McDonald’s Grinch Meal: What’s in It, When It’s Available, and How Much You’ll Pay

The McDonald’s Grinch Meal has landed for the holidays, rolling out nationwide in the U.S. on December 2, 2025 as a limited-time offer in partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises. It’s a playful, adult-leaning “happy meal” built around pickle-powered fries and a collectible extra that’s already driving lines—and social posts.

What’s in the McDonald’s Grinch Meal

At participating restaurants, the bundle includes:

• Entrée (choose one): Big Mac or 10-piece Chicken McNuggets

• Side: Dill Pickle “Grinch Salt” McShaker Fries (U.S. debut for this seasoning)

• Drink: Medium soft drink

• Bonus: Grinch socks (holiday design; one pair while supplies last)

The star is the Grinch Salt—a tangy, dill-pickle seasoning packet that you pour over fries inside a McShaker bag and toss to coat. It’s intentionally bold and vinegar-forward, so expect serious pickle energy.

Availability note: The meal is limited time, while supplies last, and only at participating locations. Some restaurants sell out of socks or seasoning during peak hours.

Price: what to expect and why it varies

Early checkouts show totals commonly in the $13.99–$15.99 range before tax (prices vary by market, delivery fees, and any app deals). The meal is pricier than ordering the sandwich/nuggets and fries à la carte because of the collectible socks and the special seasoning kit. Mobile-app bundles, local coupons, or rewards redemptions can drop the price a few dollars.

Pro tip for value hunters

• Use the app’s “Offers/Deals” tab, then build the Grinch combo manually if your store’s preset bundle is out of stock.

• If a location is out of socks, ask whether the restaurant will substitute or discount; policies differ.

Taste test: how the Grinch Salt changes the fries

• Flavor profile: Bright dill, garlic, salt, and a puckery acidity that hits fast.

• Texture: The seasoning clings well after a 10–15 second shake; a second packet (if available) can be intense.

• Pairings: Works best with Coke or Sprite to cut the brine; barbecue or honey mustard complements nuggets if you skip the Big Mac.

If you’re on the fence about pickles, try half-shake: sprinkle a portion of the packet, taste, then add more.

Allergens and ingredients: a quick check

McDonald’s standard World-Famous Fries list wheat and milk due to natural beef flavor and cross-contact in some markets. The Grinch Salt packet itself is typically free of major allergens, but the seasoned fries you eat still reflect the fries’ base ingredients. If you manage allergens, review the in-app Nutrition & Allergen section for your restaurant and avoid cross-contact by skipping self-shaking at the table where crumbs or sauces are present.

Where you can (and can’t) find it

• United States: Nationwide at participating restaurants; inventory of socks and seasoning can vary by daypart.

• International menus: Holiday tie-ins differ by country. Some markets are spotlighting other seasonal items instead of socks; check your local app to confirm what’s live today.

How to order—and customize—the McDonald’s Grinch Meal

1. Open the McDonald’s app and look for “The Grinch Meal” tile on the home screen or under Featured.

2. Choose your entrée (Big Mac or 10-piece McNuggets) and select your drink.

3. Confirm Grinch McShaker Fries are included; if the specific item is sold out, the app will flag it.

4. Add sauces (sweet ’n sour or barbecue balance the brine nicely).

5. Pickup vs. delivery: Pickup helps you shake the fries while they’re hottest; delivery times may soften the crunch.

Customization ideas

• Go light on seasoning: Use half the packet for a gentler dill profile.

• Extra crispy: Ask for fries no salt and add Grinch Salt yourself to keep the texture snappy.

• Sandwich swap: Some locations let you substitute a different sandwich for an upcharge; availability varies.

Why McDonald’s is betting big on a pickle-powered holiday

This promo checks all the seasonal boxes: a nostalgic character, a collectible, and a bold flavor twist you can’t DIY at home. The socks create a tangible memento that nudges repeat visits, while the shaker format turns the order into an interactive moment—prime fuel for short videos and photos. It’s the same playbook that made past limited drops go viral, now tuned to holiday gift-ability.

Key dates and what’s next

• Launch: December 2, 2025 in the U.S.

• End date: Not posted; most locations are treating it as “while supplies last.” Expect the seasoning and socks to taper first.

• Follow-ons: Holiday menus often rotate in January; if you like the dill-pickle profile, watch the app for standalone Grinch Fries or returning pickle-themed tests.

The McDonald’s Grinch Meal is a festive, limited-run bundle built around dill-pickle Grinch Salt fries and a pair of cheeky Grinch socks. It’s loud, briny, and priced like a collectible—perfect if you love pickle flavors and holiday gimmicks, less so if you’re strictly a classic-fries purist. If you want the socks, go earlier in the day and confirm stock in the app before you roll.