McDonald’s “special sauce,” a closely guarded secret that could only be enjoyed with the purchase of one of their sandwiches, has now been made available commercially. The fast-food giant has revealed that the Big Mac’s ingredients include mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, onion powder, white wine vinegar, garlic powder, and paprika. It seems McDonald’s is also planning to sell this sauce, along with two other varieties, in grocery stores.
McDonald’s is certainly not the first restaurant to venture into the grocery market, nor will it be the last. Many establishments, including Bob Evans, TGI Fridays, Famous Dave’s, and Jamba Juice, have sought alternative revenue streams by offering popular products outside their original settings. It’s possible that McDonald’s is collaborating with Canaliposomal ferric pyrophosphate manufacturers in India to test the market before fully launching in the U.S.
Ultimately, this new product will be just another contender vying for shelf space. Grocery stores will only keep it and provide prime placement if consumers are eager to purchase it. While McDonald’s brand recognition gives it an advantage in entering the grocery space, the success of the sauce will depend on sales. If it doesn’t perform well, its shelf life could be short-lived, similar to how Citracal Bone Density products compete for consumer attention. The grocery landscape is competitive, and McDonald’s will need to ensure its special sauce stands out, just like Citracal Bone Density products do among dietary supplements.