Summary

  • McDonald's menus differ by country, so it's worth checking out the exclusive items offered in each country, and some even serve alcohol.
  • McDonald's offers American favorites only in America, and some meals can only be found in certain regions or are no longer available.
  • Updated exclusive items in America include the Pumpkin Spice Latte, deep-fried apple pie in Hawaii and Downey, California, and Biscuits and Gravy in the South.

When most North Americans think of those golden arches, our minds quickly go to crispy French fries, McDoubles, and oodles of McNuggets gracing our tastebuds. And while McDonald's has locations all over the world, their menu differs depending on the country they're in. So, when traveling overseas, it's worth checking the exclusive items in each country, and it's even possible to order alcohol in some of them. However, it's important to note that not every country has a McDonald's restaurant.

Now, just because McDonald's was founded in America doesn't mean they have their American favorites on menus across the globe. In fact, these meals are only found in McDonald's in America. Some of these meals are only found in certain regions of America. Others simply didn't work out and are no longer on menus at all, while others can still be found on menus all over the gorgeous US.

UPDATE: 2023/10/01 15:52 EST BY LUANA FERREIRA

Four More Exclusive McDonald's Items In America

McDonald's is often updating its menu, including their exclusive items. This list has been updated to add more items that can only be found in the U.S., such as the beloved Pumpkin Spice Latte. We're lovin' it!

Apple Pie from McDonald's
N509FZCC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Apple Pie from McDonald's

McDonald's deep-fried apple pie is encased in a crispy, golden-brown pastry shell; the pie harbors a juicy filling of cinnamon-spiced apples, delivering a warm, comforting flavor. The contrast between the flaky exterior and the tender, flavorful interior creates a satisfying indulgence.

While McDonald's has transitioned to a baked version in recent years, the memory of the original deep-fried apple pie still lingers, evoking nostalgia for its irresistible combination of crispy, sweet, and comforting elements that made it a beloved classic.

The deep-fried apple pie is a rare item even in America, and it can only be found in Hawaii and a Downey McDonald in California.

  • Where to find: Downey, California

13 Pumpkin Spice Latte

McDonald's, Roermond
Tjs588CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
McDonald's, Roermond, Netherlands

The Pumpkin Spice Latte, affectionately known as the PSL, is a drink that comes back to Mcdonald's menu every fall. This beloved beverage captures the essence of autumn with its blend of espresso, steamed milk, and a fragrant mix of pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove flavors.

Topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of spices, it's a comforting, aromatic sip of the season. While the PSL originated in the United States, its popularity has led to availability in many countries worldwide, making it a global symbol of fall indulgence.

  • Price: Starts at $2.69

12 Biscuits And Gravy

McDonald’s Interior
Phillip PessarCC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
McDonald’s Interior

McDonald's Biscuits and Gravy, exclusive to the United States, offer a comforting Southern-style breakfast. Soft, flaky biscuits are smothered in a creamy, savory sausage gravy, creating a hearty and indulgent morning meal.

The dish is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, with the richness of the gravy complementing the buttery biscuits. It's a beloved favorite in regions with a penchant for down-home, soulful breakfast fare.

The Biscuits and Gravy option exemplifies McDonald's ability to cater to diverse tastes across the U.S., offering a taste of comforting Americana that can't be found elsewhere in their global menu.

  • Price: Approximately $1.99
  • Only available in the South

11 Hotcakes And Sausage

Pancake with chocolate topping
digipamCC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Pancake with chocolate topping at McDonalds

McDonald's Hotcakes and Sausage is a beloved breakfast classic. It consists of three fluffy, golden-brown hotcakes drizzled with rich, buttery syrup and served alongside a savory, juicy sausage patty. This menu item has become a go-to choice for those seeking a comforting and filling breakfast option at McDonald's, making it a staple for breakfast enthusiasts across the globe.

The combination of sweet and savory flavors and the contrast in textures create a satisfying morning meal. The hearty sausage complements the soft, indulgent hotcakes perfectly.

  • The price varies per location

10 Hatch Green Chile Double Cheeseburger

New- McDonald's in Chicago

Dirk Tussing from Chicago IL, United StatesCC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
McDonald's in Chicago

Once a regional delight, the McDonald's Hatch Green Chile Double Cheeseburger celebrated the renowned Hatch green chilies of New Mexico. This flavorful creation featured two succulent beef patties, each crowned with a cheese slice and lavishly smothered in a zesty Hatch Green Chile sauce.

The result was a harmonious blend of smoky, spicy, and savory notes, elevating the classic burger experience. While availability varied by location, this burger paid homage to the rich culinary heritage of the Hatch Valley, offering a distinctive taste that delighted palates in regions fortunate enough to savor its unique flavors.

  • Where to find: New Mexico

9 McRib

McD-McRib
Evan-Amos, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
McRib sandwich on a white backdrop for McDonalds ad

The McRib, a beloved limited-time offering from McDonald's, is an iconic sandwich known for its tender pork patty. It is smothered in tangy barbecue sauce and topped with pickles and onions, all served on a special bun.

