'We tried McDonald's' Spicy Big Tasty and new dips – one item left us puzzled'

11 May 2023 , 13:41

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The Mirror's Ariane tried out the Spicy Big Tasty (Image: Ariane Sohrabi-Shiraz)

McDonald's has undergone a huge menu shake-up, with five much-loved items being axed – but it's all for a good cause.

Fast food fans are waving goodbye to the Chicken Big Mac, Steakhouse Stack and Mozzarella Dippers – but the good news is the Big Tasty is back, and it's not alone.

This time the fan-favourite is bringing along a fiery friend – the Spicy Big Tasty. We were as intrigued as you are to find out how this burger compares to the old faithful.

In honour of the iconic McNuggets 40th birthday, the burger chain has also brought out two limited edition dips – the Mega Hot Sauce and Garlic Mayo.

McDonald's has also brought out limited edition dips and Halloumi fries (Ariane Sohrabi-Shiraz)

But that's not all – the Halloumi Fries have returned. The salty cheese is coated in a light batter and served with a rich tomato dip.

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Despite eagerly tucking in to the new mammoth burger, we were left feeling slightly let down.

When faced with the Spicy Big Tasty, my colleague Ellie Fry and I both felt very overwhelmed – it certainly lives up to its 'big' reputation – but is it spicy?

The new burger features a 100% beef patty, made with Emmental cheese, lettuce, bacon, tomato – and the new addition – Big Tasty sauce with a jalapeno twist.

Struggling to balance all the toppings and lashings of sauce, we finally managed to give it a taste test – and it was a journey for both of us.

After the first bite I was left confused, waiting several minutes with no spice coming through. It took several bites before the spice kicked in. Then it really started to tingle, but only in certain bites – no doubt where there was a lot of sauce.

The burger is huge (Ariane Sohrabi-Shiraz)

In terms of flavour, the so-called "jalapeno twist" isn't for me. It has a really strong taste, which really overpowers the rest of the burger. I have to admit I'm left feeling it's a bit of a let down, and I won't be ordering it again.

Ellie said: "I've only ever eaten one of these on a night out, so tackling it sober was a challenge – I'd forgotten how huge it is!

"I couldn't taste the heat in the first two bites, but then it hit me like a train. It's far spicier than the McSpicy - think straight up fiery jalapeno without any tomato or other flavours to lean on.

"I'm not convinced by the spicy creamy sauce, it doesn't bode well together for me. I'd prefer a softer heat with more flavour, not just straight up spice. And that's coming from someone who likes spicy food! I don't think I'd order again."

The Spicy Big Tasty has a 'jalapeno kick' (McDonalds)

We used the halloumi fries as a vessel to try the new dips, which I can highly recommend, and this is where the new menu redeems itself.

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The Garlic Mayo is creamy and smooth, and has just the right amount of garlic in it to not be too pungent, in my opinion. The Halloumi Fries are crispy and not too chewy or rubbery.

Ellie added: "You can smell the waft of garlic as soon as you peel off the lid – it's supercharged with the stuff, as it should be. It's a classic garlic mayo, like the kind you get on a greasy kebab after a night out – but that's a compliment.

"The creamy dip goes really well with the crispy, salty Halloumi Fries."

Unfortunately, we end on a disappointed note, as Ellie says, the Mega Hot Sauce "feels like a bit of a cop out". She added: "It's just the rich tomato dip with an extra kick, so it doesn't really feel like a hot sauce.

"It has the same chunky texture as the rich tomato, which isn't off-putting, but just simply isn't my go-to for a spicy dip. I was left wanting more!"

Mcdonald's is bringing out a 12 McNugget share box (McDonalds)

In better news, McDonald's is adding another item to the menu very soon. In honour of Eurovision, which takes place this Saturday, May 13, the fast food chain is bringing out their first ever 12 McNugget Sharebox – the 'Douze McNuggs'.

Keep your eyes peeled, as it will only be available at the Douze McNuggs Disco at Princes Dock in Eurovision Village in Liverpool from Friday to Saturday, 4pm to 7pm, or until gone.

Ariane Sohrabi-Shiraz