McDonald’s is turning to grandmothers for inspiration for its latest McFlurry flavor, which the chain says “tastes like a trip down memory lane.”
From next Tuesday (May 21), the fast food giant will be offering the ‘Grandma McFlurry’ for a limited time. Prices vary by restaurant, but are likely between $4 and $6.
The sweet treat combines syrup, vanilla ice cream and crunchy candy pieces. McDonald’s jokes that this is “like grandma’s favorite treat that she has hidden in her purse.”
Bosses at the fast food chain have kept the candy flavors in the McFlurry a secret – but Reddit users have a theory.
Some users say it will be butterscotch, just like Werther’s Original, a candy that many Americans associate with grandparents.
McDonald’s is also using the launch of the delicacy to draw attention to loneliness among seniors.
McDonald’s is offering the ‘Grandma McFlurry’ for a limited time starting May 21
The creation of the Oma McFlurry was led by a McDonald’s employee, who is a grandmother herself.
“She was relentless in perfecting a deliciously delectable treat, meant to evoke special memories with Grandma or the Grandma figure in your life, based on her own experiences,” said Marcelo Fajnerman, McDonald’s vice president of menu strategy.
McDonald’s says the new treat celebrates grandmas – and also reminds Americans that old people can get lonely. The chain will donate to Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly, a national organization that supports elderly people living in isolation and loneliness.
And in New York City, McDonald’s and the organization will visit seniors in assisted living centers — and also hand out the McFlurry.
It has also partnered with two new music artists to create hit songs, which are said to be “oldies reimagined with a new sound.”
Singer-songwriter Remi Wolf covers the classic song “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved by You),” which will be available on all music platforms on May 21. And two-time Latin Grammy nominee and Puerto Rican star Jay Wheeler creates a cover of the iconic Latin song ‘Piel Canela.’
X, formerly Twitter, raved about McDonald’s fans who raved about the treat – and that the chain was supporting seniors.
One wrote: ‘If everyone buys their grandma the new McDonald’s McFlurry (inspired by grandmas), imagine how loved the world will be!’
Others talked about the taste.
One wondered: ‘What flavor is a Grandma McFlurry? Butter cake?’
Joshua Paul – suggesting his grandma gave him strawberry candies – wrote: “If this doesn’t have a flavor that tastes like those strawberry candies I don’t know if I can call it a real Grandma McFlurry lol”
But one person joked: ‘The Grandma McFlurry doesn’t taste like two packs of Marlboro Reds and a big wooden spoon with which she would hit me.’
A younger grandmother wrote, “That looks more like Great Grandma McFlurry. “I’m a grandma and I’ve never had butterscotch candies in my bag.”
Regarding the high sugar content, Andy Cobb said: ‘My grandmother tried the McFlurry and now she has type II diabetes, please advise me.’
McDonald’s wants to capitalize on the so-called “Grandmacore” aesthetic popular among Gen Z on TikTok. It sees young people doing things such as knitting or baking that are associated with grandmothers.
“Grandmas have always had a special place in our hearts, and today they are having an important moment in influencing culture, inspiring trends in fashion, decor and now even food with our latest McFlurry,” said Tariq Hassan, McDonald’s Chief Marketing Officer, in a press release.
The Grandma McFlurry combines syrup, vanilla ice cream and crunchy candy pieces
A ‘Grandma’s McFlurry Mobile’ will also hit the streets of New York City on Friday, May 17 and Saturday, May 18 to provide a first taste of the limited-edition McFlurry before it becomes available at locations across the country.
Where will the ice cream truck be in NYC?
Friday, May 17: Herald Square – 104 W 35th St, New York, NY 10018 (corner of W 34th St. and Broadway) between 1:00 PM and 7:30 PM.
Saturday, May 18: Grandma’s McFlurry Mobile will make stops at senior centers and assisted living facilities in East Harlem beginning at noon. to 1 p.m. and Vlissingen from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.