McDonald’s serves up different menu items around the world based on local tastes. While Americans enjoy their Big Macs and Quarter Pounders, the UK McDonald’s offers some truly unique treats.
From breakfast delights to desserts you won’t find stateside, here’s what makes British Maccies special – and occasionally puzzling.
1. Cadbury Creme Egg McFlurry
Every Easter season, UK McDonald’s unleashes this chocolatey masterpiece. The classic vanilla soft serve gets mixed with Cadbury Creme Egg pieces and that signature gooey fondant center.
Americans are stuck with standard Oreo and M&M varieties while Brits enjoy this iconic Easter treat in ice cream form. Simply unfair!
2. Chicken Legend
A thick, succulent chicken breast fillet that puts the McChicken to shame. Served on a bakehouse roll with either Cool Mayo, Hot & Spicy Mayo, or BBQ sauce.
The quality of this sandwich genuinely surprises first-timers. Americans are left with their basic McChicken while Brits enjoy this premium chicken experience.
3. Mozzarella Dippers
Forget plain mozzarella sticks! These golden-fried dippers contain real mozzarella cheese wrapped in a herby breadcrumb coating.
They come with a tangy salsa dip that perfectly complements the gooey cheese. While similar to American mozzarella sticks, the herb-infused coating and salsa dip create a distinctly Mediterranean twist.
4. Bacon Roll
Breakfast simplicity at its finest. Thick-cut back bacon nestled in a soft, floury roll with your choice of ketchup or brown sauce.
British bacon differs from American strips – it’s meatier and less fatty. Many UK customers consider this humble sandwich the perfect hangover cure after a night out!
5. Maltesers McFlurry
Americans know Maltesers as “Whoppers,” but the UK version tastes completely different. The Maltesers McFlurry blends these malted milk balls with chocolate sauce throughout vanilla soft serve.
The result? A delightful crunch with every spoonful. The malt flavor adds complexity that’s missing from American McFlurry options.
6. Cheese Melt Dippers
These seasonal favorites appear during Christmas time. Breaded camembert cheese bites come with a tangy tomato dip that perfectly cuts through the richness.
Americans might find the concept of camembert at McDonald’s baffling. Yet these gourmet-feeling appetizers show how McDonald’s UK embraces more sophisticated flavor profiles during the holidays.
7. Curry Sauce
Americans dip their nuggets in barbecue or sweet and sour sauce. Meanwhile, Brits enjoy this mild, sweet curry sauce that’s become a national obsession.
The flavor profile resembles a gentle Japanese curry – not too spicy but full of warmth. It pairs perfectly with fries and has developed a cult following across the UK.
8. Vegetable Deluxe
Two red pesto vegetable goujons topped with sandwich sauce and fresh veggies in a sesame seed bun. It’s a proper vegetarian option that’s actually tasty!
American McDonald’s took ages to develop decent vegetarian options. Meanwhile, UK vegetarians have enjoyed this flavorful sandwich for years.
9. Toffee Latte
McDonald’s UK coffee game surpasses its American counterpart. The Toffee Latte combines espresso with steamed milk and rich toffee syrup, topped with a swirl of cream.
British McDonald’s cafés (called McCafé) offer barista-made drinks that rival major coffee chains. Americans are only just catching up to this level of coffee sophistication.
10. Millionaire’s Donut
Inspired by millionaire’s shortbread, this donut features caramel icing, biscuit crumbs, and a gooey caramel filling. The sweet treat perfectly captures the beloved British dessert in donut form.
American McDonald’s rarely ventures beyond basic apple pies for dessert. The UK locations regularly experiment with bakery items that reflect popular British sweets.
11. Porridge
British McDonald’s serves proper porridge for breakfast! This simple oatmeal comes with either syrup or a berry compote.
Americans might find it strange to order porridge at McDonald’s, but it’s perfect for the often chilly UK mornings. It reflects how British Maccies adapts to local breakfast preferences with healthier options.
12. Spicy Veggie Wrap
Red pesto veggie goujons wrapped in a soft tortilla with spicy relish, tomato, lettuce, and cucumber. It’s a handheld vegetarian option that actually packs flavor.
The spicy kick makes this wrap popular even among non-vegetarians. American McDonald’s vegetarian options often feel like afterthoughts, while this wrap stands proudly on its own merits.
13. Apple Pie WITH Custard
Americans know McDonald’s apple pies, but Brits take it further with a side of warm vanilla custard for dipping! This combo transforms the simple dessert into a proper pudding experience.
The custard comes in a separate container, perfect for dunking or pouring over the pie. It’s a distinctly British twist on the classic McDonald’s treat.
14. Irn-Bru
Scotland’s beloved fluorescent orange soda appears in McDonald’s across the UK. Americans are completely baffled by this uniquely flavored drink that tastes unlike anything in the States.
Often described as “bubblegum mixed with rusty nails,” Irn-Bru is a cultural phenomenon. Its presence at McDonald’s shows how the chain adapts to regional favorites.
15. Oatso Simple Porridge
Another breakfast option that would baffle Americans – branded instant porridge! McDonald’s UK partnered with popular brand Quaker to offer this warming breakfast.
Available with syrup, sugar, or jam, it’s a comforting start to chilly British mornings. The collaboration with a well-known porridge brand shows McDonald’s UK’s commitment to familiar breakfast options.
16. Mixed Berry Smoothie
McDonald’s UK blends real strawberry, blueberry, and blackberry with banana puree and ice. The result? A genuinely fruity smoothie that doesn’t taste artificial.
American McDonald’s smoothies often taste syrupy and fake. The UK version uses proper fruit for a refreshing drink that feels almost healthy compared to typical fast food beverages.
17. The Mighty English Breakfast McMuffin
Morning cravings hit differently across the pond! The English Breakfast McMuffin packs a traditional fry-up between warm muffins.
Loaded with a sausage patty, bacon rasher, free-range egg, grilled mushrooms, and a dollop of HP brown sauce. British customers queue up for this hearty morning delight that puts the regular Egg McMuffin to shame.
18. The Katsu Curry Chicken One
Japanese-inspired fast food? McDonald’s UK nailed it with their Katsu Curry Chicken sandwich that combines crispy chicken with authentic curry sauce and fresh vegetables.
Americans can only dream about this perfect marriage of Eastern and Western flavors tucked between soft buns. Katsu curry became popular in the UK thanks to chain restaurants like Wagamama.