McDonald’s, a globally recognized fast food giant, is celebrated not only for its iconic hamburgers and fries but also for its innovative marketing strategies. Since its inception, the brand has utilized celebrity endorsements to captivate audiences and drive sales. The chain’s first venture into this realm started back in 1992.
These celebrity meal collaborations were designed primarily to engage younger consumers and have proven effective in amplifying McDonald’s brand presence. By associating their menu with popular figures, McDonald’s not only generates buzz around limited-time offerings but also provides an economical way to promote both new and existing menu items.
Here, we delve into five of the standout celebrity meals that McDonald’s has introduced, capturing the attention of fans and food enthusiasts alike.
Note: The selections in this list are based on the author’s personal viewpoint.
Top 5 Celebrity Meals from McDonald’s: From McJordan to BTS
1) The McJordan Meal
McDonald’s inaugural journey into celebrity meals began with “The McJordan Meal,”a tribute to basketball superstar Michael Jordan in 1992. Exclusively offered in select locations within the Chicagoland area, this special meal included the McJordan Special, paired with fries and a beverage. The McJordan Special was a tailored version of the Quarter Pounder, featuring a unique blend of toppings including cheese, bacon, onion, mustard, pickles, and barbecue sauce, reflecting Jordan’s personal preferences.
2) The BTS Meal
In May 2021, McDonald’s stepped into the global spotlight by collaborating with the popular South Korean boy band BTS. This partnership resulted in “The BTS Meal,”which included a 10-piece Chicken McNuggets, medium fries, and a medium Coke. Notably, this meal also introduced two exclusive dipping sauces—Sweet Chili and Cajun—exciting American fans who had never experienced these flavors before. The collaboration extended beyond food, launching a line of BTS-themed merchandise, including apparel and accessories.
3) The Angel Reese Special
On February 10, 2025, McDonald’s unveiled “The Angel Reese Special,”celebrating esteemed women’s basketball player Angel Reese. This meal featured a bacon Quarter Pounder with cheese, a unique barbecue sauce formulated specifically for this offering, along with fries and a drink. In a significant milestone, this meal made Angel Reese the first female athlete to be honored with a signature meal at McDonald’s, paying homage to the brand’s initial basketball-themed collaboration, “The McJordan Meal.”
4) The Travis Scott Meal
In September 2020, McDonald’s introduced “The Travis Scott Meal,”created in partnership with the renowned artist Travis Scott. Priced at $6, this meal rapidly sold out, demonstrating its immense appeal. It consisted of a Quarter Pounder adorned with bacon, cheese, and lettuce, alongside a Sprite, fries, and BBQ sauce. This collaboration was notable for its extensive scope, including joint merchandise and charitable initiatives between McDonald’s and Scott’s brand, Cactus Jack.
5) The Mariah Menu
In December 2021, McDonald’s rolled out “The Mariah Menu,”showcasing the celebrated singer-songwriter Mariah Carey during the holiday season. Available from December 13 to December 24, this festive offering featured special packaging and a selection of limited-edition merchandise, including beanies and t-shirts. Customers who ordered through the McDonald’s app were also rewarded with complimentary items after making qualifying purchases. The menu included fan-favorite options like the Big Mac, Chicken McNuggets, and more, enhancing the holiday spirit.
Beyond these standout celebrity meals, McDonald’s has partnered with an array of other iconic figures, including Saweetie, Cardi B and Offset, and J Balvin. While McDonald’s remains a formidable global presence, these collaborations have undeniably contributed to its marketing success, bolstering both sales and brand recognition.