McDonald's to remove McRib from German menu after 37 years

McDonald's Germany has announced that it will permanently remove the McRib from its regular menu, effective October 27, 2026. The decision ends a 37-year run for the pork-based burger, which has been a staple in Germany and Luxembourg since 1989, whereas in other markets like the United States, it is typically offered only as a limited-time seasonal item.

While the company has not provided a specific reason for the removal, the announcement was communicated via a customer newsletter, describing the burger as 'a true icon.' To fill the gap, McDonald's is introducing a temporary replacement called the 'McRib Sweet Heat,' which features a spicy-sweet chili sauce instead of the traditional barbecue sauce. This new variant will initially be available for a limited time and at a promotional price through the company's app.

The removal has sparked significant discussion on social media, with many long-time customers expressing disappointment. The McRib was famously a favorite of Bavarian Minister-President Markus Söder. The burger was originally created in the early 1980s by Luxembourgish chef René Arend.