McDonald's McCrispy Strips fail to impress customers amid negotiations over Snack Wrap

In late April 2025, McDonald's launched the McCrispy Strips, their first new permanent menu item in four years, across its participating U.S. restaurants. The strips, made from 100% white meat and coated in a crispy golden-brown breading, are designed to appeal to customers with their bold black pepper flavor. However, shortly after their debut, customer feedback began to surface with a blend of criticism and praise, indicating that the new item did not meet everyone's expectations. Some users on social media voiced dissatisfaction, comparing them unfavorably to the previous Chicken Selects and calling their texture 'stringy.' Meanwhile, a handful of customers expressed their enthusiasm, labeling the strips as their favorite new offering from McDonald's. This polarization in customer feedback prompted concerns among analysts, considering the potential negative implications for future product launches, including the return of the popular Snack Wrap. Scheduled for a July 10, 2025 release, the Snack Wrap will feature McCrispy Strips, lettuce, and cheese, marking its first appearance in nearly a decade. Analysts from Loop Capital and others have indicated worries over the impact of the new chicken strips on the Snack Wrap's success, speculating that customers' perceptions could affect sales. Despite the critiques, some analysts maintain a more optimistic view on the McCrispy Strips, believing that they might positively influence overall sales in conjunction with the upcoming snack wrap return and adjustments in drink offerings at McDonald's. As summertime approaches, McDonald’s will also be adjusting operating hours at numerous locations and addressing hiring needs to prepare for increased customer traffic. In a challenging economic landscape, navigating consumer preferences remains paramount for fast-food businesses like McDonald's.