We tried McDonald's new 50th anniversary menu - one item needs to be permanent

McDonald's has unveiled a host of new menu items today to celebrate its 50th anniversary, including fresh burgers, sides, and desserts. The limited-edition menu boasts three new desserts, a cheesy side, and the return of some fan favourites.

Among the new offerings is the birthday cake doughnut, a ring doughnut filled with strawberry, topped with buttercream icing and sprinkles.

The menu also introduces two new McFlurry flavours: the Milkybar raspberry ripple McFlurry and the Munchies cookie dough McFlurry.

Beloved classics like the Double Big Mac and Double Big Mac with bacon have made a comeback, alongside the McCrispy barbecue smokehouse. New on the scene are the cheesy garlic bread dippers, featuring four mozzarella dippers coated in garlic and chives breadcrumbs, served with a tomato dip.

In the spirit of journalistic duty, we decided to sample all seven products as they hit the restaurants at 11am, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Double Big Mac - 5/5

Reviewed by Jess Molyneux.

The Double Mac is my go-to for a treat or after a night out, so I had to give it a try. I was a fan of the Grand Mac when it briefly graced the McDonald's menu, but I find the Double to be a more manageable size.

With its signature beef patties, cheese, lettuce, onion and pickle, I'll definitely be ordering one of these again while they're available.

Cheesy garlic bread dippers - 3/5

Reviewed by Jess Molyneux.

The Cheesy Garlic Bread Dippers were a pleasant surprise with their crunchy coating. The cheese was soft and packed a stronger garlic punch than anticipated.

It's a delightful new treat to sample, but it's best shared as the flavour can be quite intense.

McCrispy barbecue Smokehouse - 4/5

Reviewed by Lottie Gibbons.

I'm thrilled that the McCrispy barbecue smokehouse is back on the menu after its last stint in October 2023. This burger boasts a crispy chicken breast fillet, smoky barbecue sauce, cheddar cheese, red onion, and lettuce, all nestled in a sesame-topped sourdough-style bun.

The crispy chicken fillet complements the soft bun perfectly, while the barbecue sauce delivers a burst of flavour. The sharpness of the cheddar cheese and tangy red onion balance out the taste, and the lettuce adds a refreshing element.

The McCrispy barbecue smokehouse is an excellent choice for those wanting to venture beyond the original McCrispy.

Double Big Mac with bacon - 3/5

Reviewed by Kate McMullin.

This was my inaugural Big Mac experience and it was slightly overwhelming. I appreciated the dominant pickle flavour and the sauce, which I've always heard is McDonald's finest, was indeed delicious.

However, I found the bacon somewhat stringy and would have preferred a smokier taste. Eating it without making a mess was a challenge, but on the plus side, every bite included a bit of every ingredient, which I enjoyed.

Milkybar raspberry ripple McFlurry - 5/5

Reviewed by Hannah Rees.

A visit to McDonald's is never complete for me without a McFlurry, so I was thrilled to try the new Milkybar raspberry flavour. Thankfully, it didn't disappoint.

The combination of white chocolate and raspberry sauce was delightful. It's also the first time I recall having a McFlurry with white chocolate, making it a refreshing change from the standard flavours.

I'd even go as far as to say it's my new favourite and should be a permanent fixture on the menu.

Munchies cookie dough McFlurry - 3/5

Reviewed by Gary Stewart.

I've never had a McFlurry before, so when the Maccies delivery arrived at my desk, I thought it was worth a try. From what I've gathered from my colleagues, the McFlurry holds somewhat of a legendary status on the McDonald's menu but is often unavailable due to malfunctioning machines.

The one I tried was a very creamy vanilla ice cream which was pleasant but not extraordinary. It was topped with a crunchy biscuit which I later learned was from the classic Munchy sweets, which I've always enjoyed, although the brand collaboration was lost on me.

Birthday cake doughnut - 5/5

Reviewed by Paul McAuley.

Unwrapping the package, we were immediately impressed - the doughnut, adorned with buttercream-flavoured icing and sprinkles, could easily feature in a Simpsons episode with Homer salivating over it. Holding the sugar-coated ring, I knew I was about to indulge.

The dough had the perfect tenderness for my fingers to sink into. The strawberry-flavoured filling, slightly cooler, offered a delightful contrast to the sweet dough.