McDonald’s adds heat (and something sweet) to its fall menu

Remember when McDonald’s menu was simple? Burgers, fries, and maybe a shake if you were feeling fancy? Those days are long gone, and the Golden Arches are once again shaking things up with a flavor combination that might feel familiar to longtime fans.

The return of a forgotten favorite

McDonald’s rolled out three brand-new menu items on October 28, 2024, headlined by the Buffalo Ranch McCrispy sandwich—a creation that brings together two classic American flavors that have been crowd-pleasers for generations.

But here’s what makes this launch particularly interesting: it’s not entirely new territory for McDonald’s.

Back in November 2013, McDonald’s offered a Buffalo Ranch McChicken as part of their Dollar Menu & More revamp, featuring buffalo and ranch sauce instead of the usual mayonnaise.

The option disappeared from national menus by June 2015, leaving many customers wondering what happened to this tangy combination.

Now it’s back, but with a premium twist.

The new lineup features three items: the Buffalo Ranch McCrispy, Buffalo Ranch McCrispy Deluxe, and Buffalo Ranch Snack Wrap—all showcasing McDonald’s new Buffalo Ranch sauce.

“McDonald’s is dropping a new chicken menu and a CHIPS AHOY collab that I want so much more of!” wrote Snackolator, a popular fast-food review account.

“On October 28th McDonald’s has another new sauce—Buffalo Ranch. I am not sure how different this is than just mixing some buffalo and ranch, but this opens up another new Snack Wrap along with a McCrispy flavor in both regular and deluxe. You can also get the Buffalo Ranch dipping cups for McNuggets as well.”

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Why McDonald’s is betting big on chicken

The timing of this launch isn’t coincidental.

The global fried chicken market is projected to grow from $44.56 billion in 2024 to $78.92 billion in 2035, and McDonald’s clearly wants its share of that growth.

The McCrispy brand has already become a billion-dollar success story.

As of October 2025, the McCrispy had grown into a cornerstone of McDonald’s premium chicken offerings, proving that customers are willing to pay more for quality.

What makes Buffalo Ranch special

According to early testers, the new Buffalo Ranch sauce is “a perfect blend of punchy Buffalo sauce and creamy ranch.”

Fans online agree that McDonald’s “got the balance right—not too spicy for those who prefer milder flavors, but with enough kick to satisfy buffalo sauce enthusiasts.”

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The complete Buffalo Ranch menu breakdown

The regular Buffalo Ranch McCrispy comes with the signature sauce and crinkle-cut pickles on a toasted potato roll.

The Deluxe version adds Roma tomatoes and shredded lettuce for those who like their vegetables.

Meanwhile, the Buffalo Ranch Snack Wrap offers the same flavors in the recently returned wrap format that has been generating its own buzz among McDonald’s fans.

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A sweet collaboration worth talking about

Alongside the spicy additions, McDonald’s surprised customers with the Chips Ahoy Frappé, marking the first time the company has partnered with a branded cookie for a frappé.

This limited-time beverage combines coffee with cookie-flavored syrup and real Chips Ahoy pieces.

According to Snackolator, “McDonald’s is dropping a new chicken menu and a CHIPS AHOY collab that I want so much more of!”

Fans quickly chimed in. “Chips ahoy frappe?! Yeah I’m trying,” one commenter said.

Another added, “I’m hoping they launch the Chips Ahoy frappe at all locations. I never even got to try the Oreo one.”

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Nostalgia plays a part too

McDonald’s isn’t just banking on new flavors—they’re also bringing back beloved experiences.

The return of the Monopoly game has sparked excitement among customers who remember peeling those famous stickers in years past.

“I just saw that McDonald’s is back at it again with Monopoly. Yes, I understand what happened last time but I couldn’t help but get a little excited. I might even break my no fast-food rule,” one social media user admitted.

Others shared the same sentiment. “I’m playing and I am super giddy. I ate McDonald’s for the first time in years today, too. They got me,” another fan said.

One nostalgic player summed it up: “I get so nostalgic about peeling the stickers off, I can’t help it!”

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What this means for your wallet and diet

While McDonald’s hasn’t released official pricing for the new Buffalo Ranch items, they typically fall in line with other McCrispy offerings—around $4 to $6, depending on location.

For health-conscious diners, it’s worth noting that the Buffalo Ranch sauce adds calories and sodium to an already indulgent sandwich.

The regular Buffalo Ranch McCrispy is estimated to be around 600+ calories, similar to other McCrispy varieties.

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The bigger chicken sandwich picture

McDonald’s timing with this launch is strategic. The so-called “chicken sandwich wars” may have cooled since 2019, but demand for quality chicken remains strong.

Despite some analyst predictions that McDonald’s would shift focus, the company appears to be doubling down on chicken innovation.

Industry watchers note that the McCrispy’s billion-dollar success proves customers are willing to pay for better chicken.

This latest flavor launch cements McDonald’s position in the global fried chicken market—projected to reach nearly $79 billion by 2035.

The return of Buffalo Ranch to McDonald’s menu represents more than just a new flavor—it’s a reminder of how food trends come full circle, and how even global chains pay attention to what customers remember and miss.

Whether you’re trying it for the first time or reliving the 2013 favorite, the Buffalo Ranch McCrispy offers a taste of both nostalgia and innovation.

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Key Takeaways

• McDonald’s has brought back Buffalo Ranch flavor in a new McCrispy lineup launched on October 28, 2024.
• The Buffalo Ranch McCrispy, Deluxe, and Snack Wrap offer a creamy-spicy twist on the classic chicken sandwich.
• A Chips Ahoy Frappé also debuted—marking McDonald’s first cookie drink collaboration.
• McDonald’s is targeting growing demand for premium chicken sandwiches as part of a long-term strategy.

Have you tried McDonald’s new Buffalo Ranch McCrispy yet? Do you remember the original Buffalo Ranch McChicken from the 2010s? Share your thoughts and McDonald’s memories in the comments below—we’d love to hear which menu items from the past you’d like to see make a comeback.