The McRib officially made its long-awaited return to British McDonald's menus on October 16, 2024, after a hiatus of almost 10 years. Last seen in the UK from December 31, 2014, to February 3, 2015, its return has generated excitement, driven by a savvy marketing campaign that teased fans with email and app notification "glitches". Fans familiar with the iconic sandwich, and newcomers alike, eagerly anticipated trying it once again after 504 weeks.
The McRib: A Look at the Ingredients
The McRib is famous for its boneless pork patty, which is moulded to resemble ribs. The sandwich is completed with a tangy barbecue sauce, onions, pickles, and a soft, elongated bun. Its availability is always limited, which has only enhanced its cult-like following. However, many fans often find the sandwich's fleeting presence more exciting than its taste.
A Brief History of the McRib
The McRib was first introduced in 1981 but was removed from menus shortly after due to underwhelming sales. Despite this, its unique shape and the appeal of its smoky sauce led to numerous re-releases over the decades, gaining momentum in various countries, including the US and the UK.
The McRib first made its UK debut in the 1980s and has since seen sporadic returns. Its previous UK re-releases occurred in 2010 and again in late 2014, when it stayed on the menu for a brief stint. This time, its return has been widely publicized, and while nostalgia plays a key role in its appeal, it has also raised questions about whether the sandwich has kept up with modern tastes.
The UK Marketing Campaign
Ahead of its 2024 release, McDonald's UK launched a playful marketing strategy that sparked curiosity among its customers. An accidental email and app glitch hinted at the McRib's reappearance, fueling excitement long before its official launch. This clever approach built momentum as fans eagerly awaited the sandwich, reinforcing the power of nostalgia in marketing
My McRib Experience
Despite the hype, my first taste of the McRib was a disappointment. It arrived in a sturdy cardboard box, giving off a faint aroma of pork. However, the sandwich itself was underwhelming. The bread was incredibly soft, similar to the roll used in the McDonald's Breakfast Bacon Roll, and the patty was just as soft, lacking any structure. When I picked it up, it nearly fell apart in my hands. The meat was bland, as though it hadn't been seasoned at all, and the barbecue sauce was too mild, with no noticeable smokiness or kick. It felt like the sandwich had missed out on the signature BBQ flavours that should define it.
While the onions and pickles added some texture, the overall experience was lacklustre. If the patty had been cooked longer or the sauce packed a more intense flavour, perhaps it could have been a more enjoyable sandwich. In its current state, I would give it a 3 out of 10. Compared to the Philly Cheese Stack, which felt rich and gourmet, the McRib just didn’t live up to expectations.
Another Review from Our Team
Another one of our employees also tried the McRib and shared their experience:
"Honestly, the hype and the idea behind the McRib are more exciting than the actual sandwich itself. There’s hardly any flavor to it, and while it does come with toppings, they are used quite sparingly. I liked the sauce since it was a more unique BBQ sauce, but it's not enough to carry the rest of a mediocre, under-seasoned burger. I’d give it a 3 out of 10 as well."
It seems that while the McRib holds a place in fast-food nostalgia, its recent reappearance in the UK hasn't met the high expectations set by fans over the years. Whether you love it or hate it, the McRib remains a polarizing menu item that invites both criticism and adoration with every limited-time release.
