Secret McDonald’s Menu Items You Never Knew Existed

Ever feel like you’re missing out on something special when you hit the McDonald’s drive-thru? It turns out you are.

McDonald’s has dominated the fast food industry for decades. And while it doesn’t have the highest number of physical locations in the world, it does make the most money. The massively popular quick-service restaurant boasts $35 billion in sales annually and reportedly sells 75 hamburgers every second.

But the smartest McDonald’s customers aren’t just ordering hamburgers. They’re hacking the menu and picking secret items. Get the most out of your McDonald’s order when you discover these secret menu items you never knew existed.

1. Cheap Big Mac

Big Macs are one of the most popular menu items at McDonald’s, but they aren’t cheap. And anyone who’s on a limited budget may balk at the cost. Luckily, there’s an easy way to get that Big Mac taste for a fraction of the price.

Simply order a McDouble with special sauce (also called Big Mac sauce), extra lettuce, and no ketchup. The only thing your faux Big Mac won’t have is the third bun — and the almost $4 price tag.

Next: This one’s for the vegetarians.

2. Veggie Mac

Also known as the Big Mac ‘n Cheese, a Veggie Mac is exactly like a Big Mac, except without any burger patties. It’s a great way for vegetarians to enjoy the most popular McDonald’s menu item.

Next: Get this for kids instead of pricey Happy Meals.

3. Grilled cheese

They have the bread; they have the cheese — so yes, your local McDonald’s employee can make you a version of the classic grilled cheese sandwich. When ordering, simply ask for a cheeseburger, hold the burger patty. Then, decide which toppings you’d like.

Next: Hungry? You’ll want to try this one.

4. Monster Mac

For the hungriest appetites, the Monster Mac satisfies serious cravings with eight or more burger patties instead of the Big Mac’s usual two. These enormous sandwiches don’t come cheap, and they aren’t light on calories. But they’ll most likely tide you over for a meal or two.

Next: The easiest way to make your burger upscale

5. Add an egg

Fancy French restaurants do it, and McDonald’s can, too. With an all-day breakfast menu, it’s possible to add an egg to any burger you want for a little more than a dollar. Just remember you have several options for toppers — the round McMuffin egg, folded eggs, scrambled eggs, or scrambled egg whites.

Next: This is a Southern-inspired delight.

6. Chicken McGriddle

Love chicken and waffles? Then, you have to try a Chicken McGriddle, which is a chicken patty with McGriddle cakes as the bun. It’s on the menu at certain locations but is always on the secret menu when you know what to ask for.

Next: Just say no to ketchup.

7. Fries with Big Mac sauce

There’s no upcharge for sauce, and your fries will taste a million times more grown up with Mac sauce than they do with boring old ketchup.

Next: You probably never knew these were an option.

8. Secret dipping sauces

Sure, you probably know about ketchup, barbecue, and honey mustard. But in addition to those basics, McDonald’s offers a plethora of interesting dipping sauces you may not know about. Next time you’re there, inquire about the full list, including Sweet and Sour, Honey Mustard, Chipotle BBQ, Tangy BBQ, Spicy Buffalo, Sweet Chili, Hot Mustard, and Creamy Ranch.

Next: This is practically Parisian.

9. McCrepe

Order the pancakes and yogurt parfait separately. Then, put the yogurt inside the folded pancakes to create a faux crepe. Add granola if you want a little extra crunch. Ooh la la!

Read more: It’s Not in Your Head — Here’s Why Coke From McDonald’s Tastes So Much Better

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