How Much Is the Grinch Meal at McDonald’s? What to Expect on Price, What’s Included, and Why It Varies

Bassyonni

ago 1 month

Grinch Meal at McDonald’s

The Grinch Meal is a limited-time holiday bundle at McDonald’s that launched in the U.S. this week (starting December 2, 2025). Early register boards and app screenshots indicate most customers are paying about $11–$13 before tax for the standard medium size, with slight swings by city and franchise. Some high-cost markets run a bit higher, while value-focused areas dip toward the low end of that range.

Typical Grinch Meal price range

Standard medium: ~$11–$13 before tax in many U.S. locations
Upsize to large: commonly +$0.50 to +$1.20
Delivery/app markups: total can be higher due to fees and local pricing policies
Sales tax: added at checkout and varies by state/city

Because McDonald’s restaurants are largely franchised, pricing is set locally within corporate guidelines. That’s why two nearby towns can display different totals on the same day. Early cashier quotes and receipt photos this week clustered around $11.19, $11.59, $11.99, and $12.49, which is consistent with the national band above.

What’s included in the McDonald’s Grinch Meal

The bundle pairs one entrée with seasonal fries, a drink, and a collectible:

Entrée: your choice of a Big Mac or 10-piece Chicken McNuggets
Side: Dill Pickle McShaker™ Fries (shake-on “Grinch salt” seasoning)
Drink: medium soft drink (calories vary by selection)
Bonus: holiday socks tucked in the bag while supplies last

Nuggets vs. Big Mac are generally the same base price in the bundle. Sauces for McNuggets are typically included; extra sauce packets may incur a small add-on at some restaurants.

Why the Grinch Meal price isn’t identical everywhere

Several levers nudge the final total up or down:

Market costs: Rent, wages, and utilities differ widely by region; high-cost metros tend to post higher meal prices.
Franchise autonomy: Owner-operators can set local menu prices within national guidance, creating micro-differences even within a single metro.
Size swaps and customization: Large fries/drink usually add around a dollar. Extra sauces or specialty beverage swaps can adjust the total.
Taxes & fees: State/local sales tax applies at the register. Ordering for delivery layers on fees and, in some markets, higher menu prices.
Supply of socks: The collectible is “while supplies last.” Once a store runs out, you may still pay the meal price without the bonus—ask before you finalize the order if the socks matter to you.

How to check the exact Grinch Meal price near you

Use the in-app menu: Select your preferred restaurant first; prices update to that location’s list.
Peek at the drive-thru board: Newly posted holiday panels usually list the bundle price for medium and large.
Ask at the counter: Crew can confirm whether socks are in stock and whether any local promotions affect price.

Availability timeline and quick tips

U.S. launch: Began December 2, 2025, for a limited time.
Stock caveat: Fries seasoning and socks are limited; popular locations may sell through faster.
Best value play: If you like the seasoning, consider keeping any leftover “Grinch salt” packet for regular fries later—some stores will sell the shaker packet separately, but availability varies.

The McDonald’s Grinch Meal typically runs about $11–$13 (medium, before tax) in much of the U.S., with modest upcharges to go large and normal variation by city and restaurant. It includes a Big Mac or 10-piece McNuggets, Dill Pickle McShaker Fries, a medium drink, and collectible socks while supplies last.