It’s not unusual to have a weird food experience at a food joint in the United States. Sometimes, you may find something missing, while other times you may find something that doesn’t belong. In the case of user @kai_michelle24 on TikTok, who is from Texas, unfortunately, it’s the latter.
In a video uploaded to her TikTok account on January 31, 2025, user @kai_michelle24 talks about ordering a Sausage McGriddles from a McDonald’s that didn’t go as planned. She reveals that while she was excited to have her food, her experience soured when she found a foreign object she initially thought was her tooth, but later realized was someone else’s.
TikTok user @kai_michelle24 will probably never visit a McDonald’s after what she encountered
User @kai_michelle24 opens her TikTok video saying that she was on a break from her work and decided to order McDonald’s, which she usually doesn’t, but because it was cheap and quick, she decided to go for it. Then the huge twist comes. As Kai continues her story, she speaks about taking a couple of bites of her Sausage McGriddles and feeling something in her mouth. She then reveals that she thought she had chipped her tooth, but clarifies later that it wasn’t hers, and then brings out two white parts resembling tooth bits in front of the camera.
Pretty angry, as one should be, she expressed shock over the presence of tooth particles in her food and questioned the quality of McDonald’s items. She also exclaimed, “This is what they are feeding us in America. This right here. Human pieces, in our food. Boycott. Ban them.”
People had a wide range of responses to user @kai_michelle24’s TikTok video
User @kai_michelle24’s TikTok video has gained significant momentum on the platform, with over a million views and thousands of comments, shares, and saves. The consensus among the commenters on the video is that Kai should boycott McDonald’s and seek legal help. For instance, user @mlively_ wrote, “Find a lawyer you trust. Have it analysed. You may have to never go to work again.” User @dragonflower42, on the other hand, told Kai about the presence of human parts in McDonald’s items and wrote, “sweetheart over a decade ago they proved that McDonald’s was putting 2% human DNA in all their s*** stop eating it why do you think it says 80 billion people served not burgers served but people.”
Several people in the comments section were also convinced that what Kai had found in her food was not a tooth but a bone, which is natural when dealing with ground beef. User @spyroo097 wrote, “girl it’s probably a piece of bone cause it’s ground sausage patty.” User @mirandaleigh19, while hinting at something similar, wrote, “Girl it’s just bone. It’s a ground sausage patty. I’m sure it’s bone from an animal. Still gross but you’ll be ok, there’s other reasons we have to boycott McDonald’s though.”
Does McDonald’s use human meat to prepare food items?
For years, there have been ongoing discussions surrounding McDonald’s using human meat to prepare their food items. The conversations centred on these have mostly been concentrated on Reddit, where people have shared their own experiences and theories. However, these claims are untrue.
According to an article published by Reuters on June 11, 2021, the claims of McDonald’s using human meat stem from a satirical article published by the website of Huzlers. McDonald’s even listed out the items they used in their hamburgers, which provided more clarity to those who were questioning. In reply to a message from a person who was curious about the ingredients, McDonald’s wrote, “Hi, we only use 100% pure, Halal beef in all our patties, with a pinch of salt and pepper. That’s it! You can check out all our ingredients in our nutrition calculator on our website.”
Sanchari Ghosh is a political writer for The Mary Sue who enjoys keeping up with what’s going on in the world and sometimes reminding everyone what they should be talking about. She’s been around for a few years, but still gets excited whenever she disentangles a complicated story. When she’s not writing, she’s likely sleeping, eating, daydreaming, or just hanging out with friends. Politics is her passion, but so is an amazing nap.
THORNTON — Brihanna Crittendon has rewritten Colorado hoops history.
The Riverdale Ridge senior broke CHSAA’s all-time scoring mark on Saturday, passing Tracy Hill’s tally of 2,934 points that stood for 43 years. Crittendon scored a fast-break lay-up in the third quarter against Monarch to move beyond Hill, an ex-Ridgway star.
When Crittendon banked in the decisive shot, Hill — who drove about six hours from the Western Slope to see the consequential game — sat courtside cheering her on. Then the two embraced at midcourt during the Riverdale Ridge timeout that followed, the scoring torch passing from one great to another amid a standing ovation.
Riverdale Ridge senior Brihanna Crittendon (3) scores on a layup to become the all-time leading scorer in Colorado high school basketball history during a game against Monarch on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, at Riverdale Ridge High School in Thornton, Colo. Tracy Hill held the previous record of 2,934 points for 43 years. (Photo by Timothy Hurst/The Denver Post)
“It’s exciting, it’s amazing, and the record is not necessarily something I’ve worked for, but it’s something that has been a result of all the work I’ve put in the last four years,” Crittendon said. “It’s really meaningful to add my name to the top of the list, because I never thought this would be a possibility when I first started my high school career.”
Crittendon’s scoring feat marked the pinnacle of a prep career that’s lived up to the hype from the very start. In her high school debut on Dec. 6, 2022, the do-everything guard/forward scorched Severance for 32 points on 16 of 18 from the field.
Deric Yaussi, the Severance coach at the time who is now at Loveland, recalled pulling out all the stops to limit the phenom freshman.
None of it worked, a common theme for those who have coached against the University of Texas-bound superstar.
“Coming into the game, I heard a lot about how good she was,” Yaussi recalled. “So I put my best defender on her the entire game. We double-teamed her, we had a third defender shadow her. But she didn’t flinch. She passed out of the double-teams. She looked like a senior out there, poised and controlled.
“… To drop 32 in her first game, I knew she was going to be very special. And when we played her when she was a sophomore (and she scored 28), I laughed with my players afterwards like, ‘Hey girls, we held her under 30 points! We did it!’
Crittendon lit up Class 4A in her first two seasons, a run that culminated with the program’s first state championship in 2024. Crittendon set the state scoring record for a freshman with 811 points, then set the state scoring record for a sophomore with 809 points.
Riverdale Ridge senior Brihanna Crittendon (3) meets with Ridgway alumni Tracy Hill after Crittendon scored to become the all-time leading scorer in Colorado high school basketball history during a game against Monarch on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, at Riverdale Ridge High School in Thornton, Colo. Hill held the previous record of 2,934 points for 43 years. (Photo by Timothy Hurst/The Denver Post)
By the end of that second season, Hill was paying close attention.
