McDonald’s has long been a master at keeping its menu fresh and exciting with new limited-time items, and no item in recent memory has made waves quite like the Grimace Shake.
This quirky, purple drink took social media by storm during its debut in 2023, becoming an instant viral sensation, largely thanks to a bizarre trend on TikTok.
With 2024 underway, fans of the Shake eagerly ask one question: Will the Grimace Shake return this year? Here’s everything we know about the beloved Grimace Shake and whether it’s coming back to McDonald’s menus in 2024.
What Was the Grimace Shake?
The Grimace Shake was introduced in June 2023 as part of a special Grimace Birthday Meal to celebrate the McDonald’s mascot, Grimace. The Shake’s purple color stood out, and even though McDonald’s didn’t say what flavor it was, customers thought it tasted like vanilla and berries mixed together.
What made the Grimace Shake particularly memorable wasn’t just its taste but its role in a viral TikTok trend. People were pretending to drink a milkshake and then act scared, like in a scary movie.
This became really popular online, with lots of people watching and liking it. Even Courtney Cox joined in. The trend got so big that McDonald’s even made a joke about it on Twitter.
Grimace Shake’s Global Popularity in 2024
Though the Grimace Shake was a limited-time offering in the United States in 2023, fans of the purple drink might be surprised to know that it has made several international appearances in 2024. While American fans have yet to see a return, McDonald’s has been rolling out the Grimace Shake in other parts of the world:
- Canada: The Grimace Shake came back to Canada in May 2024 for a short time, but then it disappeared again, making fans want more.
- United Kingdom: In late August 2024, McDonald’s celebrated its 50th anniversary in the U.K. by bringing back the Grimace Shake for a week. Fans in Britain got the chance to indulge in the purple treat, but only for a short window of time.
- Australia: The Grimace Shake launched in Australia in October 2024. Customers Down Under can enjoy the Shake as part of a Grimace Meal, which includes fries and a choice of either a Big Mac or 10-piece Chicken McNuggets. Like in other countries, the Grimace Shake will only be available for a limited time.
Is the Grimace Shake Coming Back to the U.S. in 2024?
While the Grimace Shake has seen international success in countries like Canada, the United Kingdom & Australia, American fans are left wondering when—or if—it will return to the U.S. McDonald’s has not officially confirmed any plans to bring the Grimace Shake back to American menus in 2024.
Eat This, Not That! I contacted McDonald’s for comments on the possibility of a U.S. relaunch but have yet to receive any updates at publication. Without a formal announcement, fans in the States will have to wait and see whether McDonald’s decides to revive the viral sensation this year.
However, McDonald’s has shown a willingness to reintroduce popular limited-time items, so there’s still hope. If you want the Grimace Shake, you can’t get it here. You have to go to a country where they have it.
Other Exciting McDonald’s Items to Watch For
While the Grimace Shake’s return to the U.S. remains uncertain, McDonald’s has plenty of exciting offerings on the horizon. This fall, customers can look forward to several fun and festive items, including:
- Boo Buckets: These Halloween-themed pails are making a comeback in 2024, offering a nostalgic throwback for long-time McDonald’s fans.
- Pumpkin and Crème Pie: McDonald’s is also bringing back their seasonal Pumpkin and Crème Pie, a tasty dessert with 280 calories per piece.
Even if the Grimace Shake doesn’t come back to the U.S., McDonald’s fans still have many reasons to be excited about what’s coming in 2024.
The Future of the Grimace Shake
The Grimace Shake’s viral success in 2023 was a cultural moment highlighting McDonald’s ability to tap into social media’s fun and unpredictable nature.
Though there’s yet to be an official word on whether the Shake will return to the U.S. in 2024, its international rollouts and enduring popularity suggest that McDonald’s keeps the possibility on the table.
For now, fans must watch for announcements and enjoy the array of seasonal and new items already available at their local McDonald’s.
In the meantime, those who miss the Grimace Shake can reminisce about its strange yet unforgettable impact—and hope that the fuzzy purple mascot makes another appearance on menus soon.