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Grimace Shake (Milkshake)
The Grimace Shake is a berry-flavored milkshake that was first introduced at McDonald’s restaurants in the United States from June 12 to July 9, 2023, to celebrate the 52nd birthday of Grimace, the beloved purple character from McDonaldland. The following year, the shake made a second limited appearance in Canada, starting on May 14, 2024.
The shake gained popularity on TikTok and YouTube with the #GrimaceShake trend, where users filmed themselves drinking the shake and then staging ominous situations. McDonald’s stated that they did not orchestrate the TikTok trend but benefited from the increased attention and sales. Part of McDonald’s promotion involved paying Fandom to replace the McDonald’s Wiki page for Grimace with a promotional advertisement, which angered some fans.
July 9, 2023 (United States)
| Grimace Shake (Milkshake) | |
| June 12, 2023 (United States) | |
| Creator | McDonald’s |
| Year of Creation |
|
| Country | United States , Canada |
| Popularity | TikTok and YouTube with the #GrimaceShake |
| Type of Drink | Milkshake |
Background
Product Description
Roll-out
In June 2023, McDonald’s announced the release of the Grimace Shake by changing their profile picture on TikTok, Twitter, and Instagram to a picture of Grimace looking at the shake. To accompany the release, McDonald’s introduced a Game Boy-themed browser game called “Grimace’s Birthday,” developed by Krool Toys, along with other Grimace-inspired merchandise. McDonald’s also paid Fandom to replace the article about Grimace on the McDonald’s wiki with a promotion for its Grimace merchandise, which led to some controversy. Additionally, McDonald’s suggested that people donate to the Ronald McDonald House Charities “in lieu of gifts” for Grimace.
The Grimace Shake was discontinued in the United States on July 9, 2023, following the end of the “Grimace’s Birthday Meal” promotion. However, due to popular demand, the shake returned to participating Canadian McDonald’s locations for a limited time starting May 14, 2024.
Critical Reviews
The Grimace Shake received mixed reviews. Some people were confused about its flavor, with McDonald’s employees humorously saying it tastes like “Grimace.” Dane Rivera of Uproxx praised it as the best flavor in the McDonald’s milkshake lineup, while Delish described it as “the sweetest berry smoothie of your life.” Conversely, Rechel Chapman of Elite Daily was not a fan, finding it “very fruity and artificial tasting.” Insider’s review noted the shake was smooth and not too sweet but ultimately underwhelming. Steven Luna of Mashed.com called it “pretty” and “magical-looking” but ultimately disappointing and a “troubling tribute to a garrulous grape-colored goofball who deserves so much better.”
TikTok Trend
The Grimace Shake gained significant popularity on TikTok with the hashtag #GrimaceShake. Users filmed themselves wishing Grimace a happy birthday while drinking the shake, then cutting to scenes where they appeared in strange locations or were found “dead” with the shake splattered around, implying Grimace was responsible. TikTok user @thefrazmaz (Austin Frazier) is credited with starting this trend. The trend’s popularity was similar to a previous one involving a Whopper promotion for “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” and extended to other products like Barbie-themed items from Krispy Kreme and Cold Stone, where consumers appeared more feminine or “yassified” after consumption. As of July 12, the hashtag had over one billion views.