“She caught my eye when she was a freshman because she was averaging over 30 points, which is hard to do no matter what classification you’re playing,” Hill said. “When you’re putting up those kinds of numbers, and you do it again as a sophomore, that’s when I started to believe she was well on her way.”
So too did Riverdale Ridge head coach Tim Jones, who earned his 100th career win in Saturday’s 76-32 victory.
“It didn’t even hit us until really last year, to be honest, when somebody brought (the potential of the record) to our attention and we looked at it closer,” Jones said. “It was like, ‘Hm, that might happen.’”
When the Ravens moved to Class 6A last season — a rare move to jump up two levels at once — Crittendon’s scoring remained steady as she lead her team to the Final Four. While Hill remains No. 1 in state history in scoring average at 32.2, Crittendon is second at 28.8, while former ThunderRidge great Abby Bartolotta (nee Waner) is third at 27.24.
Those three women, by every major statistical measure, are the most prolific scorers in Colorado history.
Hill, who went on to play Missouri, Central Wyoming and Montana State before going pro in Australia, holds the record for points in a season with 928 in 1982-83. She accomplished her scoring feats in the era where there was no 3-point line, and girls also played with a men’s ball.
Riverdale Ridge senior Brihanna Crittendon (3) smiles with her teammates after becoming the all-time leading scorer in Colorado high school basketball history during a game against Monarch on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, at Riverdale Ridge High School in Thornton, Colo. Tracy Hill held the previous record of 2,934 points for 43 years. (Photo by Timothy Hurst/The Denver Post)
“I shot 500 shots a day, I practiced with the boys,” Hill said. “This was before club basketball was really a thing, so one summer I went to live with (Bishop Machebeuf sensation) Shelly Pennefather and her family in Denver to play AAU. So much work went into that record, and I know (Crittendon) didn’t break it without the same type of work ethic.”
The baller-turned-coach who led Nucla to the 1998 Class 2A title also holds the record for most points in a half, 39, and her and Bartolotta are tied for the most points in a quarter at 26. And Bartolotta and Hill are No. 2 and No. 3, respectively, in the single-game scoring record after Bartolotta’s mark of 61 was topped in controversial fashion two seasons ago.
While Hill is a member of the CHSAA Hall of Fame, National High School Hall of Fame and Colorado Sports Hall of Fame, Bartolotta is also in the CHSAA Hall of Fame. She led ThunderRidge to a title three-peat and was a McDonald’s All-American as a senior in 2005. Crittendon matched that honor this season when she was selected to the game earlier this month.
DENVER, CO, APRIL 2, 2004 – DENVER POST 2004 – BEST OF THE BEST — MS. COLORADO BASKETBALL
Abby Waner — ThunderRidge (DENVER POST PHOTO BY JOHN LEYBA)
Bartolotta, an ex-Duke star who is one of two Colorado girls to win the national Gatorade Player of the Year honor, believes Crittendon’s record is another indication that “girls basketball here is better than it’s ever been” in a state that’s produced marquee Division I prospects in droves. As of late, that list has included 2021 WNBA Rookie of the Year Michaela Onyenwere and UCLA forward Lauren Betts, who will be a top pick in this year’s WNBA Draft.
“The field goal percentage is higher, players are better at finishing at the rim, they can shoot deeper threes,” Bartolotta observed. “So to have Bri at her rightful position at the top of the record books is poetic in a way. Because with her versatility, she can do all of those things. I’m happy for her and I hope she knows that she’s got a lifelong fan in me.”
Crittendon got to the record this season despite playing limited minutes as the Ravens throttled their way through their league. Riverdale Ridge won its 10 league games so far by an average of 73.3 points, with Crittendon usually playing less than half the minutes.
That, in addition to the junk defenses that the team 6-foot-3 baller regularly faces, is why Jones believes “the game will get easier for her” when she gets to Texas. Longhorns head coach Vic Schaefer was also in attendance on Saturday for the record-breaking game, and Riverdale Ridge was ready with a banner that cheerleaders busted out the moment that Hill’s mark fell.
“The work gets harder, but the game gets easier in the sense of she’s not going to get double-team, tripled-teamed,” Jones said. “In four years, she could arguably be one of the best college basketball players in the country.
“And in eight years, outside of making a serious impact in the WNBA and possibly competing (for Team USA) on an international stage, I think her accomplishments at the next levels are going to etch an even greater legacy into the state of Colorado outside of what she’s already accomplished in the statistical realm.”
Schaefer took the Longhorns’ private plane to get to Saturday’s game, leaving after morning practice. Texas plays at Tennessee Sunday afternoon. But Schaefer knew that his trip wouldn’t be wasted after Crittendon, who will likely play a combination of shooting guard and small forward in college, scored nine points in the opening quarter.
“This is a monumental accomplishment that I didn’t want to miss,” Schaefer said. “(In college), she’ll have a chance to be an All-American and one of the premier players in the Southeastern Conference.”
Crittendon’s record-breaking feat on Saturday came despite Monarch face-guarding her all game, consistently double- and triple-teaming her, and serving her with several hard fouls. The Coyotes were without their best player, junior forward and Division I prospect Sienna Williams, due to injury. That added to the difficulty of containing Crittendon in the paint.
At one point, Monarch head coach Kincaid Bimler was so displeased with a foul call against one of the Coyotes on Crittendon that he shouted at the referee, “You’re starstruck out here!” Shortly after, Bimler got hit with a technical foul and Crittendon sank two free throws, part of a 20-point effort in the first half. She needed 24 on Saturday to pass Hill.
“I wasn’t really thinking about the number. I was just thinking about having fun playing in front of my family and a bunch of my friends on an emotional senior night,” Crittendon said. “I was embracing the moment and having fun. (In the first quarter), I was figuring out the defense they were playing and letting the game come to me.”
With two regular-season games left plus the playoffs, Crittendon is all but certain to become the first Colorado player, girl or boy, to net 3,000 points.
It may very well be an unbreakable mark in the record book, which likely has some omissions due to a lack of data from the 1970s, 80s and even the 90s. Schools/coaches must submit stats to CHSAA from those bygone eras for inclusion in the record book. Hill is one of those older players whose tallies were tracked and submitted to CHSAA.
