What is McDonald’s McRib REALLY made from? Some might want to turn away now
McDonald's lovers are waiting with bated breath for the grand return of the fast-food restaurant's beloved McRib sandwich, which will be made available nationwide starting December 2. The news regarding the return of the periodically-sold pork topped sandwich was first announced by McDonald's Vice President of Menu Innovation Linda VanGosen through a press release.
The statement read, "The McRib has been a beloved menu item at McDonald’s since its inception nearly 40 years ago. There’s nothing quite like the taste of the McRib. To our customers, it’s become more than a delicious, saucy moment… it’s a season, and it’s taking the internet by storm. That’s why this year, we’re proud to serve the McRib nationwide for everyone to enjoy.”
Did you know the restructured boneless pork part shaped like a miniature rack of ribs consist of various meat products?
What is the McRib really made from?
McRib is actually made of restructured meat, even though it's shaped like a real rib. The patty used in the McRib sandwich back in the day was made of composed ground pork shoulder. One Twitter handle that goes by the name 'Strange and Amazing Facts' shared that the McRib is made of meat products including heart, tripe and more.
Despite the name, the McRib is not made from rib meat. It's made of restructured meat products like heart, tripe, and scalded stomach.
— Strange and Amazing Facts (@StrangeFactoid) November 30, 2020
The sandwich returns on December 2 for all to ....enjoy? pic.twitter.com/cwC4AfepZy
The McRib made its inception in the United States in 1981. It was a limited item invented to cope with the shortages of chickens due to the high demand for McNuggets. McDonald's first Executive Chef René Arend who invented McNuggets came up with the idea of McRib.
Despite its success, the product was removed in 1985 from the menu citing infrequent consumption of pork by Americans as the reason. It returned to Germany a few years later for promotions and turned out to be an instant hit among the Germans. McRib was made permanent in Germany, which is available throughout the year, unlike the US.
The pork sandwich was brought back in the summer of 1994 during the release of 'The Flintstones'. After the promotions, McRib was sold in parts of America and Canada until 2004.
On November 1, 2005, McDonald's issued a statement saying they would permanently be removing McRib from their menu and announced a "McRib Farewell Tour". However, a petition called "Save the McRib" was launched and the sandwich appeared in the US in 2007 for its next tour.
While McDonald lovers are eager to get a bite of the seasonal favorite, the fast-food chain stated in the press release, "McDonald’s is not only bringing the McRib back in 2020, we’re taking the fan-favorite nationwide for the first time since 2012 starting December 2."
"We can’t wait for new and returning fans to get their first taste this McRib season starting December 2 at participating restaurants via carry-out, Drive-Thru, the McDonald’s® app or McDelivery," the statement added.