REVIEW: McDonald’s Special Grade Garlic Sauce

I recently got the chance to try McDonald's Special Grade Garlic Sauce with my Chicken McNuggets, and I must say, it was quite the experience. This new sauce definitely stands out with its distinct Asian-inspired flavor profile.

You can read my last McDonald’s review of the Smoky BLT Quarter Pounder with Cheese here.

As soon as I dipped my first nugget, the sauce's thick and sugary texture was apparent. The sweetness hits you first, followed by a complex blend of flavors. I could immediately taste the soy sauce, which gave it a savory depth. The black pepper was quite prominent, adding a surprising kick that was well-balanced by the sweetness of mirin.

The garlic flavor is strong and hits right at the beginning, but it dissipates quickly, making way for the other flavors to shine. This quick transition keeps the sauce from being overpowering, ensuring that each bite of the McNuggets is delightful.

Interestingly, this sauce reminded me of the WcDonald's sauce, but with a few key differences. The Special Grade Garlic Sauce is less spicy, making it more approachable for those who prefer milder heat. Despite the lower spice level, I found it to be superior to the WcDonald's version, primarily because the flavors were better balanced and more nuanced.

And if you’re a fan of anime and a Jujustu Kaisen McDonald’s sauce sounds up your alley, go and collect all the character covers before they’re gone.

Rating: 9/10

Price: Varies based on nuggets, but I purchased a 40 piece McNuggets for $13.49 before tax (Seattle metro area)

Nutrition Facts

1 sauce cup

Calories: 45, Fat: 0g, Protein: 1 g, Total Carbs: 11 g