“That support from Tracy, driving (six hours) to be at the game, that means a lot,” Crittendon said. “It’s woman supporting woman in their sport, and I’m going to remember that for a long time. If anyone (does break my record), I hope that will be me one day.”
THORNTON , CO – NOVEMBER 19: Bri Crittendon smiles during an announcement that the basketball star will attend the University of Texas at Riverdale Ridge High School in Thornton, Colorado on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
That’s right, February is flying by, and March is right around the corner. What does that mean? St. Patrick’s Day! McDonald’s is getting ready to bring the luck with their staple, Shamrock Shake, returning to their menu.
McDonald’s announced that their festive green treat will be making a return. Starting Tuesday, February 17, the Shamrock Shake and Oreo Shamrock McFlurry will be back on the menu. The fast food chain announced Thursday the return plan for the festive drink.
“The Shamrock Shake®, made with our classic vanilla soft serve, blended with Shamrock syrup and topped with whipped cream, offers the perfect pairing,” said McDonald’s in a press release.
Both items will be available starting Tuesday nationwide. Customers can also check their mobile app to confirm and place their order ahead.
Companies have embraced the Christmas spirit. For example, Krispy Kreme reintroduced its Gingerbread Glazed Original Filled doughnut, Starbucks returned its iconic Holiday Menu, and Panda Express rolled out a chocolate bar collection with Compartés. Now, McDonald’s joins the bandwagon with its highly anticipated Grinch Meal.
What is McDonald’s Grinch Meal?
Dr. Seuss Enterprises and McDonald’s partnered to launch the Grinch Meal, which debuted on December 2. What makes this meal so zesty is the Dill Pickle “Grinch Salt” McShaker Fries that accompany a Big Mac or 10-piece Chicken McNuggets and a medium drink. Indeed, you read that correctly: Dill Pickle seasoning fries. Every meal comes with a McShaker and Grinch Salt. Then, you combine them all in the bag and shake it to create a tangy blend of fries.
For this McDonald’s employee, not only did this collaboration make her see green, but it has also made her feel it.
What happened to this McDonald’s employee?
Utah-based McDonald’s worker Ella Ashcraft (@ella_ashcraft3) unveils the aftermath of tasting the new Grinchy meal in a photo. In it is her bathroom with all of her essentials: Sprite and saltine crackers on the counter, wet wipes next to them, a DoorDash bag containing refills of these two items, and a puke bag and towel beside it. Needless to say, it wasn’t a pleasant experience.
“Tried the new Grinch fries at McDonald’s and got so sick that I lost almost 5 pounds in the span of 4 hours,” she shares in the text overlay.
The content creator added a more detailed description of the occurrence, “Me and two coworkers tried them and all three of us got this sick! PSA.” On the other hand, she did find a silver lining, adding, “Going on a cruise next week so I’m actually not that mad HAHA.”
Viewers weigh in
Ashcraft’s photo amassed 3 million views within two days. However, viewers’ interest was piqued for the opposite reason.
“So 5lbs per meal would you say? just trying to decide how many to buy,” the top comment with over 81k wrote.
“Noted. Will try this before my vacation,” another remarked.
“Guess where i’m going,” a third stated.
Moreover, others reported seeing an advanced warning cross their FYP through a self-claimed psychic, named Aran.
“I saw a video of a psychic saying a big chain is going to release a meal that gives everyone salmonella,” one commenter recalled.
“I’m not even kidding I saw an intuitive on here the other day say one of the holiday meals would make a lot of people sick,” a second echoed.
What causes food poisoning?
When food or drinks become contaminated with harmful bacteria, it’s a recipe for foodborne illness. This occurs due to improper handwashing, storage, or cleaning, according to the Mayo Clinic. Signs of food poisoning may appear within hours to days after consuming the contaminated product, which the Cleveland Clinic lists:
Diahrea
Stomach cramps or pain
Nausea
Vomiting
Fever
Depending on the germ, symptoms can last from 24 hours to a week and typically resolve on their own; the CDC provides a chart for reference. But the public health agency recommends seeking medical attention if you have the following symptoms:
Bloody diarrhea
Diarrhea that lasts more than three days
Dehydration
A fever over 102 Fahrenheit
Frequent puking where you’re unable to keep anything down
The Mary Sue reached out to Ashcraft via Instagram direct message and TikTok comment as well as McDonald’s via press email.
Melody Heald is a culture writer. Her work can be found in Glitter Magazine, BUST Magazine, The Daily Dot, and more. You can email her at: [email protected]
For the first time, McDonald’s is bringing its McShaker Fries to participating U.S. locations. The new side is part of a larger December launch, The Grinch Meal, in partnership with Dr. Seuss Enterprises.
These fries have been served abroad in Australia and Canada, but never here. They’re the same fries McDonald’s fans know and love, but the side dish incorporates an extra element: seasoning packets. Customers pour both components into a bag, shake them, and enjoy.
Past flavors have included Sour Cream & Black Pepper to Churro and Masala. But the American version is new. The fries will be coated in dill pickle seasoning and served up with either a Big Mac or 10-piece Chicken McNuggets and a medium drink.
The Grinch Meal will also come with a pair of socks decorated with beloved characters The Grinch, Cindy Lou Who and Max.
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McDonald’s included a message in the release statement from the Grinch himself, which the restaurant said was “handwritten on a crumpled paper from Mt. Crumpit.”
“THiS iS MY MEAL AND i DiDN’T PARTNER WiTH McDONALD’S OUT OF THE GOODNESS OF MY HEART,” the Grinch’s note read.
The holiday special comes after a year of McDonald’s partnerships that went right. A McDonaldland Meal, TinyTAN Happy Meal, and Minecraft Movie Meal. During the Minecraft promotion, same-store sales climbed 2.5 percent in the second quarter ending June 30, and global same-store sales rose 3.8 percent, the company said.
Because of post-pandemic headwinds, including rising inflation, McDonald’s customers have been concerned the chain is moving away from offering truly affordable meals.
In May 2024, McDonald’s president Joe Erlinger said it “frustrates and worries” him when he hears customers claiming prices have risen by 100 percent, rather than the actual 21 percent since 2019.
