MCDONALD’S is set to axe a popular US menu item launched in UK restaurants for the first time in days.
One of the world’s best-known fast food chains will stop selling the limited edition milkshake later this month.
McDonald’s unveiled the mint-flavoured Shamrock Shake in restaurants on Wednesday (March 12) in honour of St Patrick’s Day.
The shake, usually only seen in the US, has never been available on UK menus until now.
But, it’s only available until March 25, meaning customers have just 10 days left to get one before it comes off menus.
Thirsty shoppers can get their hands on small, medium and large sizes, with prices £2.19, £2.69 and £3.09, respectively.
Bear in mind, though, that prices might vary from restaurant to restaurant.
Combining soft-serve ice cream with peppermint-flavoured syrup, 20p from some of the sales of the milkshake will go to the Ronald McDonald House Charities UK.
The shake was launched after McDonald’s trialled the bluerry-flavoured Grimace shake last summer.
The Shamrock Shake was first created in 1967, by Hal Rosen, a McDonald’s restaurant owner from Connecticut in the USA.
The beverage was soon rolled out across the country more widely, becoming a favourite among customers.
It led to the limited edition Shamrock Sundae in 1980, made up of soft serve vanilla ice cream topped with the minty syrup.
In 2020, the chain celebrated the Shamrock Shake’s 50th anniversary by launching the OREO Shamrock McFlurry.
Brits have been left divided about the mint milkshake’s arrival on UK shores though.
Posting on Facebook, one said: “It’s lovely, very strong peppermint flavour.”
Meanwhile, another added: “Had one this afternoon and I loved it – I love anything mint flavoured though.”
But some aren’t massive fans and have not held back giving their opinion on the sweet drink.
One commented: “Awful disgusting vile I could go on.”
Another chipped in: “Absolutely vile.”
Consumer reporter Sam Walker got a first try of the Shamrock Shake, but was left surprised by the taste.
The Ronald McDonald House Charities was founded in the UK in 1989 and currently operates 14 houses.
The houses are partnered with NHS hospitals, providing families with free accommodation to support them while their child is in hospital.
OTHER MCDONALD’S MENU CHANGES
Maccie’s added four new items to menus in February, bringing back the Philly Cheese Stack, Raspberry and White Chocolate Pie and Mars McFlurry.
Tropicana Apple juice was added to menus for the first time too, and will be available on a permanent basis.
The Philly Cheese Stack is on sale until May 6, combining two beef patties with cheese sauce, cheese slices, grilled and crispy onions and pickles served in a toasted bun, from £5.29.
The burger was last on sale in October before being dropped from menus.
The Raspberry and White Chocolate Pie, which first launched early last year, is also on menus until May 6, for £1.99.
The crispy pink pastry is filled with a smooth white chocolate ganache and raspberry compote.
Senior consumer reporter Ellie Smitherman got to try the sweet treat when it first launched and was a big fan.
Also hitting menus last month was the Mars McFlurry, consisting of soft dairy ice cream swirled with crunchy chocolate-covered nougat pieces and topped with caramel sauce, from £1.69.
The pudding is available until March 25.
Customers can also still get their hands on the Katsu chicken wrap and McCrispy BBQ Smokehouse until May 6 and the Mozzarella Dippers until March 25.
How to save at McDonald’s
You could end up being charged more for a McDonald’s meal based solely on the McDonald’s restaurant you choose.
Research by The Sun found a Big Mac meal can be up to 30% cheaper at restaurants just two miles apart from each other.
You can pick up a Big Mac and fries for just £2.99 at any time by filling in a feedback survey found on McDonald’s receipts.
The receipt should come with a 12-digit code which you can enter into the Food for Thought website alongside your submitted survey.
You’ll then receive a five-digit code which is your voucher for the £2.99 offer.
There are some deals and offers you can only get if you have the My McDonald’s app, so it’s worth signing up to get money off your meals.
The MyMcDonald’s app can be downloaded on iPhone and Android phones and is quick to set up.
You can also bag freebies and discounts on your birthday if you’re a My McDonald’s app user.
The chain has recently sent out reminders to app users to fill out their birthday details – otherwise they could miss out on birthday treats.
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