McDonald's customers across the UK have expressed significant frustration over the price of a new item added to the chain's 'secret menu' this January. The product in question is an espresso milkshake, a combination of a vanilla milkshake served with a separate shot of espresso.
Customer Outcry Over Cost
Despite initial excitement for the novel coffee-dessert hybrid, the reaction swiftly turned sour when diners saw the price. The chain is currently charging nearly £3.99 for the item, a cost that has ruffled feathers on social media platforms.
One disgruntled customer stated bluntly, "They can keep it for £3.99." Another compared the fast-food giant to a premium coffee chain, asking, "£4?! Do they think they’re Starbucks now?" A third offered a mixed review, conceding the drink was good but "just not four pounds good."
A Silver Lining and a Sauce Sensation
Not all feedback was negative. One pragmatic fan pointed out that the combined item is actually cheaper than buying a vanilla milkshake and an espresso shot separately, presenting a potential value argument for those wanting both. It's also important to note that prices can vary between McDonald's locations nationwide.
The reaction to the milkshake coincides with the limited-time return of a fan-favourite: Big Mac sauce pots for 20p. The comeback has been met with enthusiasm, but a savvy shopper in the Facebook group NewfoodsUK has shared a secret alternative.
Cheryl Bryant claimed that Marks & Spencer's Special Burger Sauce is a perfect dupe, costing £2 for a whole bottle. The suggestion was supported by others in the group. M&S describes its sauce as "flavoured with gherkins and dill oil, this American-inspired tangy tomato and mustard sauce can be added to burgers or used as a dip or dressing."
The Verdict on Value
The launch highlights the delicate balance fast-food chains must strike between innovation and perceived value. While McDonald's has successfully generated buzz with its 'secret menu' tactic and the return of a beloved dipping sauce, the pricing strategy for the new espresso milkshake has clearly backfired with a segment of its customer base. The simultaneous revelation of a supermarket dupe for the Big Mac sauce also underscores how consumers actively seek value beyond the restaurant drive-thru.