“Inflationary pressures have impacted all sectors of the economy, including ours. Our franchisees (who own and operate more than 95 percent of all restaurants in the U.S.) set menu prices for their restaurants, which account for the increased costs of running their businesses. In doing so, they work hard to minimize the impact of price increases on our fans.”
The Grinch meal will be available starting December 2. Prices will vary by location, although past Happy Meals have landed between $15 and $17.
From McGrinch Meals to THC-infused pickles, marijuana and McDonalds are joining the pickle craze this season.
America is deep in a pickle moment. Dill has unexpectedly become the flavor of the year, showing up in everything from chips and dips to candy canes and cocktails. Now, two powerhouse industries are leaning in – yes marijuana and McDonalds are joining the pickle craze. The famed burger chain, home of the Golden Arches, just rolled out its much-buzzed-about McGrinch Meal, and the cannabis sector is releasing a wave of dill-flavored products designed for pickle-loving consumers. Together, they’re turning the 2025 holiday season into a brined, bold, and slightly bizarre cultural phenomenon.
The McGrinch Meal, available for a limited time, is McDonald’s must-try holiday special. Built around the booming demand for tangy, salty flavors, the meal features a crispy chicken sandwich dripping with dill-pickle sauce, extra pickle medallions stacked on top, and a side of pickle-seasoned fries. Even the drink gets festive with a neon-green lemonade featuring a tart, dill-forward “holiday splash.” The idea taps directly into America’s revived affection for pickles, a trend driven partly by social media challenges, partly by nostalgia, and partly by the rising popularity of fermented foods.
Meanwhile, the cannabis market—always quick to spot a cultural moment—has launched its own pickle-inspired lineup. Edible companies are releasing THC-infused pickle chips, dill-pickle gummies, and even cannabis-infused brine shots. Vape makers aren’t far behind, experimenting with terpenes which mimic herbal, tangy, vinegar-bright aromas. Some dispensaries are hosting “Pickle & Puff” events, pairing dill-themed snacks with THC products designed to boost appetite, enhance flavor, or simply make the whole pickle craze more amusing than it already is. The cannabis industry’s embrace of the trend fits perfectly with consumers who love novelty products as much as they love the holiday munchies.
For pickle fans, the timing couldn’t be better. The holidays are traditionally about indulgence, and this year’s pickle explosion offers a new twist on seasonal flavor. Dill has gone from deli staple to cultural mascot, bringing together fast food fans, cannabis consumers, and curious foodies in a briny celebration.
And the scale of America’s pickle passion is enormous — Americans consume on average about 9 pounds of pickles per person each year, according to USDA research. It adds up to literally billions of pickles enjoyed across the country annually — a testament to just how deeply pickles are woven into the fabric of U.S. snacking culture.
And in the end, the pairing is almost too perfect: the McDonald’s McGrinch Meal, dripping with pickle goodness, and marijuana’s dill-infused creations make for the ultimate holiday munchies feast—tangy, festive, and unmistakably 2025.
Trump repeatedly came back to how much fun he had “working” as a McDonald’s fry cook during the 2024 campaign. At one point, he claimed that Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin told him his “skit” was the most-searched thing ever.
“They called me the following day, after I did that McDonald’s little skit — because it wasn’t a commercial, you got it for nothing,” he said. “And I didn’t know them. They told me … that it received more hits than anything else in the history of Google and that record, it still stands.”
This claim makes absolutely no sense, but conveniently, it’s impossible to verify because Trump offered no details on what “it” meant. Does he think “Trump McDonald’s” is the most-searched term in the history of the search engine? Is he referring to the page views for some campaign video? Who knows!
President Donald Trump got a laugh from a crowd of McDonald’s franchise owners, operators and suppliers on Monday night when he provided some menu advice for a longtime menu staple, the Filet-o-Fish sandwich.
Trump joked with the crowd at the McDonald’s Summit in Washington, DC, “No matter who you are, everybody loves something at McDonald’s. I like the fish. I like it. You could do a little bit more tartar sauce though, please. Seriously.”
A similar Trump go-to McDonald’s order—two Big Macs, two Filet-O-Fish and a chocolate malted shake—was mentioned in the 2017 book Let Trump Be Trump by former Trump campaign officials Corey Lewandowski and David Bossie.
McDonald’s told CBS News they’ll be taking on a rounding method when it comes to customers paying in cash.
Reason being? The US Mint in Philadelphia pressed its last penny on Wednesday, leaving McDonald’s and other stores to figure out how to deal with the fallout.
Order totals will be rounded to the nearest five cents. So if a customer’s order totals $10.17, they’ll pay $10.15. But if instead it comes out to $10.18, they’ll be asked to pay $10.20.
Other chains are curving more to the customer’s advantage.
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GoTo Foods, the parent company of Auntie Anne’s, Cinnabon, Jamba, and Carvel said that it’s “recommending that franchisees round cash transactions in the guest’s favor.”
Wendy’s and Midwestern convenience chain Kwik Trip are hopping on a similar train.
“We have given guidance to our restaurants to round cash transactions down to the nearest nickel if they are experiencing penny shortages,” Wendy’s said. Kwik Trip said the same.
The practice of rounding cash payments isn’t brand new. Countries like Canada, Australia and New Zealand have been implementing variations of the method since their own lower value coins were eradicated.
Kroger is still holding out hope that customers will be able to pay their amounts down to the cent.
“We kindly ask customers to consider providing exact change,” the restaurant told CBS News.
Giant Eagle, based in Pennsylvania, had an ahead-of-the-game approach. The supermarket hosted an event on November 1 encouraging customers to trade in pennies for gift cards worth twice as much. The minimum exchange amount was 50 cents and the maximum was $100, which would translate to a $200 gift card.
“This proactive step allows the company to maintain accuracy and fairness while it awaits formal guidance from the US government regarding future rounding practices,” Giant Eagle said.
Sheetz had a similar idea. The chain offered a promotion where customers could earn a free drink for $1.00 in pennies. Still, Sheetz said it prefers cashless payments.
All stores seem to be awaiting federal guidance on how they should proceed with the penny pinch.
McDonald’s remains in a rough patch as it struggles to shake a concerning pattern of customer behavior at its restaurants.
