McDonald’s Grinch Meal: What’s Inside, How Much It Costs, and Where to Get It

The Grinch Meal at McDonald’s has officially landed for the holidays, bringing a mischievous twist to a classic combo. Rolling out now for a limited time, the festive bundle centers on new Dill Pickle McShaker Fries—seasoned in a special “Grinch Salt”—plus your choice of a Big Mac or 10-piece Chicken McNuggets and a medium drink. Many locations are also handing out collectible holiday socks in the bag while supplies last. Here’s everything to know before you hit the drive-thru.

What’s in the McDonald’s Grinch Meal

• Main item: Choice of a Big Mac or 10-piece Chicken McNuggets.

• Side: Dill Pickle McShaker Fries. You’ll get a seasoning packet and/or a shaker bag—pour the fries in, add the “Grinch Salt,” and shake until coated.

• Drink: Medium soft drink or fountain beverage.

• Bonus: Holiday socks featuring Grinchy designs, available at participating restaurants while supplies last.

The star is the McShaker Fries—a long-running international fan favorite finally appearing stateside in a dill-pickle profile that’s tangy and snack-chip adjacent. Expect a stronger flavor than standard fries; the shake-to-season ritual also keeps the fries crisp.

How much is the Grinch Meal at McDonald’s?

Pricing varies by market and restaurant, but early checkouts show the Grinch Meal typically landing in the same ballpark as other premium combo deals. Recent registers in several U.S. cities have shown totals around $11–$13 before tax, with some outliers slightly below or above that range depending on local pricing and delivery markups. The sock add-in is included while supplies last and doesn’t ring as a separate line item.

Tip: App offers, local bundles, and delivery platforms can nudge the price up or down. For the lowest price, order pickup in the McDonald’s app and check the Deals tab first.

Is there a Grinch Happy Meal for kids?

In some regions outside the U.S., McDonald’s previously paired the Grinch campaign with themed kids’ Happy Meal toys. In the U.S. this season, the headline offer is the adult-sized Grinch Meal with socks. Availability of children’s tie-ins can vary by market and franchise group; check your local restaurant or app to see what’s stocked nearby.

Where and how long you can get the Grinch Meal

• Availability: Participating U.S. restaurants for a limited time during the holiday window. Some locations may sell out of socks or seasoning packets before the meal itself ends.

• Hours: Most restaurants serve the Grinch Meal during regular lunch/dinner hours; breakfast menus may delay the start in the morning.

• International notes: Selected countries have run their own Grinch menus, sometimes with different desserts or sides. Details can differ—so if you’re traveling, check the local menu in the app.

Quick FAQ: McDonald’s Grinch Meal

What are “Grinch Salt” fries?
They’re standard McDonald’s fries tossed with a dill-pickle seasoning. You’ll either shake them in a branded bag or mix the packet right in the fry carton.

Can I swap the fries?
Menu swaps are at restaurant discretion. If your location is out of seasoning packets, you may receive regular fries.

What about sauces?
Big Mac Sauce stays on the sandwich; McNuggets come with your choice of dipping sauce. The dill-pickle seasoning plays well with ranch, honey mustard, and sweet-and-sour.

Do the socks come in sizes?
Most locations distribute one-size holiday socks. They’re first-come, first-served.

Editor’s take: why the Grinch Meal matters

McDonald’s Grinch Meal blends nostalgic branding with a new texture-plus-flavor moment in the fries—the part of the meal most customers interact with throughout the drive-thru experience. By importing the shake-season concept that’s been popular abroad and tying it to a holiday character with built-in cultural cachet, the chain gets both viral unboxing potential (shaker bag, socks, green graphics) and repeat-order potential (people coming back for the dill-pickle profile). If customer response mirrors the enthusiasm seen in early tastings, expect future seasonal spins on McShaker Fries.

Ordering tips to maximize value

• Check the app first. Regional offers can cut a dollar or two off the total or bundle extra points.

• Ask about socks before paying. If your location is out, you can decide whether to proceed or try another store.

• Consider mix-and-match. A Big Mac for one order and McNuggets for the next keeps things fresh if you’re buying for a group.

• Watch the clock. Limited-time promos tend to taper as inventory runs down, especially on novelty extras like seasoning packets and merch.

The McDonald’s Grinch Meal is a limited-time holiday combo built around Dill Pickle McShaker Fries, a Big Mac or 10-piece McNuggets, a medium drink, and festive socks where available. Expect roughly $11–$13 before tax at many U.S. locations, with local pricing and promotions determining the final total. If you’re curious about the shaker-fries hype—or you just want the socks—this one’s worth a seasonal spin.