McDonald’s New McDonaldland Meal Tastes Like Nostalgia (& The Milkshake Is the Best Part)

• What Is It: fried, salted potatoes
• Price (a la carte): from $3

McDonald’s fries are perhaps the most beloved in all the fast food kingdom. (Chalk it up to that “beef flavoring” the spuds get.) But their freshness is absolutely pivotal to their quality. While McD’s has some of the best potatoes in the game, I’d argue that they also might have the worst leftover or cold fries of them all. TBH, I’ve had fresher from McDonald’s, but these still hit. They were evenly salted without being excessive in either direction, plus they were just crisp enough without being rigid. (Who else loves a semi- or fully soggy fry?!)

• What Is It: ¼ pound beef patty, salt, pepper, slivered onions, pickles, two slices of American cheese, ketchup and mustard on a sesame seed bun
• Price (a la carte): $6

ICYMI, McDonald’s quarter pounders are made to order, so the beef will always be juicy, hot and super fresh compared to the value burgers. I’m a QPC stan through and through, so I opted for my go-to handheld over the nuggets. I love the creamy texture of the double cheese and the craggy seared bits of meat on the edge of the burger. Most of all though, its flavor and superior succulence are what keep me coming back. I also used to oppose mustard on a QPC, because I grew up in the New York metro area where they only come with ketchup. But now that I’ve been based in Philadelphia for a few years, I’m totally onboard with the zingy finish.

• What Is It: berry-flavored milkshake with pink whipped topping
• Price (a la carte): from $4

Rumor has it this confection erupted from one of the thick shake volcanos on Grimace Island. I believe it, as it tastes otherworldly in the best way. The flavor reminds me of Berry Blast Mike and Ike candies, or strawberry Creme Savers. The consistency was thick enough that it felt like an actual milkshake (as opposed to half air, like some other fast food desserts), yet thin enough that it wasn’t a chore to sip. As someone who was a huge fan of the McDonald’s strawberry sundae, which has been discontinued for years, this was a total treat.