A woman with a surprised expression in front of the McDonald's and Burger King signs in the United States.
CONSUMER AFFAIRS

McDonald's makes a last-minute decision in the United States and hits Burger King

McDonald's takes a turn in its strategy, surprising consumers and putting its competition on alert

In the competitive world of fast food, McDonald's has distinguished itself by its ability to surprise the public with constant innovations. This time, the chain has decided to return to its roots with a strategic move that has not only captivated fans but also put Burger King on alert.

On May 13, McDonald’s launched two products that are already causing a great stir, including the desired return of Squishmallows toys in Happy Meals. Meanwhile, the return of the Hershey’s Chocolate Chip Frappé, a drink that had disappeared from the menu a few years ago. Both launches have not only caused anticipation but also represent a strategy to capture consumers' attention and put pressure on their rivals.

Facade of a McDonald's restaurant with a large sign on top.
Squishmallows toys return to Happy Meals | Google Maps

Squishmallows return to Happy Meals: a renewed global success

After their success in 2023, McDonald's has decided to bring back Squishmallows toys in Happy Meals. This collaboration brings with it 12 characters, including the intertop-tier Axolotl named Halley, which is exclusive to this edition.

Squishmallows have become a global phenomenon, being popular among both children and adults, making this launch a highly demanded event. McDonald's has managed to connect with collectors, and social media have exploded with excited messages from fans who have already started searching for the new toys.

Gerhard Runken, vice president of Jazwares, Squishmallows' parent company, commented that "The success of the first collaboration was so great that they decided to bring it back by popular demand." This move places McDonald’s as a leader in the market, while competitors like Burger King must face these types of initiatives to not fall behind.

Exterior view of a McDonalds restaurant in Galdar, Las Palmas
McDonald's launches 12 new Squishmallows | McDonalds

The return of the Hershey’s Chocolate Chip Frappé: the exclusive drink that revolutionizes

In another strategic move, McDonald's has brought back the Hershey’s Chocolate Chip Frappé, a classic that had been removed from the menu a few years ago. This drink mixes mocha and caramel bases with coffee and is topped with Hershey’s chocolate pieces and whipped cream.

Although many expected the drink to be available at all McDonald's, the reality is that not all restaurants will offer this frappé. The limited availability has caused frustration but also increased excitement to get it. Fans of the drink have already started making inquiries through the McDonald's app to confirm if their nearest location will have the product.

With these launches, McDonald's not only attracts new customers but also puts Burger King in a difficult position. While McDonald’s launches exclusive products that generate excitement, its competition is forced to react. Although Burger King has launched products like the vegan Whopper, McDonald's has managed to capture attention with innovations that surpass the competition.

➡️ Consumer Affairs

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