Get All Access for $5/mo

McDonald's Introduces a New Dessert Inspired By 'Grandmacore' Trend McDonald's will launch the "Grandma McFlurry," a limited-time dessert blending syrup, vanilla ice cream and candy pieces, as a tribute to comforting grandmotherly treats — and a nod to a TikTok trend.

By Carl Stoffers Edited by Jessica Thomas

Key Takeaways

  • On May 21, the fast-food giant will launch a new limited-time dessert called the "Grandma McFlurry."
  • The Grandma McFlurry aligns with the "grandmacore" aesthetic popular among Gen Z on TikTok.
  • McDonald's is leveraging innovative marketing strategies in response to sales challenges due to inflation and shifting consumer preferences.

McDonald's is set to launch a new addition to its dessert menu, the "Grandma McFlurry," starting May 21. This limited-time offering pays homage to the comforting treats often associated with grandmothers and blends syrup, vanilla ice cream and candy pieces — and is a nod to a Gen Z-centric TikTok trend.

Image credit: McDonald's

"Grandmas have always held a special place in our hearts, and today they're having a major moment influencing culture," Tariq Hassan, chief marketing and customer experience officer at McDonald's, said in a statement. "The Grandma McFlurry tastes like a trip down memory lane, and we're excited to give our fans that experience while honoring the grandma-figure in all our lives."

Related: Considering franchise ownership? Get started now to find your personalized list of franchises that match your lifestyle, interests and budget.

'Grandma's favorite'

The fast-food giant describes the Grandma McFlurry as reminiscent of "grandma's favorite treat that she hid in her purse," though McDonald's has not disclosed the exact flavors of the candy pieces. However, speculation on Reddit suggests that the candies might be butterscotch, akin to Werther's Original, a nostalgic favorite. Regardless, McDonald's believes the treat has had a special edge since it started working on the recipe.

"The new Grandma McFlurry was created by a culinary team member who is a grandmother herself," Marcelo Fajnerman, McDonald's VP of menu strategy, said in a statement to Entrepreneur. "She was relentless in perfecting a deliciously crave-able treat meant to evoke special memories with the grandma or the grandma-figure in your life."

Grandmacore

The new dessert option taps into the "grandmacore" aesthetic currently popular among Gen Z on TikTok. This trend draws inspiration from cozy, grandmotherly interests such as knitting, baking and an overall sense of nostalgic comfort.

Although McDonald's is the first fast-food franchise to tap into the grandmacore trend, Burger King and Taco Bell have focused on eco-friendly practices and retro-style marketing to appeal to environmentally-conscious Gen Z consumers.

Related: McDonald's Dives Into Anime Craze — And Flips Its Golden Arches— with WcDonald's Event

Dedicated followings

McDonald's has introduced several products that have developed dedicated followings, such as the McRib, which makes periodic returns. The sandwich's dedicated fan base eagerly awaits its reappearance and even uses the McRib Locator to find the nearest McDonald's serving it.

Another example is the Shamrock Shake, a seasonal favorite centered around St. Patrick's Day and known for its minty flavor and green color. Fans begin to eagerly anticipate its return in late winter. Last summer, McDonald's revived its character Grimace in honor of its 52nd birthday with a limited-time shake and signature meals, with the character — and shake — going viral, thanks primarily to TikTok.

McDonald's is innovating to attract budget-conscious consumers amid recent sales struggles driven by inflation-weary customers who are opting for home-cooked meals over dining out. The chain plans to introduce a $5 meal deal next month.

Carl Stoffers

Entrepreneur Staff

Senior Business Editor

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Editor's Pick

Business News

These Are the Best Cities for Starting a Business — and Surrounding Yourself With Millionaires

Here are 10 U.S. cities that stand out for entrepreneurship, according to a new report.

Business News

'Let It Go': A Couple Has Spent $400K Suing Disney After Being Banned From the Park's Exclusive 33 Club. Social Media Reactions Have Not Been G-Rated.

After getting banned from the exclusive members-only club for alleged bad behavior, a California couple has spent a fortune trying to get back to paling around with Mickey.

Side Hustle

How a History Student Turned Her Side Hustle Into a Startup That's Raised $7 Million: "People Always Tell Me, 'I Thought I Had to Major In Computer Science to Be an Entrepreneur'"

Audrey Wisch never imagined she'd be one of those kids who dropped out of college to grow her side hustle into a startup. But with the help of AI, her "human-centric" service is scaling up.

Franchise

Taco Bell's New Mountain Dew Baja Blast Gelato Is Causing a Frenzy — But Fans Have One Big Complaint

The company released the dessert to mark the 20th anniversary of the iconic Mountain Dew Baja Blast, which has garnered a cult-like following since its debut in 2004.

Science & Technology

AI for the Underdog — Here's How Small Businesses Can Thrive With Artificial Intelligence

How small businesses can harness the power of AI to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences and drive growth.