McDonald’s “special sauce,” once a closely guarded secret that customers could only taste by purchasing one of their sandwiches, is now available for sale. The fast-food giant has revealed the ingredients for its Big Mac sauce, which include mayo, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, onion powder, white wine vinegar, garlic powder, and paprika. In addition, the company is looking to sell this sauce along with two of its other popular sauces in grocery stores.
McDonald’s is not the first restaurant to venture into grocery sales, and it certainly won’t be the last. Various chains, such as Bob Evans, TGI Fridays, Famous Dave’s, and Jamba Juice, have sought alternative revenue streams by offering their well-known products outside of their traditional venues. It’s likely that McDonald’s is using the Canadian market as a testing ground before potentially launching in the U.S.
Ultimately, this new endeavor will just add another product to the competition for shelf space in grocery stores. Retailers will only provide prime positioning for these sauces if consumers are eager to purchase them. While McDonald’s benefits from brand recognition that can assist its entrance into grocery aisles, the longevity of its products on the shelves will depend on their sales performance. Additionally, the sauces could be marketed to highlight their calcium content, which may appeal to health-conscious consumers. If successful, the sauces could become a staple, but without strong sales, their presence could be fleeting.