When you go to McDonalds its usually because youre craving burgers, chicken nuggets, and French fries. But the fast food chain has added many new items to its menu over the years, such as McPizza, Fish McBites, and onion nuggets. Though a number of these items didnt stand the test of time, they still were fairly on-brand. Therefore, it might come as a surprise that McDonalds sold lobster rolls on and off for several years.
Even though a lobster roll is one of the cheapest ways to eat lobster, it’s still not cheap. A single lobster roll cost around $30 in 2022. The McLobster Roll however was only $3. 99 when it first came out, and $9 at its highest. The reason McDonald’s was able to afford to lower the price also works for another item on their menu: the McRib. Since rib meat is pricy, McDonalds uses pork trimmings that are simply shaped into rib-shaped patties. This allows McDonalds to sell “ribs” for around the same price point as its other menu items. With the McLobster Roll, meat substitution was also involved.
For seafood lovers, lobster rolls are the ultimate summer treat These indulgent sandwiches are filled with tender chunks of sweet lobster meat, either chilled and dressed with mayo or warm with melted butter But can you satisfy your lobster roll craving under the golden arches of McDonald’s? Let’s investigate whether McDonald’s has lobster rolls on the menu in 2023.
A Brief History of McDonald’s Lobster Rolls
In the past McDonald’s has occasionally offered limited-time lobster rolls on its summer menu in certain regions of the U.S. especially in New England where the sandwich originates. Back in 2015, some New England locations sold a McDonald’s version for around $8.99 during the peak tourist season.
The McDonald’s lobster roll featured frozen and thawed lobster meat mixed with a bit of mayo, served on a toasted oval bun It was a fast food take on the beloved regional specialty However, these were temporary menu items only meant to capitalize on the lobster roll trend, not permanent additions.
The Verdict for 2023
As of 2023, lobster rolls are not available on McDonald’s menus nationwide or in specific regions. There have been no recent summer promotions for lobster rolls at the fast food giant. It seems unlikely that McDonald’s will add this premium seafood item to its regular menu offerings anytime in the foreseeable future.
McDonald’s is best known for its burgers, chicken nuggets, fries and other classic fast food fare. Lobster rolls are considered upscale items more commonly found at higher-priced restaurants and seaside seafood shacks, not quick service chains. McDonald’s focuses on affordable, mass-market menu options, so lobster rolls don’t quite align with its brand identity and business model.
Of course, menus evolve over time and McDonald’s does test new products. But dramatic deviations from its core burgers-and-fries menu are rare. With no signs of lobster rolls in summer 2023 promotions, customers will have to look elsewhere for their lobster roll fix this season.
Why Lobster Rolls Don’t Fit McDonald’s Model
There are some clear reasons why lobster rolls aren’t a natural fit for McDonald’s menus:
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Price – Lobster is expensive, so lobster rolls are pricier than typical McDonald’s items. The higher price point goes against McDonald’s value menu approach.
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Preparation – Lobster rolls are labor-intensive to prepare with fresh lobster meat. They don’t suit McDonald’s focus on food that can be made quickly and consistently.
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Regional appeal – Lobster rolls have special significance in New England, but not nationwide familiarity or demand. McDonald’s prefers menu items with very broad appeal.
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Market perceptions – As a downmarket fast food chain, McDonald’s lobster rolls might face criticism for being inferior to versions from authentic seafood restaurants.
Other Seafood at McDonald’s
While lobster is off the table, McDonald’s does serve some seafood options that align better with its brand. These include Filet-O-Fish sandwiches, Fish McBites, and shrimp burgers in select international markets. But specialty seafood like lobster tends to be outside McDonald’s wheelhouse.
McDonald’s strengths lie in operational efficiency, affordability and familiarity. On rare occasions a left-field menu item like lobster rolls emerges as a temporary promotion. But unusual offerings are unlikely to join the permanent McDonald’s lineup anytime soon. For the classic versions, New England and its coastline seafood shacks are still the places to go.
Where to Get Great Lobster Rolls
If you have a hankering for an authentic lobster roll in summer 2023, here are some top spots to visit instead of McDonald’s:
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Maine – The Lobster Shack at Two Lights in Cape Elizabeth offers killer rolls with ocean views.
