McDonald’s has kept things exciting for its customers with a string of new menu items, from the Chicken Big Mac to the Big Arch burger.
However, no item has created as much buzz as the Grimace Shake—a limited-edition purple treat that became the center of a bizarre viral trend in 2023.
Now, fans of the quirky drink wonder: Will the Grimace Shake return to McDonald’s menus in 2024? Here’s what we know so far about its potential comeback.
What Was the Grimace Shake?
In June 2023, McDonald’s released the Grimace Shake as part of a special Grimace Birthday Meal. The meal was meant to celebrate the fuzzy purple mascot, a beloved part of McDonald’s for decades.
While McDonald’s didn’t officially reveal the shake’s flavor, customers described it as tasting like vanilla with hints of berry.
Despite its short stint on the menu, the Grimace Shake became an internet sensation almost overnight, thanks to a viral TikTok trend that gave the drink its slice of social media fame.
The Tik Tok Trend That Made Grimace Shake Famous
Shortly after the Grimace Shake hit McDonald’s locations, TikTok creators began posting videos where they pretended to take a sip of the shake, only to experience horror movie-like “deaths” afterward.
The trend quickly exploded, with some videos racking millions of views and likes. Even celebrities like Courtney Cox got involved, fueling the viral fire.
The trend was so widespread that McDonald’s took notice. On June 27, 2023, McDonald’s posted a picture of Grimace on their X (formerly Twitter) account with the caption, “me pretending I don’t see the grimace shake trend.”
The social media director for McDonald’s USA, Guillaume Huin, later admitted that it took the company some time to understand what was happening with the viral trend. However, once they got the humor behind it, McDonald’s leaned into the fun, appreciating the “absurdist Gen Z humor” that fueled the shake’s popularity.
Where Has the Grimace Shake Been Spotted in 2024?
Although the Grimace Shake hasn’t been available in the United States since its 2023 debut, it has resurfaced in other parts of the world this year.
- Canada: In May 2024, Canadian McDonald’s locations briefly brought back the Grimace Shake. However, it only lasted briefly before being pulled from the menu again.
- United Kingdom: In late August 2024, McDonald’s in the U.K. launched the Grimace Shake for just one week to celebrate the chain’s 50th anniversary in Britain. While the promotion was short, it allowed U.K. customers to try the viral sensation.
- Australia: Most recently, the Grimace Shake made its way to Australia. Starting in early October 2024, the shake became available as a standalone item or as part of a Grimace Meal. The meal includes fries and the customer’s choice of a Big Mac or a 10-piece Chicken McNuggets.
Will the Grimace Shake Return to the U.S. iU.S.24?
Despite its recent appearances in international markets, McDonald’s has yet to confirm whether the Grimace Shake will return to the United States.
When asked if the shake would return to American menus, McDonald’s didn’t comment. As of now, there are no official plans for a U.S. Fans of the Grimace Shake in the States will just have to wait and see if the popular item will return in 2024.
What’s Next for McDonald’s Fans?
While there’s no word on whether the Grimace Shake will return, McDonald’s is still rolling out plenty of exciting items in 2024. For example, the beloved Boo Buckets—festive Halloween-themed Happy Meal containers—are back.
Additionally, McDonald’s has brought back its seasonal Pumpkin and Crème Pie.
Although the Grimace Shake is still a fan favorite, there are always new things to look forward to at McDonald’s. The chain continues to offer limited-time items and special promotions that keep customers engaged and eager to try what’s next.
Why Did the Grimace Shake Go Viral?
One of the main reasons the Grimace Shake became such a massive success was its connection to TikTok. The platform has become known for its viral food trends, where users take menu items from fast food chains and put their humorous spin on them.
The Grimace Shake trend took off because it tapped into Gen Z’s love for absurd, over-the-top content. In the videos, people pretended to be “attacked” or “possessed” after drinking the shake, often using dramatic special effects and eerie soundtracks.
This combination of humor and creativity made the videos widely shareable, helping the trend spread like wildfire.
McDonald’s decision to acknowledge the trend further fueled its popularity, as fans appreciated the brand’s willingness to play along with the joke.
Could the Grimace Shake Come Back in the Future?
While McDonald’s has remained tight-lipped about the Grimace Shake’s return to the U.S., its appearance in several international markets in 2024 suggests there’s still demand for the product.
It’s possible that McDonald’s could bring back the Grimace Shake for another limited-time run in the future, especially if fan interest remains high.
Until then, Grimace Shake enthusiasts must stay hopeful and watch McDonald’s menu announcements. Whether in 2024 or beyond, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Grimace Shake made another viral comeback.
Conclusion
The Grimace Shake took the internet by storm in 2023, and its legacy has continued in various parts of the world throughout 2024. Although McDonald’s hasn’t confirmed a U.S. for the purple dessert yet, fans can hope the shake will eventually return to American menus.
In the meantime, McDonald’s has plenty of other exciting offerings to keep customers satisfied, from seasonal treats to new viral-worthy items.
The Grimace Shake might not be around right now, but McDonald’s continues proving that it knows how to keep its fans engaged and returning for more.
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