It’s finally back! After a nine-year hiatus, the legendary McRib has returned to McDonald’s. Today, at precisely eleven o’clock, I got my hands on the first McRib sold in Taunton, and the excitement was palpable. But the real question is: how does this version compare to the McRib we all remember?

The McRib has always held a special place in the hearts of McDonald’s fans, a cult classic that reappears sporadically, tantalizing those of us who long for that unmistakable combination of barbecue pork and pickles. But has this latest version lived up to the hype, or has McDonald’s altered the McRib experience after nearly a decade away?
First Impressions: A New Look for an Old Favorite
The first thing I noticed about the new McRib is its appearance. Gone is the iconic stamped rib-like shape that made it look like a mini rack of ribs encased in a sandwich. Instead, the patty is now a flatter, rectangular shape, looking more like a typical burger than its rib-inspired predecessor. Some fans may find this change a bit jarring, as the old McRib was iconic for its quirky, faux-ribbed shape.

Another noticeable difference is the texture and moisture. The McRib used to be saucier—drenched in barbecue sauce, with that unmistakable sticky sweetness. This time around, the sauce is far more restrained. A light layer of barbecue sauce coats the top and bottom of the patty, making it much less messy to eat, but also potentially less satisfying for those who loved the saucy, finger-licking experience.
The Toppings: Familiar, Yet Refined
The McRib’s toppings remain largely unchanged, though there are some subtle tweaks. On top of the patty, you’ll still find those classic McDonald’s onions, lightly cooked for a bit of crunch, along with the signature pickles. This time, however, there are fewer pickle slices—just one or two dual pickle slices, which I found to be a bit of a let-down. The balance of pickles and onions has always been part of the McRib’s appeal, offering a tangy counterpoint to the sweetness of the barbecue sauce and the richness of the pork patty.
The bun, however, is spot on. McDonald’s is using the same McRib roll we know and love, soft and slightly chewy, perfect for holding together this somewhat unwieldy sandwich. Fresh out of the oven, the bun was super soft and fresh, likely because the McRib had only just hit stores that morning. The freshness of the bun adds a nice contrast to the meaty filling inside.

The Taste: A Leaner, Cleaner McRib
Taste-wise, the new McRib offers a bit of a departure from what I remember. It’s nowhere near as saucy or greasy as it once was. The barbecue sauce still delivers a sweet and smoky punch, reminiscent of brands like Sweet Baby Ray’s, but now it feels more restrained. This change might be welcomed by those who prefer their burgers on the lighter side, but for those of us who fondly remember the grease-laden, indulgent McRib of yesteryear, it’s a noticeable shift.

The pork itself tastes leaner and, surprisingly, “porkier.” The flavour of the meat comes through more clearly this time around, rather than being overpowered by the sauce. In fact, it might just be one of the leanest burgers you’ll get from McDonald’s. Gone is the greasy, heavy feeling that often accompanied past McRib iterations. In its place is a cleaner, more refined taste, with a balance of sweet, tangy barbecue sauce and savoury pork. The absence of grease is a marked change—where the old McRib would leave a film on your fingers and a heaviness in your stomach, this version feels much lighter, almost as though it’s undergone a bit of a health-conscious makeover.
Pricing: A Steep Price for Nostalgia?
One thing that might leave some customers scratching their heads is the price. At 5.29 per McRib, it’s certainly not the cheapest sandwich on the McDonald’s menu. In fact, it’s priced similarly to some of McDonald’s more premium offerings, like the Big Mac or Quarter Pounder. For a limited-time item, the price may seem steep, especially considering that it’s smaller and leaner than some of the larger, more filling burgers on the menu.
However, it’s important to remember that part of the McRib’s appeal is its novelty. The sandwich doesn’t come around often, so for many, it’s worth paying a premium to relive the nostalgia. Plus, if you’re a fan of barbecue pork, there aren’t many fast-food options that can compete with the McRib’s unique flavour profile.
How Does It Compare to Other McDonald’s Specials?
In terms of value, I’m not entirely sure the new McRib stacks up against some of the other limited-time offerings McDonald’s has rolled out in recent years. The Grand Mac, McDonald’s chicken sandwiches, and even the seasonal Shamrock Shake have all felt more substantial and worth the price tag. That said, the McRib’s charm has always been in its distinctiveness—it’s not trying to compete with other burgers on the menu, but rather standing out as something completely different.
A Flavor Shift: Less Sweet, More Meat
What stood out to me the most about this new McRib is the shift in flavor balance. While the old McRib leaned heavily on the sweetness of the sauce, with the pork taking a backseat, this version flips that equation. Now, the lingering flavor after each bite is the savory taste of pork, with the barbecue sauce providing a light, sweet touch rather than dominating the sandwich. The result is a McRib that feels more like an actual pork sandwich and less like a sugar bomb.
Fans of the original may miss the messy, sauce-laden experience of old, but I think the new McRib offers something a bit more sophisticated. It’s easier to eat, less likely to leave you in need of a napkin, and still provides that hit of barbecue flavor that makes it stand out from other fast-food burgers.
Should You Try the New McRib?
Ultimately, whether or not the new McRib lives up to your expectations depends on what you loved about the old one. If you were a fan of the sticky, greasy, saucy mess that was the original McRib, you might be disappointed by the cleaner, leaner version McDonald’s is serving up today. However, if you enjoy a barbecue pork sandwich that’s easier to eat, more refined, and still packs plenty of flavor, you’ll likely find a lot to love about this new McRib.
So, is it worth grabbing a McRib today? Absolutely. While it might not be exactly as you remember it, the McRib still offers something you won’t find in any other fast-food burger: a unique combination of smoky barbecue sauce, tangy pickles, and tender pork, all wrapped up in a soft, fresh roll. Get one while you can, because as with all McDonald’s limited-time offerings, it won’t be around forever.