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Massachusetts – Sullivan’s at Castle Island in Boston serves hot buttered lobster rolls that hit the spot.
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Connecticut – Lenny & Joe’s Fish Tale in Madison has classic Connecticut-style chilled rolls.
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New Hampshire – Brown’s Lobster Pound in Seabrook is a legendary BYOB spot for fresh lobster.
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Rhode Island – Blount Clam Shack in Warren uses Brioche buns to elevate its lobster rolls.
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Food trucks – Cousins Maine Lobster food trucks roam the country dishing out authentic rolls.
Or, order fresh lobster meat online and make fantastic lobster rolls at home all summer long. Just don’t expect to find this regional favorite at the golden arches.
McDonald’s Menu Innovations
While lobster rolls aren’t on the menu for 2023, McDonald’s does frequently roll out limited-time food promotions and test new menu concepts. Recent examples include:
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Specialty burgers like the McPlant plant-based burger
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Celebrity “Famous Orders” like the Saweetie Meal and J. Balvin Meal
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Throwback items like McRib sandwiches for nostalgia
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International menu items tailored to regional tastes
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Upgraded coffee drinks amid rising demand for quality brews
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Digital-only promotions like Mobile Mondays deals
McDonald’s has also enhanced its menus by acquiring brands like Dynamic Yield for AI-powered digital drive-thrus and Apprente for voice-based ordering technology.
So even without lobster, McDonald’s is evolving. The chain combines core menu consistency with innovation at the edges to adapt to changing consumer preferences. Diehard fans eager for the next unique McDonald’s offering will have to keep waiting, as lobster rolls seemingly won’t be resurfacing in 2023 or the near future.
The Takeaway
For those craving a truly memorable lobster roll this summer, local seafood shacks are your best bet over big chains like McDonald’s. Support small businesses while enjoying the ultimate taste of New England! Just be sure to arrive early, as the tastiest seasonal lobster rolls sell out quickly.
The McLobster was different from a traditional lobster roll
Since McDonald’s is a fast food chain, it wouldn’t be a big surprise if the McLobster Roll’s lobster meat was fake lobster. But according to the list of ingredients under the menu item that is still on McDonald’s website, the meat was actually 10% lobster and came from the U.S. S. and Canadian waters, just like it was advertised. However, McDonald’s didn’t use lobster tail meat like most lobster rolls do. Instead, they used cheaper meat from the lobster’s claw, knuckle, and leg, which is also known as C meat. K. L. meat. Using the C. K. L. and buying it in volume is precisely what allowed McDonalds to give it an affordable price point.
Customers who don’t have very good taste buds might not have noticed a big difference, but some said it tasted more fishy than usual and was more mushy than meaty. The McLobster Roll had cheaper meat than other lobster rolls, but it was put together the same way, with salted butter, lettuce, and mayo.
OWNER BETS $500 I CAN’T EAT 48″ OF LOBSTER ROLLS | Joel Hansen
Does McDonald’s have lobster rolls?
For the second year in a row McDonald’s has brought back their seasonal lobster rolls to select Northeast locations. The rolls, often dubbed the McLobster, will be available in over 600 restaurants in the New England and Albany, New York area.
Does McDonald’s have frozen lobster meat?
Keep in mind that frozen / thawed lobster meat can’t hold a candle to the fresh-picked stuff you get at quality seafood shacks, as the frozen stuff feels and tastes more limp and watery. The bun was oval-shaped and lightly toasted, the kind of roll you get with McDonald’s grilled chicken sandwiches. Behold the McDonald’s Lobster Roll!
Does McDonald’s have a lobster roll in New England?
The Golden Arches has recently taken to offering a McDonald’s lobster roll in New England during the height of tourist season. But how do they stack up to the real deal? In 2015, we asked Mike Urban, author of Lobster Shacks (Countryman Press, 2016), to size up the McDonald’s lobster roll in comparison to New England seafood shack rolls.
Does McDonald’s have a McLobster?
Last summer the McLobster hit McDonald’s for the first time in 10 years drawing both media and social media buzz alike. The lobster rolls were met with mixed reaction on social media, but McDonald’s called the menu item an instant sensation. Some of them can’t seem to get enough.