By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2026-07-24 08:50:07 | Updated at 2026-07-27 09:50:57
3 days ago
McDonald's fans aren't all lovin' the chain's latest offerings.
Alongside its new Caesar dressing-themed menu offerings, the fast food giant is reintroducing a longtime fan-favorite: the McCrispy Strips.
McDonald's McCrispy Strips feature a new panko coating, promising an 'even crispier' bite after customer feedback, while also pairing the strips with its new limited-time Caesar Sauce.
'Perfect for the ultimate bite and dunk into that savory Caesar Sauce cup,' the chain said of its new offering. The reimagined chicken tender joined the menu lineup on July 21, with fans sharing their mixed reactions online.
Some customers argued that the new recipe can't live up to the original Chicken Selects, which were discounted nationwide in 2013. One former customer claimed people still remember the classic menu item fondly years after it disappeared.
'Nothing is going to taste like the food back in the day,' one Reddit user wrote. 'That what we all have to realize.'
Others were even more harsh, with critics joking about the taste and texture of the new strips, while another commenter argued the recipe change wasn't enough to justify the added calories.
'Just had them today,' another Reddit user added, 'decent taste but the chicken texture seemed kind of reconstituted. Cesar dressing was yummy but kind of wish that had been cold for contrast.'
McDonald's new McCrispy Strips are available alongside other Caesar-themed menu items, like the Bacon Caesar McCrispy Sandwich
The reaction echoes the mixed response Costco has faced over recent food court changes, as the retail warehouse doubled down on chicken offerings at its food courts.
Priced at $6.99, Costco's food court version of chicken tenders comes with five breaded chicken breast strips and a dipping sauce on the side.
The new menu item does not include French fries like Canadian Costco's version of the product, but the stateside tenders do have a massive Chick-fil-A-esque dipping sauce on the side.
The new chicken tenders are baked instead of fried, but still come in at a whopping 1,640 calories - easily more than half of the daily calories recommended for the average person.
For comparison, five McDonald's McCrispy Strips come in at 667 calories - not including any dipping sauces. Costco members online also shared their thoughts on the new menu item, with some noting that the calories alone were enough to turn them away.
'I wish I could do two or three chicken strips for half the price,' another Reddit user said. 'I know myself, five is way too many.'
A shopper who claimed to have tried them said the tenders were 'huge' and 'really good,' adding that they would air fry them next time to make them more crispy.
For others, Costco made a mistake removing their calzone combo from the menu, with one writing, 'Please just give me the combo pizza back, especially with no calzone option.'
Costco's food court is known for budget-friendly options like the $1.50 hot dog and soda combo
Costco is adding a five-piece chicken strips option to its food court, with the new item costing $6.99
Chicken tenders aside, McDonald's is also betting its new Caesar Sauce will help attract diners.
The creamy sauce combines parmesan, garlic and lemon flavors and can be ordered as a dipping cup alongside the updated strips or added to new chicken sandwiches and wraps.
There are also versions of the McCrispy Strips being offered to customers, like the Caesar Snack Wrap, which is a strip topped with shredded lettuce, shredded cheese and Caesar sauce in a soft tortilla.
The Bacon Caesar McCrispy Sandwich is a McCrispy filet with Caesar sauce, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, crispy onions and crinkle-cut pickles on a toasted potato roll.
