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McRib's Mystery Availability Sparks Legal Battle
25 Oct
Summary
- McRib returns Oct. 27, 2026, in select markets for limited time.
- Lawsuit alleges McRib patty lacks pork rib meat, using lower-grade parts.
- McRib price averaged $5.63 in December 2024, higher than Big Mac.
The iconic McRib is set to make its return to McDonald's menus starting Tuesday, October 27, 2026. However, its availability will be restricted to select markets for a limited engagement, a strategy that is now at the center of a class-action lawsuit filed in December 2025.
Four customers initiated legal proceedings, alleging that the McRib patty is not made from pork rib meat as suggested, but rather from lower-grade pork parts. They contend that McDonald's sporadic release strategy creates a false sense of urgency. McDonald's has refuted these claims, stating the patty is entirely boneless pork.
The sandwich, which first appeared in Kansas City in 1981, is known for its limited runs designed to build anticipation. This limited availability has led to fan-driven tracking sites. In December 2024, the McRib's average price was reported to be $5.63, exceeding the average price of a Big Mac at that time.
