As a betting man, I would have given you almost any odds that McDonald’s would never push caviar. Thankfully, no one ever suggested that bet before today, as a limited-edition “McNugget Caviar” kit is scheduled to drop at 11 a.m. ET on Tuesday, February 10, in the lead-up to Valentine’s Day.
It’s a first-come, first-served promotion, positioned as a free online giveaway and not something you pick up in-store.
According to McDonald’s, each kit is built like a tiny “treat yourself” box, including:
- 1 oz tin of Baerii sturgeon caviar
- $25 Arch Card for nuggets
- Crème fraîche
- A Mother-of-Pearl spoon
The drop is online only, and supplies are limited. For any collectors out there, expect the spoon to be coveted in the future.
The Associated Press reported that fans have hyped the “high-low” combo for years, and pop culture helped push it, including a 2024 clip with Rihanna and posts from chef David Chang.
The caviar angle
Fox Business reported the giveaway is a collaboration with Paramount Caviar. Importantly, no one is saying how many kits exist, but expectations are that they’ll vanish quickly once the countdown is complete.
In terms of value, a 1-ounce tin of Siberian sturgeon caviar is worth about $85, which, according to the AP, is the same price as 166 McChicken Nuggets.
For those curious as to why this promotion is happening now, information from the National Restaurant Association shows that Valentine’s Day is the second most popular dining-out holiday in the U.S., right behind Mother’s Day.
In comparison, the AP noted fast-food spots usually don’t get the same traffic bump as sit-down places during this romantic day, so this event happening on February 10 is a great way to get people thinking about McDonald’s.
If you’re after this promotional set, McNuggetCaviar.com notes the countdown page is live and ticking, so consider setting an alarm. Start looking early morning on the day because a queuing system may appear early.
For those curious, you may want to check eBay leading into Valentine’s Day as, no doubt, many of the people who get their hands on this set will be selling them for high prices.