McDonald's new 'Collector's Meal' comes with nostalgic cups

The new McDonalds Collectors Meal cups are pictured in a provided image. (Credit: McDonalds)

McDonald's is hoping to tap into the nostalgia of its customers with its new "Collector's Meal," which features six different collectible cups that spotlight some classic "keepsakes."

The fast food giant on Wednesday debuted the new collectible cups and said they "unlock core memories around some of our favorite McDonald’s moments." This includes the Cowpoke McNugget Buddy in 1988, McDonald's Dragster in 1993, the 2000 Hello Kitty Crew Keychain and more.

McDonald’s said fans who order the Collector’s Meal have the choice of a Sausage McMuffin with egg sandwich, hash brown and coffee during breakfast hours, or the choice of a 10-piece Chicken McNuggets or a Big Mac sandwich with fries and a soft drink throughout the rest of the day.

They’ll be available nationwide starting on Aug. 13.

Here’s the six-cup lineup:

  • Barbie & Hot Wheels: McDonald’s said the design "puts a fresh spin on beloved Mattel toys that ignite our imagination."
  • Beanie Babies: This cup was designed as an "homage to the Teenie Beanie craze of the 90s," and features the Golden Arches Bear (2004) and other beloved characters.
  • Coca-Cola: This cup is described as a "modern twist on classic Coca-Cola designs that celebrate iconic collabs with McDonald's over the years."
  • Hello Kitty & Peanuts: This cup was meant to embody "the joy of being with our best friends."
  • Shrek, Jurassic Park & Minions: McDonald’s said this cup was inspired by iconic film franchises and highlights "unforgettable scenes and characters we've loved for generations."
  • McDonald’s: The fast food company said it wanted to show love to iconic keepsakes by spotlighting the Grimace Glass, Boo Buckets, and Funny Fry Friends on their own cup.

McDonald’s hopes to lure in inflation-weary customers

The restaurant industry has been dealing with price-conscious consumers who appear to be eating out less often thanks to high inflation. 

Last month, McDonald’s reported that sales had dipped for the first time since the pandemic – and in May, the burger chain launched a new $5 meal deal to help lure in customers.

Other fast-food giants have done the same, including Sonic’s $1.99 menu, Burger King's $5 "Your Way Meal," and even Starbucks with a lower-priced "pairings menu." 

Meanwhile, McDonald’s has also tapped into nostalgia before in an effort to lure in customers, bringing back adult Happy Meals with McNugget Buddies, Boo Buckets, and debuting a new Grandma McFlurry.