McDonald’s Szechuan sauce is making a comeback — for a limited time. Here’s when
McDonald’s is surprising fans with the return of its fan-favorite Szechuan dipping sauce, the company announced on March 21.
Limited edition packets of the sweet, spicy sauce will be available on the restaurant’s mobile app for a limited time starting March 31, according to a news release. Fans can enjoy it for free with any order of Chicken McNuggets, or they can can buy up to five a la carte via the app.
“It’s only returned three other times in the past 24 years, and we’re excited for fans to get another taste of the elusive favorite for just a few days ... while supplies last,” the release reads.
The sauce first launched in 1998 and has a sweet and savory flavor profile “with hints of soy, garlic, ginger and mild vinegar notes to round out your dipping sauce experience,” according to the restaurant’s website. It was introduced as a tie-in product for Disney’s “Mulan,” but was met with some criticism due to racist tropes used in promotional ads, nutrition outlet Eat This, Not That reported.
It went on to garner a cult following in 2017 after it was referenced in an episode of Adult Swim’s “Rick and Morty,” according to Salon.com. McDonald’s brought the sauce back for a one-day promotion, prompting an all out frenzy that included fans forcing their way into a Los Angeles McDonald’s, the outlet reported.
Over the years, the limited-issue sauces have popped up on resale sites, including eBay where a single packet is selling for as much as $1,000.
Find your nearest McDonald’s here.
This story was originally published March 21, 2022 at 1:52 PM with the headline "McDonald’s Szechuan sauce is making a comeback — for a limited time. Here’s when."