McDonald’s to launch new menu including limited-edition spin on iconic chicken nuggets

| Senior Lifestyle Reporter Published August 22, 2026 10:27am Updated August 22, 2026 10:27am McDonald’s has some delicious offerings (Picture: Shutterstock / Yau Ming Low) McDonald’s has given its menu a shakeup once again and it’s borrowed from its offerings in East Asia. Inspired by the world of Microsoft and Xbox gaming, the new additions will give fans the chance to taste items they’ve only ever encountered on screen. Launching on Tuesday August 25, there will be six new or improved savoury and sweet options to choose from in-store, and they sound pretty heavenly. First up is Black Pepper & Garlic McNuggets inspired by the cult game Halo. They’re available in six, nine, or 20 pieces and are made of 100% chicken breast meat in a crispy coating, with a spicy kick of black pepper and Garlic, served with a sweet & sour dip. These were originally introduced by McDonald’s Japan, and have been borrowed by the UK as a nod to Halo’s moa nuggets. These are a type of food made from the meat of a moa, an avian species native to Reach in the game. A Fiery Buffalo Dip will also be available, featuring a tangy buffalo style dip with a fiery kick, which will pair perfectly with Chicken Selects. Black Pepper & Garlic McNuggets were an original menu item in Japan (Picture: Jeff Gilbert / http://www.jeffgilbert.c) This dip is based off of Ragnaros, the Lord of Fire, who gets called to Azeroth in World of Warcraft. A cheesy side is on offer, too, inspired by Fallout, a post-apocalyptic role-playing video game. Blamco Cheesy Potato Bites are golden, crispy potato rings with a soft, fluffy centre, packed with melty cheese and served with ketchup for a sweet, tangy finish. The potato bites are a take on the game’s Blamco Mac and Cheese which was a packaged pre-War foodstuff. The Blamco Cheesy Potato Bites are inspired by Fallout (Picture: Jeff Gilbert / http://www.jeffgilbert.c) Ask Metro Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications. To wash these treats down, you’ll want to try the new Sour Cherry Fizz – a refreshing mix of Sprite® Zero with a sugar-free sour cherry flavoured syrup, served over ice. The drink is inspired by the cherry blossom season featured in the racing world of Forza Horizon 6, bringing a taste of the game’s Japanese setting to life. You’ll likely be familiar with the iconic phone game Candy Crush, which has inspired the new McFlurry offering on the menu. Featuring soft dairy ice cream, swirled with chocolate covered biscuit with an indulgent chocolate sauce, the Candy Crush Choco McFlurry is perfect if you have a sweet tooth. The Candy Crush Choco McFlurry is inspired by the cult phone game (Picture: Jeff Gilbert / http://www.jeffgilbert.c) Lastly, while it’s not exactly new, the McCafe Sugar Donut will appear in limited-time packaging, in tribute to first-person ‘hero shooter’ video game Overwatch. It’s character Kiriko’s beloved snack, and it could be yours, too. But this gaming inspired launch doesn’t stop there. McDonald’s Side Missions means fans can complete daily challenges via the MyMcDonald’s app, earning digital badges and legendary rewards, all while unlocking exclusive food offers and weekend loot drops. It’s not just foodie rewards you’ll be able to get your hands on, either, so gamers should listen up. Prizes include a car voucher for Forza Horizon 6, letting players add a new vehicle to their collection, as well as a Sugar Bomb Bundle in Fallout 76, packed with themed in-game goodies. Deals of the Day Simba's cooling mattresses are now up to 30% off ahead of the bank holiday The best hosepipe ban-friendly products to protect your garden this summer Amazon has slashed the price of Cetaphil's bestselling sensitive skin products Parents can save up to 30% on Kickers school shoes ahead of the new term The back-to-school hack that's helping parents avoid queues and sold-out sizes You might even get your hands on a Red Hot Portable Bakery in World of Warcraft, a fan-favourite limited-time item that is making a special return. Do you have a story you’d like to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@metro.co.uk Arrow MORE: Xbox 25th anniversary console is hilariously expensive reveals leak Arrow MORE: Iconic ’90s chocolate bar with controversial past makes its return to Asda’s shelves Arrow MORE: Greggs brings back ‘unreal’ discontinued item fans have been mourning for 7 years The Slice Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.