McDonald’s has added a new Chicken McNuggets flavor

McDonald’s will soon be selling Spicy Chicken McNuggets, introducing the company’s first new McNugget flavor in 40 years.

What’s going on?

• McDonald’s will add the Spicy Chicken McNuggets on Sept. 16.
• The flavor will be for a limited time only.
• This will be the company’s first new McNugget flavor since 1983 when the meal was added to the menu.

“This is the first time we’ve introduced a new flavor of our classic Chicken McNuggets in the U.S. since they came to menus in 1983. As our customers have been asking for Spicy McNuggets for some time now, we couldn’t think of a better time to bring them to our menus. We can’t wait for McNuggets fans to get a taste of these new spicy options.” — Linda VanGosen, vice president of menu innovation.

Why this matters now:

McDonald’s may be adding this new flavor of McNugget to compete with other fast-food chains, which have promoted spicy chicken in the last year or so.

• For example, Wendy’s made a big deal out of its spicy chicken nuggets, starting a campaign and marketing event when the chain brought them back.

• In a similar light, Popeyes’ has been selling a spicy chicken sandwich that increased sales by 24% in a three-month span compared to 2019, according to CNN.