4 Semi-Secret McDonald’s Items that Might Be the Best on the Menu
McDonald’s public menu tells only part of the story. What if we told you that there’s an unofficial lineup that’s kept alive through social media hacks and clever customizations? Yes, and they steal the show!
So, if you’re tired of the same ol’ Quarter Pounder, these semi-secret menu items could surprise you in the best way. Let’s peel back the wrapper and dig into a few favorites.
13-Pack Chocolate Chip Cookie Tote
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Most people don’t realize McDonald’s sells a whole cookie haul. This warm, gooey pack of 13 chocolate chip cookies comes in a handled cardboard tote and is ideal for sharing. It’s usually cheaper per cookie than your local bakery.
McDouble with Mac Sauce
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This sneaky swap gets you Big Mac flavor at a budget price. Order a McDouble, drop the ketchup and mustard, and ask for Big Mac sauce instead. And boom. You get the same legendary taste, minus the triple-bun setup. Many employees are familiar with the request, even if it’s not shown on screens.
Land, Sea, and Air Burger
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In this burger, you get beef, chicken, and fish together. This towering tribute to over-the-top fast food starts with a Big Mac, adds a McChicken, and tosses in a Filet-O-Fish. It’s not for light eaters, but it’s become a DIY legend.
Ice Cream Sandwich
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This dessert hack uses two chocolate chip cookies and a scoop of soft-serve or McFlurry to make a homemade ice cream sandwich. Some customers freeze the combo at home after wrapping it in foil, while others eat it fresh.
Cinnamon Melt Hack
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Though officially discontinued in many locations, McDonald’s old Cinnamon Melts can still be recreated. Ask for an order of hotcakes without the sausage, a cup of the hot caramel or hot fudge topping, and a side of cinnamon sugar (used for oatmeal). Tear the pancakes into bite-sized pieces, drizzle the toppings, and you’ve got a gooey, sweet breakfast dessert reminiscent of the beloved melts.
Apple Pie McFlurry
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Customers can create a unique dessert concoction by simply grabbing a baked apple pie and stirring it into their McFlurry. Some locations might even blend it if you ask nicely. The warm pie softens into the cold cream. It’s unofficial in the U.S., but it was once real in Canada.
Chicken McGriddle
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Originally tested nationwide but now only available in select U.S. areas, this sandwich swaps a biscuit or muffin for maple-flavored griddle cakes with a McChicken patty inside. It’s usually hidden on digital menus or regional breakfast boards.
Hash Brown McMuffin
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This really is the best way to improve your McDonald’s breakfast. Add a hash brown inside your Sausage or Egg McMuffin for an instant texture upgrade. It’s one of the simplest menu hacks and is almost always doable, even if it’s never been an official item. Once you try it, it’s hard to go back.
Big Mac ‘n’ Cheese
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Also referred to as a “Veggie Mac,” this version of the Big Mac skips the beef patties entirely by only retaining the sauce, cheese, and buns. Although pricing varies by location, this meatless request has been shared among vegetarian fans as an indulgent but accessible option with recognizable flavor.
Grilled Cheese
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Need something kid-friendly or meatless? Order a cheeseburger and ask them to hold the beef. The warm, cheesy sandwich is simple, satisfying, and usually cheaper than most sides. Pro tip: Dip it in a sauce or pair it with fries for maximum effect.
Neapolitan Shake
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Ask for chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry all in one cup, and you might just get McDonald’s version of the classic Neapolitan milkshake. Availability depends on the staff and whether the shake machine is in working order, but when it works, it’s delicious.
McAffogato
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This hack uses two espresso shots poured into either a vanilla shake or a plain sundae. Depending on your mix, it creates a coffee-flavored float or affogato-style dessert. Though not every location will have espresso readily available, some do offer it in select regions or kiosks.
McChicken Big Mac
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Swap out the buns of a Big Mac with McChicken patties, and you’ve got a crispy, saucy monster of a sandwich. It takes ordering a Big Mac plus three McChickens, but fans swear by the flavor. Considering that it’s heavy on fried goodness, it’s definitely a once-in-a-while treat.
Cotton Candy Sprite
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When mixed with two pumps of vanilla syrup, this sweetened Sprite tastes like cotton candy. TikTok users frequently share it, and it’s one of the easiest custom orders at the beverage station.
Monster Mac
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Forget two patties. The Monster Mac ups the ante with up to eight beef patties stacked inside a Big Mac. It’s more of a legend than a menu item. Employees might raise an eyebrow, but if you’re willing to pay for the extra patties, it can be built.