Sydney, Australia – July 7, 2025 — The wait is over. After months of online buzz, taste test reviews, and fan-driven demand, McDonald’s has confirmed that its wildly popular McGriddles are finally joining the Australian breakfast menu — permanently.

Starting July 9, Aussies will get a taste of the sweet-and-savory breakfast invention that has long been a staple in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom — and which, until now, has been missing from the Macca’s experience Down Under.

“Safe to say, we got the message,” said Amanda Nakad, Marketing Director of Menu and Brand for McDonald’s Australia, while announcing the launch. “Our Aussie fans are obsessed over the sweet and savoury flavours of McGriddles.”

So… what exactly is a McGriddle?

For the uninitiated, a McGriddle is a breakfast sandwich that swaps out traditional English muffins or buns with two warm, maple-infused pancakes—yes, pancakes!—encasing popular Macca’s fillings like eggs, cheese, bacon, and sausage.

The breakfast item will launch in three decadent varieties:

• Sausage and Cheese McGriddles – Macca’s classic beef sausage patty with melted cheese hugged by maple pancakes
• Bacon, Egg and Cheese McGriddles – Rasher bacon, folded egg omelette, and cheese between two soft pancakes
• Sausage, Egg and Cheese McGriddles – All of the above, because why not?

This innovative item originally gained fame in America where it debuted in the early 2000s, but thanks to a recent viral resurgence on TikTok, Australian fans started demanding a local rollout. Influencers and food bloggers like @adrianwidjy and @whatthehalloumi helped fuel the hype, calling the McGriddle “the best in the world” and comparing its flavour to “sweet salty popcorn”.

“My prayer had been answered,” TikToker Adrian Widjy captioned his video when he spotted McGriddles at a trial location in Sydney’s Kingsford earlier this year.

Global fan love finally pays off

Social media has played a massive role in pushing Macca’s to finally act. When the breakfast item appeared at select stores earlier this year as part of a trial, the buzz online was immediate.

One Aussie reviewer wrote, “McGriddles need to drop nationwide ASAP,” while another said, “They’ve been in the US forever. It’s about time we got them too!” Comments ranged from “They are delicious” to “pregnancy cravings unlocked.”

In Canada, McGriddles are so ingrained in daily routines that one commenter joked, “Can’t start my Monday without one.”

The global appeal of the McGriddle comes from its fusion of classic breakfast flavours: sweet syrup from pancakes mixed with the saltiness of sausage or bacon, and the comforting richness of egg and cheese. It’s this nostalgic-meets-modern combo that’s made it an international hit.

A golden era for Macca’s menu in Australia?

The McGriddle’s arrival is just one of many strategic moves as McDonald’s Australia aims to refresh its offerings and double down on value. The announcement comes just weeks after Chicken McWings were permanently added to the menu on June 11, alongside a new Spicy Buffalo Sauce.

And that’s not all. CEO Joe Chiczewski recently committed to a “price promise” to Aussie customers, declaring that certain value meals and snacks will remain locked in for the next 12 months.

The $7 McSmart Meal, which includes two burgers, fries, and a drink, will stay frozen in price for an entire year. Customers can also swap one of the burgers for three nuggets or a sundae. Meanwhile, Macca’s famous Loose Change Menu is staying at $4 and under—with items like:

• $2 Hamburgers
• $4 Sausage McMuffins
• Frozen Cokes from $1
• And the iconic 50-cent soft serve cone

“My commitment to Australian customers is clear,” said Chiczewski. “24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year—you can count on us for great value at Macca’s. More locations, more options

Further amplifying the news, 2GB’s Ben Fordham reported that McDonald’s Australia is planning to open 30 to 50 new stores across the country. That expansion could come with an extended menu revamp — possibly featuring more chicken-based items, desserts, and global favourites.

The current McCafé coffee blend has also been upgraded recently, offering a richer, rounder brew that pairs perfectly with the new McGriddles — if you’re into the “coffee with pancakes” lifestyle.

And if you’re wondering about timing? You’ll have to swing by before 10:30 a.m. to get your McGriddles fix, as the breakfast menu will still operate within its regular hours.

In the summer of 2005 American pantries and freezers got a surprising shake-up. August’s food rollout wasn’t just about flavors—it was about reinvention, innovation, and a strange fusion of health meets hedonism. Whether it was jelly beans engineered for athletes or ice cream wrapped in chocolate philosophy, the shelves had stories to tell.

Jelly Belly Launches Sport Beans Candy Goes to the Gym

Yes, you read that right. The iconic Jelly Belly Candy Company, best known for its vibrant, sugary beans, shocked the market by entering the $3.2 billion energy product space. Their newest innovation? Sport Beans—jelly beans designed to energize the body during workouts.

Each 1-oz. pack offered 25g of carbohydrates, vitamins C and E, and 120mg of electrolytes. According to Pete Healy, Jelly Belly’s VP of Marketing, the product was inspired by marathon runners who already used Jelly Belly for carb boosts. We developed a fun candy with additional nutrients the body needs during exercise Healy noted.

Flavors: Lemon Lime and Orange.
Price: $0.99 — less than a protein bar, way more fun.

