McDonald's adds chicken strips ahead of Snack Wrap return
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McDonald's new McCrispy Strips will be at participating locations by May 5. Photo: Courtesy of McDonald's
McDonald's is rolling out its first permanent menu item in four years with the new McCrispy Strips.
Why it matters: The chicken strips' arrival is the latest hint that the fan-favorite Snack Wrap is coming back to restaurants soon — nine years after it was discontinued.
The big picture: McDonald's was considered a late entry in the fast-food chicken sandwich wars that began in 2019 when Popeyes released its version.
- The fast-food giant has promised more chicken items since before the McCrispy Sandwich debuted in 2021, its last permanent menu addition.
- "We're excited about the significant opportunity we see within our chicken portfolio and see the potential to add another point of chicken market share by the end of 2026," McDonald's chairman and CEO Chris Kempczinski said in February.
McDonald's McCrispy Strips release date
Zoom in: The new chicken strips have already arrived in some restaurants and are expected to be at participating U.S. locations by May 5, McDonald's said.
- The strips were tested in Chicago and North Carolina, McDonald's told Axios.
- They also come with a new Creamy Chili Dip.
What they're saying: "The demand for chicken strips has been remarkable to see across the industry," said Alyssa Buetikofer, McDonald's chief marketing and customer experience officer, in a statement.
- "We took our time, listened to our fans, and created a product we knew they would crave," Buetikofer said. "And the best part is we're just getting started."
When will the Snack Wrap return to McDonald's
The intrigue: McDonald's has been teasing the return of the snack wrap and posted to X on April 15: "snack wraps 0x.14.2025."
- It's unclear when the wraps will return, but it's expected before October.
- McDonald's also didn't provide a date for the return Thursday, yet hinted at it ending a news release: "And that's a wrap...at least for now!"
Flashback: The original Snack Wrap debuted in 2006 and was discontinued in 2016.
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