McDonald’s Canada is bringing back everyone’s favourite green, furry, mean-spirited character to ring in the holiday cheer this winter. Currently, Canadians can get their hands on The Grinchiest Meal, following the success of last year’s holiday offerings nationwide.
The fast food chain offered several Grinch-themed menu items in 2024, including The Grinch Meal — complete with Dill Pickle McShaker Fries and a pair of mismatched Grinch-themed socks. While the nostalgic meal option is a hit with Canadians, experts are urging the public to be mindful of their purchase.
“They’re fun, they’re exciting, they’re themed. One might say that they’re very specifically marketed,” Amanda Nash, a registered dietitian with the Heart and Stroke Foundation, told Yahoo Canada last December. “When we look at the marketing of foods, we know that kids are uniquely vulnerable to the marketing of ultra-processed foods.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle.
“It’s not just heart and stroke. Ultra-processed foods are also linked to increased risk for cancer and mortality later in life.”
But what exactly is included in The Grinchiest Meal this year, and is it a healthy option? Read on to learn more.
What is the McDonalds Grinch Meal?
Starting Dec. 2, McDonald’s Canada is offering up The Grinchiest Meal, featuring the Christmas-hating, green character created by cartoonist Dr. Seuss. The combo features a choice of a:
10-piece Chicken McNuggets
The Grinchiest Meal at McDonald’s Canada comes with a choice of six mains, plus a fountain drink, Grinch-themed socks and a new tater tot menu item. (Gerald Matzka/picture alliance via Getty Images)
The combo also comes with a medium fountain drink, a pair of mismatched Grinch-themed socks and a new creation: Who-Hash Bites. These are crispy and deep-fried potato bites that are essentially tater tots.
Are the new Who-Hash Bites unhealthy?
Put simply, the new Who-Hash Bites are deep-fried potato bites in a 133-g bag. According to the fast food chain’s website, one serving of these clocks in at 350 calories. That’s the same calorie count featured in a medium size fries.
However, the two menu items differ in other aspects of nutrition when comparing their labels. For instance, the potato bites come with 22 g of fat and 750 mg of sodium, the latter of which is around 33 per cent of your daily value intake (DV). According to Health Canada, that’s considered “a lot.”
For a medium size fries, on the other hand, McDonald’s Canada has listed as carrying 17 g of fat and 260 mg of sodium, or 11 per cent of your DV. It also has 46 g of carbohydrates, higher than the 39 g featured in the Who-Hash Bites.
Who-Hash Bites — | Medium Fries — | |
Calories: | 350 Cals | 350 Cals |
Fat: | 22 g | 17 g |
Carbohydrates: | 39 g | 46 g |
Sodium: | 750 mg | 260 mg |
Protein: | 3 g | 4 g |
Fibre: | 4 g | 4 g |
Sugar: | 2 g | 0 g |
Luckily, the main course in The Grinchiest Meal isn’t all that extravagant. But when factoring in the DV amounts of these products, it’s clear these aren’t meant to be everyday meals.
A Big Mac carries 570 calories, according to McDonald’s Canada’s website. It also comes with a whopping 32 g of fat, or 43 per cent of your DV, as well as 920 mg of sodium, or 40 per cent of your DV. Moreover, Big Mac eaters can expect to consume 46 g of carbs, 8 g of sugar, 3 g of fibre and 24 g of protein.
For a McChicken, that sandwich boasts 480 calories, 16 g of protein and 3 g of fibre. On the other hand, it comes with 36 per cent of your DV for fat at 27 g and 28 per cent of your DV for sodium at 650 mg. Additionally, it carries 45 g of carbs and 6 g of sugar.
Finally, expect to consume around 410 calories with a 10-piece Chicken McNuggets. That option in The Grinchiest Meal packs 31 per cent of your DV for fat at 23 g, as well as 33 per cent of your sodium DV with 750 mg. For other nutrients, it has 26 g of carbs, 26 g of protein as well as no fibre nor sugar.
The Grinch Meal: Naughty or nice?
The new Grinch-themed menu items might be a fun way to celebrate the holiday season, but Nash gave a reminder for parents who might be pestered by their children to order one of these meals. The Winnipeg-based expert explained kids are typically more vulnerable to marketing because they’re still developing their brains and might not realize the intent of this kind of advertising.
“Does that mean ‘don’t ever eat fast food’? Of course not. But it means let’s be more mindful, let’s slow down. Let’s make sure that when we are choosing our food choices, we’re choosing foods that nourish our body, but we’re also looking at family connection,” Nash explained, adding it’s important to factor in enjoyment and special moments with your loved ones when thinking about meals.
“Healthy eating is not just nutrition. There’s many different aspects to that.”
In addition, several new holiday menu items have arrived at McDonald’s Canada. Three new McCafe offerings — including the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Latte, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Oat Cold Brew and Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Cream Cold Brew — have arrived. Plus, the menu will now include :
Sour Cream ‘N Onion Flavoured Dipping Sauce
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