Powerade Takes on Gatorade with Option A Low-Cal Hydration Twist

In the sports drink war, The Coca-Cola Company fired a major shot with Powerade Option. Aimed at calorie-conscious athletes, this drink delivered electrolytes and B-vitamins with just 10 calories per 8-oz serving — that’s 80% fewer calories than Gatorade.

Flavors included: Strawberry, Black Cherry, and Lemon.
Packaged in grip-friendly 20-oz and 32-oz bottles, it became a preferred pick for those who wanted hydration without the sugar crash.

Stouffer’s Corner Bistro: Restaurant Meals Straight from Your Freezer

Nestlé Prepared Foods gave new meaning to dining in” with Stouffer’s Corner Bistro meals. These weren’t your average frozen TV dinners. Think Garlic Chicken Pasta Chicken Carbonara and even Sesame Chicken all crafted to rival restaurant fare.

We asked our consumers what mouth-watering meals would make them want to rush home said Christine Dahm, Marketing Director. The result Six ready-to-microwave dishes at $3.99 each proving convenience didn’t have to taste cheap.

Hunt’s Gets Bold and “Thick” With Its Ketchup Comeback

America’s love affair with ketchup just got saucier. Hunt’s released its thickest formula ever, challenging the taste buds—and patience—of fans loyal to Heinz.

No drips they promised. And to prove it, Hunt’s aired TV spots showing the ketchup sitting proud in a strainer. Its new Always Clean Cap, ergonomic Easy Grip bottle and the tagline Pour it on Thick made it clear: Hunt’s was coming for the crown.

Prices:

• 24 oz: $1.33
• 36 oz: $1.89
• 46 oz: $2.39

Dove Dives Into Ice Cream, Cookies, and Chocolate Caramel Bliss

When indulgence called, Dove Chocolate answered—loudly. Owned by Mars Inc., Dove expanded beyond bars with:

• Dove Pint Ice Cream (flavors like “Chocolate & Brownie Affair” and “Cappuccino Chocolate Thrill”)
• Dove Cookies, dipped and dreamy
• Dove Smooth Milk Chocolate with Caramel Miniatures, each with an inspirational message

Consumers can have the best chocolate experience regardless of snacking preferences said VP Martyn Wilks. Prices ranged from $2.99 to $3.79. The line quickly became synonymous with indulgence.

Lucky Charms Goes Dark: First Major Change in 40 Years

For the first time since 1964, Lucky the Leprechaun found a new pot of gold: Chocolate Lucky Charms. This line extension by General Mills combined beloved marshmallow shapes with chocolate-flavored whole grain oats.

With all eight original charms still intact—from hearts to rainbows—it maintained its nutritional value while offering something new. It was a “magically delicious” evolution no one saw coming.

If you’re wandering the bustling streets of Astoria, Queens, home to one of the largest Greek-American communities in the United States, chances are you’ll stumble upon something extraordinary — a culinary treasure that’s been quietly gaining legendary status: Archipelagos Gyros.

Tucked away behind a minimalist blue-and-white façade, Archipelagos Gyros isn’t your average gyro joint. It’s a full-sensory dive into the heart of the Aegean, serving hand-stacked meats, house-made tzatziki, and pita so soft it feels like a hug from the gods of Mount Olympus themselves.

This is not fast food. This is real Greek food says owner Yanni Petropoulos, whose family hails from the tiny island of Naxos.

What started as a modest neighborhood kitchen has become a go-to destination for Instagram influencers, food critics, and even the occasional visiting celebrity chef. According to Yanni, the secret lies in the details: “Every skewer, every sauce — it’s made the way my yiayia taught me. No shortcuts.

The Gallery That’s Changing the Gyro Game

Beyond the traditional menu, what’s drawing attention lately is their brand-new food gallery wall, featuring oversized, mouthwatering portraits of their signature dishes. From the juicy lamb gyro with oregano fries to the delicate grilled octopus draped in olive oil and lemon zest, these visuals alone are enough to trigger a hunger pang.

Each dish is plated like a piece of art, paying homage to both ancient Greek aesthetics and modern minimalism. The fusion of flavors and visuals is so potent that it’s become a hotspot for TikTok food reviews — with one viral video clocking over 2 million views in just 48 hours.

A Cultural Revival in a Single Bite

This surge in popularity has also sparked a local renaissance. “People are curious about Greece again,” says Yanni. “Not just the beaches, but the food, the stories, the rituals.”

Food historians note that this revival is part of a larger movement across America, where traditional ethnic cuisines are being embraced with fresh passion — especially by second-generation immigrants looking to reconnect with their roots.

And in a post-pandemic world where authenticity matters more than ever, Archipelagos Gyros has tapped into something special: food as identity.

This gyro? It’s not just meat in a wrap. It’s a piece of history. It’s my island, my home.” — Yanni

What to Try (If You Can Handle the Heat)

• Spicy Pork Gyro: Marinated for 48 hours with a family spice blend that includes Aleppo pepper
• Halloumi Fries: Crispy, golden, and drizzled with wild thyme honey
• Mastiha Lemonade: A unique twist made with resin from the Chios mastiha tree