The highly anticipated McDonald's Friends collaboration menu has officially arrived in UK restaurants, bringing with it a wave of nostalgia and collectible figures. To mark this limited-time launch, Mirror lifestyle writer Cally Brooks embarked on a comprehensive taste test of every new item, separating the genuinely impressive offerings from those that failed to live up to their promise.
A Mixed Bag of Novelty and Nostalgia
This latest promotion cleverly ties into the beloved television series Friends, offering collectible figures with selected meals alongside several new and returning menu items. The lineup includes the Chicken Tikka Wrap, Pizza Mozzarella Dippers, two new McFlurry varieties – the Milkybar Crispy Cookie and Munchies Vanilla Cheesecake – and the intriguing Donut Crumble Latte. Each item promised bold flavours and a touch of pop-culture fun, but the reality proved to be a varied experience.
Savory Selections: Hits and Misses
The Pizza Mozzarella Dippers, while perfectly serviceable with a crispy exterior and soft, cheesy interior, ultimately lacked the robust pizza flavour their name suggested. They felt somewhat muted and unremarkable on their own. However, the accompanying Monica's Marinara Sauce proved to be an absolute triumph, elevating the dippers from forgettable to enjoyable. Without this delicious dip, the dish would have been a definite letdown.
Meanwhile, the Chicken Tikka Wrap presented itself as a lighter alternative to traditional burgers. The chicken offered a satisfying crunch, and the creamy tikka sauce provided a pleasant flavour, though the overall experience wasn't particularly memorable. The tikka essence seemed confined to the sauce rather than infused into the chicken itself, and the complete absence of spice might appeal to some palates while disappointing others seeking a bolder kick.
Dessert Domination: The Unquestionable Stars
Where this menu truly excelled was in its dessert offerings. Both new McFlurrys emerged as the undisputed highlights of the entire tasting. The Milkybar Crispy Cookie McFlurry delivered a perfect balance of sweet, creamy, and crunchy textures, with generous mix-ins distributed throughout rather than merely sitting on top. The white chocolate flavour shone through brilliantly, making it an ideal treat for those with a serious sweet tooth.
Equally impressive was the Munchies Vanilla Cheesecake McFlurry, which offered a rich, textured, and indulgent experience without becoming overwhelming. The clever combination of chocolate pieces and cheesecake-style sauce worked harmoniously, creating a dessert that felt genuinely special. If you're only sampling one item from this new collection, either of these McFlurrys should be your top priority.
The Latte Letdown: A Potential Preparation Error
The most disappointing element of the entire test was the Donut Crumble Latte, though this may have resulted from an ordering or preparation error rather than a fundamental flaw in the recipe itself. Based on the enticing description, expectations were set for a noticeably sweeter, dessert-inspired beverage with distinct donut and crumble notes. Instead, what arrived tasted indistinguishable from a standard latte, lacking any discernible special flavours. While perfectly drinkable as a regular coffee, it failed completely to deliver on its promised profile.
Final Verdict: Sweet Success Amidst Savory Struggles
Overall, McDonald's Friends menu presents a mixed culinary bag with some genuine highlights. The McFlurry creations are exceptional and arguably justify a visit on their own merits. The wrap serves as a decent, if unremarkable, option, while the dippers rely heavily on their excellent accompanying sauce to shine. The Friends-themed collectibles add an element of fun for fans of the series, but from a purely gastronomic perspective, dessert is where this limited-edition launch truly succeeds. As for the Donut Crumble Latte, it might be wise to either skip it entirely or double-check your order carefully before leaving the restaurant.