In McDonald’s third-quarter earnings report for 2025, it revealed that its U.S. comparable sales increased 2.4% year over year, which was “primarily driven by positive check growth.”
However, according to recent data from Placer.ai, customer visits to McDonald’s same-store locations dropped by 4% during the quarter, compared to the same time period last year.
The decrease in consumer demand follows the launch of McDonald’s “McValue” menu in January, which includes its $5 Meal Deal and “Buy One, Add One for $1” offer, aimed at attracting price-conscious consumers.
The fast-food chain also extended its restaurant location hours nationwide in May. Many McDonald’s restaurants are now open 24/7, while others will remain open past midnight.
In September, McDonald’s also relaunched Extra Value Meals, which include a $5 Sausage McMuffin and an $8 Big Mac Meal. The following month, it reintroduced its Monopoly game in the U.S. after almost a decade, which went viral on social media.
McDonald’s recently suffered a dip in foot traffic at its U.S. restaurants.Bloomberg/Getty Images
During an earnings call on Nov. 5, McDonald’s CEO Christopher Kempczinski said low-income consumers are continuing to avoid restaurants despite recent meal deals, a trend the company expects to persist into next year.
“In the U.S., we continue to see a bifurcated consumer base, with QSR traffic from lower-income consumers declining nearly double digits in the third quarter, a trend that’s persisted for nearly two years,” said Kempczinski. “In contrast, traffic growth among higher-income consumers remained strong, increasing nearly double digits in the quarter. We continue to remain cautious about the health of the consumer in the U.S. and our top international markets and believe the pressures will continue well into 2026.”
It is no surprise that McDonald’s is seeing fewer low-income consumers enter its stores, given that fast-food prices have skyrocketed over the past decade. Between 2014 and 2024, the average prices of fast-food items increased by 39% to 100%, outpacing the 31% inflation rate during that time period, according to a recent study by FinanceBuzz.
The study also found that McDonald’s menu prices for popular items have increased by 100% since 2014.
As prices go up, more consumers have opted to cook their meals at home, according to a recent survey from KPMG.
KPMG found that 69% of U.S. consumers are eating at home more often rather than eating out.
Also, 85% said that saving money was the primary reason for eating at home.
Specifically, 34% of Americans are opting to dine less often at fast-food restaurants.
Breakfast is the top meal that consumers cook at home (75%). Source: KPMG
“Consumers aren’t just belt-tightening — they’re rethinking value altogether,” said Duleep Rodrigo, KPMG’s consumer and retail sector leader, in a press release. “It’s not only about cutting back; it’s about being intentional with every dollar spent. In this environment, trust, transparency, and tangible impact matter more than ever.”
During the call, Kempczinski said that McDonald’s breakfast items continue “to be under pressure.”
“Breakfast tends to be one of the most economically sensitive daypart,” said Kempczinski. “It’s an easy daypart to either skip the meal or to eat the meal at home.”
Despite challenged breakfast sales, McDonald’s saw increased consumer momentum surrounding its chicken category during the third quarter, thanks to the re-release of its Snack Wraps, which launched in July, priced at $2.99.
“Snack Wraps were the most popular new chicken product launch in the U.S. in recent history, with nearly 1 in 5 McDonald’s customers purchasing a Snack Wrap during that period,” said McDonald’s Chief Financial Officer Ian Borden during the call. “Although easing somewhat after the exceptional initial launch period, Snack Wraps continued to deliver strong unit performance throughout the quarter, helping us gain share in the U.S. chicken category and drive high levels of customer satisfaction.”
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The return of McDonald’s Monopoly game, which ran from Oct. 6 to Nov. 2, also contributed to increased consumer engagement on its app. The game allowed customers to receive game pieces with purchases of eligible menu items, which could be scanned through the app for a chance to win prizes such as free food, cash, or vacations.
“Monopoly is one of the biggest digital customer acquisition events we’ve ever had, driving downloads and registrations and reinforcing the role of digital in our broader strategy,” said Borden. “With about 45 million 90-day active users in the U.S., we’re excited about how Monopoly is helping more customers discover our strong value offerings available through our app.”
Borden warned that McDonald’s will face challenges next year, especially since beef prices are expected to skyrocket due to inflation.
“It’s still a difficult environment and inflation proving to be sticky,” said Borden. “I mean, we’re expecting to see there’s going to be above average inflation next year. You’ve heard about others referencing what’s going on with beef prices. Certainly, we’re seeing very, very high inflation around beef prices versus what we’re used to historically. And so I think all of that just, you know, keeps putting pressure on the industry.”
Since August 2024, beef priceshave increased by roughly 13% for American consumers.
The price of beef roasts has increased by 18.4% since September 2024.
Steak prices rose by about 16% year over year due to low cattle inventory and strong demand.
American beef production is expected to decline 4% this year and another 2% in 2026. Sources: U.S. Department of Agriculture, NerdWallet
To attract and retain customers amid current headwinds, McDonald’s plans to further expand its Extra Value Meals (EVMs), which account for approximately 30% of its total transactions in the U.S.
Before the re-launch of EVMs, the average discount level at McDonald’s U.S. locations was about 11%. With EVMs, McDonald’s is targeting a minimum discount level of 15%.
The fast-food chain hopes that EVMs will help it attract more lower-income consumers and improve value and affordability in its stores.
“I’m pleased with how our EVM program is performing since re-launch,” said Kempczinski. “We’re still in the early stages of the program and expect that the associated comp sales lift and traffic improvements will continue to build as awareness of the program increases over the coming quarters.”
In a statement to TheStreet, retail analyst Bruce Winder said that while using EVMs to boost sales isn’t a new tactic for McDonald’s, it is crucial for the fast-food chain to “design the value offerings correctly.”
“McDonald’s has used extra value meals in the past (i.e., following the 2008 financial crisis) to drive business with lower-income customers who have cut back due to economic headwinds,” said Winder. “It is a very popular tactic used by other QSR companies. The company needs to be careful to ensure there is a difference between its core offerings and its value offerings from a size perspective or [it risks] cannibalization from a sales perspective.”
McDonald’s is picking up part of the check for its Extra Value Meals to help cost-conscious consumers. And it seems to be benefitting from it.
