McDonald’s has just dropped a new limited-time dessert that’s got everyone scratching their heads and reaching for a spoon: the Grandma McFlurry. The name alone is intriguing, conjuring up images of sweet treats from childhood. But what exactly is in this Grandma McFlurry? After trying it myself, I’m still a little puzzled, but ready to break down what you can expect from this nostalgic novelty.
McDonald’s other McFlurry flavors, like Oreo and M&M, are straightforward. Naming one after “Grandma,” however, begs for an explanation. It hints at something comforting, perhaps a flavor reminiscent of grandma’s kitchen.
According to the official press release, the Grandma McFlurry is a blend of “delicious syrup and chopped, crunchy candy pieces (like grandma’s favorite treat that she hid in her purse!)” swirled into their classic vanilla soft serve. The “grandma’s favorite treat” part is intentionally vague, playing on the universal idea of grandmothers secretly offering sweets. While my own grandma was more of a chocolate chip cookie baker, the visual cues and flavor profile strongly suggest one candy in particular: Werther’s Original butterscotch hard candies. Those iconic golden discs certainly fit the “grandma candy” stereotype, and butterscotch is indeed the dominant flavor here.
Personally, I have a soft spot for butterscotch, maybe it’s the “grandma” in me. So, despite the slightly perplexing name and timing – isn’t Grandparents Day in September? – I was eager to try this new McFlurry. And let’s be honest, does anyone’s actual grandma regularly eat McFlurries? Probably not, but the nostalgic appeal is definitely there.
Of course, no discussion about McFlurries is complete without acknowledging the infamous “broken” ice cream machines at McDonald’s. It’s become such a common occurrence that it’s spawned countless jokes, conspiracy theories, and even federal investigations. As someone familiar with the fast-food scene, I suspect it’s often more about the effort involved in making these desserts than actual malfunctions. It’s the same reason you might get a weary look if you order a milkshake late at night at a diner. (Pro-tip: maybe skip the midnight milkshake).
A top-down view of the McDonald’s Grandma McFlurry, showcasing the butterscotch syrup and candy pieces.
Luckily, on my recent trip to McDonald’s, the ice cream machine gods were smiling upon me. Not only was the machine working, but the Grandma McFlurry came in a charming pink cup. The cup is decorated with a quilted McDonald’s logo and the phrase “xoxo, Grandma” in a cursive font – excellent and on-point branding.
But branding aside, how does it actually taste? The butterscotch flavor hits you immediately. If you’re a butterscotch fan, you’ll likely enjoy this. It’s a bold flavor, almost bordering on overpowering, but butterscotch is rarely subtle. Flavor-wise, it delivers on the butterscotch promise.
The texture, however, is where things get a little less grandma-approved. While there were some delightful amber slivers of butterscotch candy scattered throughout, the predominant textural element was something else entirely. It resembled those pie crust pieces some ice cream shops use in sundaes for a pie-like effect. These pieces were neither truly soft nor satisfyingly crunchy, landing in a somewhat chunky, and frankly, less pleasant middle ground.
I found myself wishing for a greater quantity of the actual butterscotch candy pieces and fewer of the pie crust-like chunks. The butterscotch syrup, thankfully, was generously swirled throughout the entire McFlurry and contributed significantly to the overall enjoyable butterscotch flavor.
So, is the Grandma McFlurry my new favorite? Probably not. It mostly highlights my ongoing wish for McDonald’s to bring some of their exciting international McFlurry flavors to the States. Think about it: Canada gets a caramel popcorn McFlurry! Europe has enjoyed a Cadbury Creme Egg McFlurry! And here we are with the Grandma McFlurry. It’s fine, but hardly groundbreaking.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, this McFlurry is making me think of my own grandma. Maybe it’s time for a phone call. Perhaps she’d even enjoy a butterscotch McFlurry… if the machine is working.