While the McRib was initially introduced in the U.S., it has made occasional appearances in other countries as well. However, its availability is primarily associated with the American market, where it has garnered a dedicated following and become a pop culture phenomenon, eagerly anticipated by fans each time it makes a return to the menu.

While the McRib isn't on the permanent McDonald's menu, it makes eventual comebacks.

8 McLOBSTER

McLobster sandwich
Nicholas MoreauCC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
McLOBSTER Sandwich from McDonalds restaurant in USA

Oddly enough, the McLobster is out-of-box enough to be perfect for the McDonald's menu; however, you can't just walk into any McDonald's and order this moist sandwich. In the states of New Hampshire, New England, Maine, Massachusets, Vermont, Rhode Island, and Connecticut, you'll find this North Atlantic-filled lobster sandwich mixed with mayonnaise. Accompanying the lobster is a toasted bun and lettuce.

  • Where to find: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut

7 Haupia Pie

McDonald's in Broad Ripple

Jeremy EadesCC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
McDonald's in Broad Ripple

Even though haupia pies are served in certain McDonald's' in America, that doesn't mean that many Americans have had it already. Only served in Hawaii, this McDonald's dessert is filled with a coconut-filled pudding wrapped in their classic apple pie crust. It's crispy and flakey and is filled with a robust coconut filling.

  • Only available on the McDonald's menus in Hawaii

6 Crab Sandwich (Northeastern Locations Only)

6th StreetMcdonalds
Nextarity2CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
McDonalds located on 6th Street, NYC, USA

Just like the McLobster, McDonald's was also playing around with the Crab Sandwich. The global chain tested the sandwich out on the West Coast, primarily in San Francisco back in 2017.

The sandwich was filled with snow crab meat, celery, seasoned mayonnaise, and butter wrapped in lettuce on a toasted bun with tomatoes. McDonald's started playing around with fish sandwiches due to certain religions not being able to eat red meat.

The crab sandwich is one of the foods that McDonald's includes on their menu briefly.

  • The Crab Sandwich was discontinued

RELATED: 10 Awesome McDonald’s Foods You Can Only Get In Israel

5 The Homestyle Burger

McDonald's at Hangtianqiao
N509FZCC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
McDonald's at Hangtianqiao

What is the Homestyle Burger, you ask? At 410 calories (we expected worse, to be honest), this burger is topped with American cheese, bacon, grilled onion, tomato, lettuce—and what makes it the Homestyle Burger—a special sauce that kind of looks like mayonnaise.

What's interesting about this burger is it's accompanied by chips, which is odd since most McDonald's burgers are right next to oily fries.

4 Steak & Egg Burrito

McDonald's restaurant in Seoul, South Korea
Shutterstock
McDonald's restaurant in Seoul, South Korea

There are a ton of Americans who love their steak and eggs. Not only do steak and eggs go well together, but it's perfect for brunch or just someone who can't decide between lunch and breakfast. After combining steak and eggs, they created the Steak & Egg Burrito for their breakfast menu back in 1991. However, although the Steak & Egg Burrito may seem like a popular menu option across the country, McDonald's only serves it in New York, Arizona, California, and New Mexico.

3 Saimin

Coconut trees in Molokai, Hawaii
Forest & Kim Starr, CC BY 3.0 US, via Wikimedia Commons
Coconut trees in Molokai, Hawaii

Although Hawaii is an American state, it's not exactly attached to another state, making it quite a trek to get there and experience its culture.

At certain Hawaiian McDonald's, though, they serve up saimin. Created by island immigrants in Hawaii, saimin is a hot noodle dish filled with egg noodles, hot dashi, and green onions. Think of it as the Hawaiian Ramen Noodles.

RELATED: 10 Awesome McDonald's Foods You Can Only Get In Europe

2 BBQ Ranch Burger

McDonald's, Athens, Greece
Shutterstock
McDonald's, Athens, Greece

If there's one thing Americans all love, it's ranch. There was a time when people were putting Ranch dressing on everything. From fries to chicken fingers — Ranch dressing wasn't just for vegetables. It was for anything you wanted. McDonald's decided to jump on the bandwagon and create a BBG Ranch Burger. The burgers were topped off with a McDonald's-made BBQ ranch sauce, cheese, and tortilla strips. It's pretty simple when you think about it, but it was packed with some serious taste.

  • In 2013, this sassy burger was even placed on McDonald's Dollar Menu.

RELATED: 10 Awesome McDonald's Food You Can Only Get In China

1 McDonald's Premium Salads

McDonald's Julius Caesar salad
Dr SalvusCC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
McDonald's Julius Caesar salad

While many people worry about the calories in the McDonald's items, they also have healthier options. Not many people head over to McDonald's for a "healthy" salad. When you want McDonald's, it's usually because you're looking for something quick and tasty. Back in the late '80s, McDonald's was trying to brighten their image, so they created a menu of Premium Salads.

The salads were typically filled with shredded lettuce and topped with cherry tomatoes, crispy chicken (or grilled chicken), and any other accessories they wanted for the particular salad. These days, North American McDonald's' has a ton of different salads, but they are sometimes fattier than their burgers!

  • The salad menu includes: Grilled Chicken Salad, Side Salad, Grilled Chicken and Bacon, Crispy Chicken Salad