According to Axios, lower-income customers aren’t spending as much as they used to at any fast-food chain. Traffic from this group is down nearly 10 percent, while higher-income customers are showing up by roughly the same amount.
McDonald’s predicts this trend to last into 2026, so it brought back its discounted meals to keep customers around. Consumers aren’t just buying into the $5 to $8 meal deals, but they’re spending more per visit.
McDonald’s U.S. comparable sales increased 2.4 percent in the most recent quarter, overcoming the 1.9 percent analyst estimate. Yesterday, its stock was up by 2.2 percent from the previous day.
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According to CEO Chris Kempczinski, 98 percent to 99 percent of franchisees agreed to the new strategy.
“We’ve essentially bridged them through the most difficult part of this, and any move backward would actually, I think, be self-defeating,” he said.
Other fast-food chains are struggling, too. Chipotle CEO Scott Boatwright said on an earnings call last week that the chain is feeling the weight as Gen Z and Millennials are “particularly challenged.”
“This group is facing several headwinds, including unemployment, increased student loan repayment and slower real wage growth,” he said.
A survey conducted by Step, a modern financial platform geared towards Gen Z, found that 41 percent of the 1,500 respondents run out of money almost every month, while 22 percent report financial stability.
Twenty five percent said they had gone over a week without the money for essentials like rent, food and bills.
Lin Peng, a finance professor at Baruch College, told Newsweek that recent economic challenges that young adults are facing leave “little room for financial flexibility.”
“While unemployment is generally low, many entry-level jobs offer stagnant wages that have not kept up with inflation, leaving young workers struggling to make ends meet,” she said.
McDonald’s plans to offer the discounted meals until early 2026.
“Now, onto something more interesting. McDonald’s reports on Wednesday, and I think they are the single best judge, maybe in the world, of the true state of the consumer who is strapped, who is worried, alongside by the way, restaurant brand Burger King… We keep hearing about this cash-strapped consumer not willing to eat out and wants to stay at home, wants to preserve capital, but only McDonald’s and Burger King can really tell us if that’s true or if the people decided that tastes have changed.”
Ken Wolter / Shutterstock.com
McDonald’s Corporation (NYSE:MCD) owns, operates, and franchises restaurants that serve food and beverages, including burgers, chicken, fries, and drinks. During the September 19 episode, a caller had a query about the company’s dividend and Cramer replied:
“Well, look, they pay a dividend, it’s $1.77. They make, they have huge cash flow. They have no problem paying it. It’s a fantastic dividend. It’s been an amazing company. It does sell at market multiple 25 times earnings. I have to tell you, if you own McDonald’s here, you bought McDonald’s here at 302, I think a year from now, you’re going to make a lot of money, and Chris Kempczinski is such a good manager. I think McDonald’s is a buy, and by the way, I have to admit, as a treat, I still go, had it last week. Can’t beat it.”
While we acknowledge the potential of MCD as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you’re looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.
Do not pass GO and definitely do not collect $200 — because you WON’T be winning anything that valuable, according to this bombshell report!
McDonald’s finally brought back their famous Monopoly game, much to the excitement of fans — only this time with an online twist! But is it a total scam? According to lottery expert Jared James, you’d have better odds at winning the Powerball…
In case you don’t know about McDonald’s Monopoly, the game is to peel stickers off of different food and drink items from the restaurant. Those stickers are supposed to be able to get you all kinds of prizes — from free French fries to even cars and vacations! It was a huge deal in the ’90s and ’00s before being retired in 2014. But now it’s come back again and Jared tells The US Sun it’s tougher than ever.
According to the LottoEdge.com founder, the official odds for winning a food item (such as an apple pie) is about one in 25. Easy peezy, but that’s a prize worth pennies. The big prizes are where it gets tough:
“The company prints billions of game pieces but only releases a handful of the key winning ones – making those big prizes astronomically rare.”
How rare? Well, when we think of the MegaMillions lotto or the Powerball, we’re looking at odds of around one in 291 million. Pretty unlikely! But compared to McDonald’s Monopoly’s top prize — a trip for four to a destination of the winner’s choice? The actual lottery is a breeze:
“The top Monopoly prize has odds over one in 60 billion, making it 200 times tougher than hitting the Mega Millions jackpot.”
One in 60 billion… Yes, BILLION with a “B”… OMG!
The next top prizes also have billions-to-one odds, with American Airlines miles being odds of one in 13.2 billion. The odds of you driving off in a 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee are one in 13.1 billion. Wild! That’s more disappointing than playing actual Monopoly! LOLz!
As one Reddit user pointed out… These odds are so slim, the corporation will likely never have to pay up and give someone the prize! So these big jackpot wins are just feeling like empty promises to players. At least every once in a while someone wins the lottery, right?! And that’s for enough money to buy a fleet of Jeeps! Not to mention a gazillion apple pies…
What do U think about this report, Perezcious readers? Sound OFF (below).
McDonald’s just announced something that fans have been waiting a decade to hear: the Monopoly game is back. Beginning October 6, customers in the U.S. will once again be able to peel game pieces off fries and drinks in hopes of winning big.
It’s actually a bigger deal than it might seem. McDonald’s Monopoly game has always been one of the most recognizable fast-food promotions in history, partly because it’s fun, and partly because it creates the sense that just by ordering lunch, you could be one sticker away from a million dollars. Now, after a ten-year absence in the U.S., it’s finally returning—and this time, it’s been reimagined for the app era.
The basic mechanics haven’t changed. You order menu items, you get Monopoly stickers, and you can win prizes—either instantly or by collecting property sets. It is, after all, Monopoly. The difference is that McDonald’s is now funneling everything through its mobile app. Even if you peel a physical sticker off a Big Mac box, you’ll scan it in the McDonald’s app to collect pieces and win a prize.
That’s not an accident. This time around, Monopoly is less about giving away free food and more about giving customers a reason to download and use its app. The chain already has one of the largest loyalty programs in the U.S., and this move only strengthens that ecosystem. If you want to play, you have to play digitally.
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To incentivize you to play, McDonald’s has made the prize pool impressive—over $471 million worth of rewards. Some are small, like free fries or drinks. Others are much bigger. For example, you could win a $1 million cash prize or a 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee. There’s also a million American Airlines miles up for grabs, along with dozens of other prizes.
