Quick Read
- McDonald’s UK teased the ‘Friends Meal’ with a cryptic social media post on January 27, 2026.
- The ‘Friends Meal’ is rumored to launch in the UK on February 3, 2026, as part of a wider menu refresh.
- The meal includes a main item, fries, a drink, ‘Monica’s Marinara’ sauce, and one of six collectible Friends character figurines.
- It first launched in Spain in October 2024 for the show’s 30th anniversary and is now available in Australia.
- Fans have expressed overwhelming excitement online, anticipating the collection of all six figurines.
LONDON (Azat TV) – McDonald’s UK has ignited widespread excitement among fans of the beloved 90s sitcom Friends, following a cryptic social media post that strongly hints at the imminent arrival of the globally popular ‘Friends Meal.’ This highly anticipated ‘adult Happy Meal,’ which includes collectible character figurines and a limited-edition sauce, is widely rumored to be launching across the United Kingdom on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, as part of McDonald’s latest menu refresh.
Cryptic Tease Sparks Fan Frenzy
The fast-food giant’s official UK social media accounts recently shared an image directly from the iconic opening credits of Friends, featuring the famous orange sofa in front of a fountain. The accompanying caption cryptically stated, ‘Once you see it, you can’t unsee it,’ alluding to the fountain’s resemblance to McDonald’s Golden Arches. While no official announcement has been made, the post immediately sent fans into a frenzy, with many speculating about the meal’s UK debut.
The speculation intensified when McDonald’s UK responded directly to a user’s comment, ‘@ashgamesuk asked: ‘Does this mean the UK is getting the Friends Meal now?’ To which @mcdonaldsuk replied: ‘I think we might be and I can’t wait.” This interaction was widely interpreted as the clearest indication yet that the special menu item is indeed on its way. Social media platforms quickly filled with expressions of excitement, with users proclaiming, ‘OH MY GOD!!! It’s happening. It’s actually happening,’ and ‘Can’t wait to collect all 6 figurines,’ as reported by Metro.co.uk.
What is the ‘Friends Meal’?
The ‘Friends Meal’ first made its debut in Spain in October 2024, coinciding with the show’s 30th anniversary. Hailed as the ‘ultimate adult Happy Meal,’ it quickly became a phenomenon across Europe and has recently launched in Australia. The meal typically includes McDonald’s staple items such as a choice of a Big Mac, 10-piece Chicken McNuggets, or a McPlant burger, accompanied by fries and a drink, all served in a specially designed Friends-themed box.
The standout features of the meal are the limited-edition ‘Monica’s Marinara’ sauce, described as a savory and herby tomato marinara, and the highly sought-after collectible figurines. Fans can collect one of six limited-edition character figurines, representing Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Joey, Chandler, and Ross. These collectibles often depict iconic moments from the show; for example, the Ross figurine includes his pet monkey, Marcel, while Rachel’s shows her serving coffee at Central Perk. In some regions, limited-edition collector mugs have also been available.
In Australia, where the meal recently launched, it is priced at approximately $14.99 AUD (around £7.58). The popularity of the collectibles has led to some sets being resold for significant amounts online, with some fetching as much as $200 on platforms like eBay, according to Yahoo Lifestyle Australia.
Expected UK Launch and Broader Menu Refresh
While McDonald’s has yet to issue an official statement, food critics and social media accounts like @UKnewestfoods have widely reported that the ‘Friends Meal’ is expected to arrive as part of McDonald’s latest menu refresh on February 3, 2026. This date also marks the introduction of several other new and returning items to the UK menu.
Confirmed limited-edition items set to debut or return include:
- **Tikka Chicken Wrap** (NEW: Available as Wrap of the Day on Wednesdays and Saturdays)
- **Philly Cheese Stack** (RETURNING)
- **Milkybar Crispy Cookie McFlurry** (NEW)
- **Munchies Vanilla Cheesecake McFlurry** (NEW)
- **Chocolate Brownie Pie** (RETURNING)
- **Doughnut Crumble Latte** (NEW)
There were also initial suggestions that the current Chilli Cheese Bites would be replaced by Pizza-inspired Mozzarella Dippers, but reports from WalesOnline and The Mirror indicate that this change has been delayed until March. McDonald’s has been contacted for official comment regarding the ‘Friends Meal’ launch.
The strategic reintroduction of nostalgic pop culture partnerships, such as the ‘Friends Meal,’ underscores McDonald’s effective strategy to engage a millennial and Gen Z audience, leveraging collective memories and collectible culture to drive significant consumer interest and menu excitement beyond standard offerings.