlet said that this burger was previously released in Canada and the U.K.
It is described on McDonald’s Ireland website as “two 100% Irish beef patties, white cheddar cheese slices, crispy and slivered onions, lettuce, pickles and the Big Arch sauce delivering that distinctive McDonald’s taste in a poppy & sesame seed bun.”
In Canada, a Big Arch burger meal with fries and drink sells for about $12.59 (equal to around $9 in the U.S.), said the Daily Mail. McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski previously described it as a “quintessential McDonald’s burger with a twist,” the outlet added.
“McDonald’s has not publicly commented about the item’s speculated launch in the U.S.,” said The Independent of the Big Arch news. It said “McDonald’s did not immediately return a request for comment.”
Another new menu feature this year is a Pokémon-themed Happy Meal to celebrate the franchise’s 30th anniversary, per a report in The Street. This meal promotion could include four-card booster packs and themed packaging, said the outlet. Last month, McDonald’s launched a Disneyland-themed Happy Meal to celebrate the theme park’s 70th anniversary.
Fox News 35 noted that that the Pokémon collaboration hasn’t officially been confirmed. That outlet also said that McDonald’s is planning an international release of “secret menu” items “that turns viral social media food hacks into limited-time offerings,” with examples, such as the Surf N’ Turf burger, available here.
However, no U.S. rollout of the secret menu items has been confirmed, it added. Recently, the company faced a lawsuit over its limited time only “McRib” menu item in the U.S., Audacy reported.
As prices for fast food have increased and inflation has changed the fast food game, McDonald’s rolled out new meal deals last year. By the time third quarter results were announced last year, the company announced that its global Systemwide sales increased by 6%.
“We’re fueling momentum by delivering everyday value and affordability, menu innovation, and compelling marketing that continue to bring customers through our doors,” said Kempczinski.