McDonald’s fans are shocked after finding out they can buy a discontinued cult favourite on the brand’s UK menu in a less commonly-known British supermarket
McDonald’s fans were stunned when they spotted a discontinued fan-favourite for sale in a British supermarket.
After its removal from the fast food chain’s menu following a brief re-appearance in 2024, customers have pleaded the fast food giant to bring the McRib back. The iconic item consisted of a pork patty slathered in barbecue sauce with pickles and onions on a bun.
It appears their wishes have been granted, albeit indirectly, as eagle-eyed bargain hunters found the elusive McDonald’s product at Company Shop – a retailer specialising in selling overstock from well-known brands. With just 13 locations nationwide and operating as membership-based stores, Company Shop offers its shoppers discounts of up to 50 per cent on popular brand items.
The sought-after pork patties were discovered by the Instagram account uknewestfoods who shared a reel displaying a freezer stacked with the frozen goods. Viewers of the clip could spot a 1kg bag of the ribs on offer for just £2.50.
However, despite the Instagram post’s caption “McDonald’s McRib at Company Shop”, the packaging itself does not feature any McDonald’s branding but simply dubs them “legendary rib patties.” Posted four days ago on March 4, the Instagram reel has attracted considerable attention, racking up 105,000 views, 755 likes and numerous comments.
One user expressed their delight saying: “Twice the size of McDonald’s rib!” Curious followers were keen to know where the ribs were sourced from, and one even inquired about the pork content of the patties. In response, uknewestfoods confirmed it was “96.22%.”
The US McDonald’s website describes the pork burger as: “The McRib starts with seasoned boneless pork dipped in a tangy barbecue sauce, topped with slivered onions and tangy pickles, all served on a toasted homestyle bun.”When everything combines you have barbecue pork sandwich perfection. But its availability is limited-stay tuned at your local McDonald’s for when the McRib is available near you.”
The McRib made a comeback on the UK menu in October 2024 for a limited period, after last being available in 2015. First introduced in 1981, the McRib was discontinued four years later but has made several re-appearances since.
The sandwich clearly holds a special place in customers’ hearts, as calls for its return were frequent after it was removed from the menu in 2015. During its brief reappearance in October 2024, it was priced at £4.49 for the sandwich alone or £6.19 as part of a medium value extra meal.
Thomas O’Neill, Head of Menu at McDonald’s UK, told The Mirror at the time: “It is more than just a sandwich; it’s a phenomenon. We have heard our fans loud and clear – the fan petitions and pleas on social – and after almost a decade of anticipation, we are thrilled to bring back this iconic menu item.
“Knowing how well-loved the McRib is, we had very little choice – we had to make it happen. It was time to step up and satisfy the cravings of McRib enthusiasts across the country.”
Those eager to sample the Company Shop’s pork ribs will need to be members. The stores welcome those employed in specific fields such as policing, fire and rescue, and the NHS, along with individuals receiving means-tested benefits, including Universal Credit.