Review: McDonald’s Just Launched a Festive Grinch Meal with Pickle Fries (& Holiday Merch)

• What It Is: fried potatoes with salty, tangy dill pickle seasoning
• Price (medium): $4

Following in the footsteps of Popeye’s and Sonic, which released their own pickle-themed menus this year, McDonald’s is finally cashing in on a resurrected food trend that never truly dies. And as an enthusiastic pickle lover, I couldn’t have been more psyched.

Like the discontinued Burger King Shake ’Em Up Fries of yore, you sprinkle the Grinch Salt on the fries, close the bag and shake to distribute the seasoning. For a medium portion, there was plenty of seasoning to go around, and a few vigorous shakes dispersed it quite well. The fries weren’t the freshest I’ve had from Mickey D’s, but they were warm enough that the dust stayed put. Its flavor was equal parts tangy and herbaceous, thanks to vinegar powder and dried dill weed. It tasted borderline creamy, despite not having any buttermilk in the mix, and sort of reminded me of ranch dressing seasoning. It would’ve been more pickle-y to me if it was a bit sourer, but it was flavorful and worth a try, nonetheless.

• What It Is: two beef patties, American cheese, finely chopped onion, pickles, shredded lettuce and Big Mac Sauce on a sesame seed bun with an extra slice of bread in the center
• Price: $5

I firmly believe that the Quarter Pounder with Cheese is the best burger at McDonald’s by a mile, considering the beef is cooked to order, the onions are sharper in flavor and larger than the teeny-tiny diced ones (although I love those too), and it comes with two slices of cheese for maximum richness and a creamy bite. That said, this Big Mac was still solid. It was well assembled with the toppings evenly arranged across the buns and beef (I’ve definitely received some that had everything piled on one side). It was a touch messy from the generous dose of Mac Sauce, but that’s honestly the highlight of this signature handheld, IMO. It checks all the boxes with its vinegary, mustardy tang, mayo-based richness and, most intriguingly, its relish-kissed sweetness.

There are four versions of the socks, each a different color (yellow, red, blue and green). Each is complete with an argyle-inspired diamond pattern, adorned with the original illustrations of Cindy Lou Who, The Grinch and his dog, Max, as well as a red McDonald’s ornament. I got the yellow pair. They’re on the thinner side, but comfy and just right for cozying up on the couch with a Christmas movie—and you know which one. Functionality aside, it’s simply fun to get a collectible item with your fast food order, even if it’s factored into the price. They’re no McDonaldland Grimace tin, but I’ll most definitely be wearing them all winter long.