The company’s goal this year seems obvious: converting Monopoly buzz into usage of its app, which—by the way—requires a McDonald’s Rewards account. That’s because the company knows that customers who join its loyalty program become much more valuable over time as they collect and redeem rewards. Using the iconic Monopoly promotion to funnel people into that program is why I think this is such a big deal.
Look, if the idea of Monopoly at McDonald’s makes you think of the infamous “McMillions” fraud scandal, you’re not alone. In the 1990s and early 2000s, a security contractor for the promotion stole winning pieces, cheating customers out of millions. It became the subject of an HBO documentary and cemented the promotion’s complicated legacy.
That’s part of why this relaunch is happening now. McDonald’s has emphasized new safeguards and digital validation to prevent fraud. By tying everything to the app, the company can track every play and reduce the risk of tampering.
It’s also a way to reset the narrative. A decade-long absence is long enough for nostalgia to build and for a new generation of customers to experience the promotion without the baggage of its history.
Obviously, this is mostly a marketing gimmick, but it’s a smart one. Promotions like Monopoly drive traffic, and traffic drives sales. They also deepen customer loyalty by giving people one more reason to choose McDonald’s over competitors.
The company knows this. For years, digital engagement has been a top priority. Now, by attaching one of its most beloved promotions to its most important platform—the app—McDonald’s is combining nostalgia with strategy.
That makes for a powerful combination. Customers get the excitement of playing a game they remember fondly, while McDonald’s gets exactly what it wants: more people using its digital platform, which makes them more likely to come back again tomorrow.
There’s a reason Monopoly is the promotion that people kept asking about. It wasn’t just about prizes—it was about the excitement. For a few weeks every year, eating at McDonald’s felt like playing a game where you might walk away with more than lunch.
Now, after 10 long years, that feeling is back. In a world where brands are constantly chasing attention, McDonald’s found a way to give customers exactly what they’ve been asking for all along. And, in doing so, it’s getting exactly what it wants. That might make this the smartest promotion of all.
The opinions expressed here by Inc.com columnists are their own, not those of Inc.com.
McDonald’s is bringing back its iconic Monopoly game in the United States on Oct. 6, 2025, for the first time since the infamous “McMillions” scam, which saw $24 million in prizes stolen by an insider and his criminal network. This fan-favorite promotion returns after nearly 10 years away, having been shelved following the exposure of one of the biggest frauds in corporate marketing history.
The Monopoly promotion, introduced in 1987, became a marketing phenomenon, offering customers the chance to win prizes ranging from free meals to houses, cars, and million-dollar cash jackpots. However, from 1989 to 2001, the game was marred by a vast conspiracy led by Jerome P. Jacobson, a security officer who managed the distribution of winning pieces. Jacobson, known as “Uncle Jerry,” systematically stole high-value game pieces and distributed them to a network that included family, friends, and mob associates, costing McDonald’s $24 million and cheating regular customers out of major prizes. The FBI eventually uncovered the scam in 2001, as chronicled in HBO’s 2020 documentary series McMillion$.
In response to the scandal, McDonald’s fired its marketing agency and replaced the Monopoly game with other promotions, including Game Time Gold for U.S. stores after 2015. The return of Monopoly in 2025 comes with extensive security upgrades: Customers will now collect and redeem both physical peel-off stickers and digital pieces, but all pieces must be scanned and tracked through the McDonald’s app, where new safeguards and independent audits are in place.
Players can win a range of prizes, including:
$1 million cash
A 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited
One million American Airlines miles
Dream vacations
$10,000 Lowe’s shopping sprees
More than 30 menu items feature game pieces, and using the app provides both bonus chances and an easier way to track rewards. Preregistering in the app offers customers additional reward points and chances to play.
The return is both a nostalgia play and a strategic sales push for McDonald’s. Recent months have seen the company regain momentum in U.S. sales with movie tie-ins and new menu items. Analysts suggest the Monopoly comeback could reconnect lapsed customers and strengthen brand loyalty, while also testing whether enhanced security can erase the memory of one of corporate America’s most notorious scams.
For this story, Fortune used generative AI to help with an initial draft. An editor verified the accuracy of the information before publishing.
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Get ready, Ohio! McDonald’s is bringing back its famed Monopoly game next month. This time around, the promotion will blend physical peel-off stickers on select menu items and digital game pieces through the McDonald’s app.
More than 30 menu items qualify for sticker game pieces, from large fries to breakfast favorites. Players peel stickers, scan or enter codes, and collect property pieces to win instant food prizes or compete for grand rewards. Prizes include one million dollars in cash, one million American Airlines miles, a Jeep, or a vacation. The game also offers Bonus Play chances for additional rewards.
The original Monopoly promotion earned legendary status and later criticism after the McMillions scandal in the 1990s. A former security official manipulated high-value game pieces and defrauded McDonald’s of millions. That fraud later became the subject of an FBI investigation and an HBO documentary.
This time, McDonald’s promises stronger safeguards. Physical game pieces will have to be redeemed through the app. Hopefully this adjustment will provide for a safer an more fair experience!
Fans and skeptics both wonder whether trust can fully return. For Ohio customers, this means a familiar thrill with updated rules and maybe better odds of seeing the word “winner.”
A new study by Affordable Seating looked at a year of Google search data to find the most popular fast-food chain in every state.
As Zach Kanoff of Affordable Seating explained, “Fast food is a staple of American culture, with millions of Americans opting for an easy, tasty food option every day.” This study breaks down exactly which spot tops the list in each state.
Alabama – Domino’s
Domino’s dominates here, though Chick-fil-A is a close runner-up.
Alaska – McDonald’s
McDonald’s comes out on top in the Last Frontier, offering familiar comfort food in an otherwise rugged state.
Arizona – McDonald’s
McDonald’s is king in the desert, with Starbucks and Chick-fil-A trailing behind.
Arkansas – Domino’s
Domino’s rules the search results, edging past McDonald’s. Arkansas is clearly all about the pizza.
California – Starbucks
Starbucks leads the Golden State, proving coffee is just as much a necessity as sunshine.
Colorado – Starbucks
Starbucks holds the top spot, showing Colorado runs on caffeine as much as it does outdoor adventures.
Connecticut – McDonald’s
McDonald’s wins here, though Starbucks and Domino’s keep the pressure on.
Delaware – Chick-fil-A
Chick-fil-A leads, with Domino’s and McDonald’s close behind. Delaware’s residents clearly like a mix of chicken and pizza.
District of Columbia – Starbucks
Starbucks dominates in the capital, no surprise in a city fueled by politics and long workdays.
Florida – McDonald’s
McDonald’s claims first, though Chick-fil-A and Starbucks are hot on its heels.
Georgia – Chick-fil-A
No surprise—Chick-fil-A reigns supreme in its home state.
Hawaii – McDonald’s
McDonald’s takes the crown, with unique island menu items like Spam and rice keeping it popular.
Idaho – Domino’s
Domino’s tops the list, showing Idaho leans pizza over burgers.
Illinois – McDonald’s
McDonald’s holds strong in the Land of Lincoln, with Starbucks and Domino’s trailing.
Indiana – McDonald’s
McDonald’s leads, though Pizza Hut and Papa John’s show Indiana’s love for pizza.
Iowa – McDonald’s
McDonald’s wins here, but Pizza Hut still makes a strong showing.
Kansas – Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut pulls ahead, beating McDonald’s. Kansas clearly has pizza pride.
Kentucky – Papa John’s
Papa John’s is the surprising winner, making Kentucky the only one with a strong affinity for Papa John’s.
Louisiana – Domino’s
Domino’s claims first place, with late-night pizza cravings fueling its dominance.
Maine – Domino’s
Domino’s leads, followed by McDonald’s and Starbucks.
Maryland – McDonald’s
McDonald’s is first, though Chick-fil-A and Domino’s keep things competitive.
Massachusetts – McDonald’s
McDonald’s wins here, with coffee favorite Starbucks in second.
Michigan – McDonald’s
McDonald’s sits at the top, but hometown hero Little Caesars sneaks into second. Local pride is alive and well.
Minnesota – McDonald’s
McDonald’s takes the crown, though Domino’s and Starbucks aren’t far behind.
Mississippi – Domino’s
Domino’s comes out on top, proving pizza holds serious sway in the Magnolia State.
Check your American Express credit cards for a new Amex Offer that can save you $15 at McDonald’s. You can find this offer in your Amex consumer and business credit cards. Check out the full details of the offer below.
Offer Details
Get a $5 statement credit by using your enrolled eligible Card to make a single purchase of $15 or more using McDonald’s Mobile Order & Pay via the McDonald’s mobile app by 11/3/2025. Limit of 3 statement credits (total of $15).
Qualifying purchases must be made directly through the McDonald’s mobile app. You must first load your Card to the app using a compatible device in order to qualify.
Important Terms
This offer is valid only for food orders paid for through the McDonald’s mobile app for in-store, drive-thru, curbside pick-up or delivery service booked through the McDonald’s app.
Valid at participating McDonald’s locations in the US that offer Mobile Order & Pay.
Excludes orders placed for delivery through third party apps.
Not valid for any other purchases made in-store, online, or through third party services.
About Amex Offers
Amex Offers are an extra perk on all American Express credit cards, charge cards, and even prepaid cards. You can see these offers in your accounts either as a statement credit or extra Membership Rewards points for spending a certain amount at an eligible merchant. You will need to add the offer to a specific card, and then use that card to get the credit. Here are a few things you should know:
Guru’s Wrap-up
American Express cardholders can save up to $15 at McDonald’s with this new Amex Offer. It seems to be widely available for most cards, so check your accounts and add it now. The offer only works for mobile orders via the McDonald’s mobile app. The app also has frequent promotions and discounts, so it’s a good idea to always check it before making a purchase.
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McDonald’s Japan is tightening its rules on Happy Meals after facing chaos during a Pokémon collaboration earlier this summer. When limited-edition Pokémon cards were offered in August, long lines of fans and scalpers led to arguments, food waste, and reselling at inflated prices online.
Now, with the release of its new Sanrio Happy Meal series, McDonald’s wants to prevent the same problem from happening again. Starting Friday, the meals come with toys featuring beloved Sanrio characters like My Melody and Kuromi, as well as a Cinnamoroll picture book and a Plarail toy. Sanrio is a Japanese entertainment brand best known for creating beloved characters like Hello Kitty. Since the Happy Meals will feature very popular characters, it’s expected that demand will be very high.
To stop bulk buying and reselling, McDonald’s has introduced stricter rules. Customers must purchase Happy Meals in-store only, meaning no mobile orders, delivery apps, or drive-thru pickups. Additionally, each group is limited to purchasing up to three Happy Meals at a time, and multiple transactions by the same group are not permitted. These limits are designed to keep toys available for genuine fans, not resellers.
Translated from mcdonalds.co.jp
Lessons From the Pokémon Happy Meal Chaos in August
Back in August, the Pokémon Happy Meal release turned into a frenzy, with customers buying food they didn’t even want just to grab the limited cards. Many meals ended up wasted, and scalpers sold the toys at steep markups. Sidewalks outside McDonald’s in Japan were left covered with untouched Happy Meals as crowds rushed to grab the limited-edition sets that included exclusive Pokémon cards.
In Japan, a Happy Meal costs approximately $3.50 (510 yen), which includes food, drink, and a toy. Meanwhile, Pokémon cards from the sets are being resold online for up to $28 each. By rolling out these new restrictions, McDonald’s hopes to protect both families and the environment from a repeat of that fiasco.
Why This Matters for Parents
For parents, this change is a win. Happy Meal toys are meant to bring joy to children, not stress families out or make them compete with online resellers. With stricter purchase limits, parents can feel more confident about actually finding the toys their kids are excited for without having to pay inflated prices on resale sites.
It also sends an important message to kids about fairness. By establishing boundaries, McDonald’s demonstrates that these promotions should be enjoyable and accessible, rather than an opportunity for scalpers to profit. Parents can use this as an opportunity to teach their children about the purpose of rules like these and how they help ensure everyone has a fair chance.
Ultimately, these updates provide families with greater peace of mind. Parents can take their kids out for a treat, knowing the experience will be about enjoying the meal and possibly scoring a cute Sanrio toy, rather than competing with resellers looking to make a quick buck.
