Does McDonald’s Have Lobster Rolls in 2023?

Lobster rolls are considered an iconic New England summer delicacy. These indulgent sandwiches are filled with tender chunks of sweet lobster meat, either chilled and dressed with mayo or warm with melted butter. But can you get this luxurious treat at the golden arches of McDonald’s? Let’s find out if lobster rolls are on the McDonald’s menu in 2023.

A Brief History of McDonald’s Lobster Rolls

In the past, McDonald’s has occasionally offered limited-time lobster rolls on its summer menu in certain U.S. regions, especially lobster-loving New England.

Back in 2015 and 2018, some New England McDonald’s locations sold a version for around $8.99 during peak tourist season.

The McDonald’s lobster roll featured frozen and thawed lobster meat mixed with a bit of mayo, served on a toasted oval bun. It was a fast food take on the beloved northeastern specialty.

However, these were temporary promotional items, not permanent menu additions. The lobster rolls were marketed as local favorites to draw in summer tourists.

The Verdict for 2023

As of 2023, lobster rolls are not available on McDonald’s menus nationwide or in specific regions.

There have been no recent summer promotions for lobster rolls at the fast food giant.

It seems unlikely that McDonald’s will add this premium seafood item to its regular national menu offerings anytime in the foreseeable future

Why Lobster Rolls Don’t Fit the McDonald’s Model

There are some clear reasons why lobster rolls aren’t a natural fit for McDonald’s menus:

• Price – Lobster is expensive, so lobster rolls are pricier than typical McDonald’s items The higher price point goes against McDonald’s value menu approach

• Preparation – Lobster rolls are labor-intensive to prepare with fresh lobster meat. They don’t suit McDonald’s focus on food that can be made quickly and consistently.

• Regional appeal – Lobster rolls have special significance in New England, but not nationwide familiarity or demand. McDonald’s prefers globally loved menu items.

• Market perceptions – As a quick service chain, McDonald’s lobster rolls might face criticism for being inferior to versions from higher-end restaurants.

Other Seafood at McDonald’s

While lobster is off the table, McDonald’s does serve some seafood options that better fit its brand identity:

• Filet-O-Fish sandwiches
• Fish McBites
• Shrimp burgers in select international markets

But specialty seafood like lobster tends to be outside McDonald’s wheelhouse.

McDonald’s Focuses on Consistency

McDonald’s strengths lie in operational efficiency, affordability and familiarity. On rare occasions a left-field menu item like lobster rolls emerges as a temporary promotion. But unusual offerings are unlikely to join the permanent McDonald’s lineup anytime soon.

For the classic lobster roll experience, New England and its coastline seafood shacks are still the places to go.

Where to Get Great Lobster Rolls in 2023

If you’re craving an authentic lobster roll this summer, here are some top spots to visit instead of McDonald’s:

• Maine – The Lobster Shack at Two Lights in Cape Elizabeth
• Massachusetts – Sullivan’s at Castle Island in Boston
• Connecticut – Lenny & Joe’s Fish Tale in Madison
• New Hampshire – Brown’s Lobster Pound in Seabrook
• Rhode Island – Blount Clam Shack in Warren
• Food trucks – Cousins Maine Lobster trucks nationwide

Or, order fresh lobster meat online and make fantastic lobster rolls at home all summer long.

The Takeaway

McDonald’s is focused on value, efficiency and consistency – not gourmet seafood fare like lobster rolls. For the true taste of New England, visit local lobster shacks instead of the golden arches. Arrive early, as the tastiest seasonal lobster rolls sell out quickly!

Frequently Asked Questions

Does McDonald’s have lobster rolls in 2023?

No, McDonald’s does not have lobster rolls as of 2023. They were previously offered as limited-time summer promotions but are not currently on menus.

Why doesn’t McDonald’s have lobster rolls?

Lobster rolls don’t fit McDonald’s value-driven business model. The price of lobster meat is too high and lobster rolls are labor-intensive to prepare. They also lack nationwide demand compared to McDonald’s core menu items.

Has McDonald’s ever sold lobster rolls?

Yes, select McDonald’s locations in New England offered lobster rolls on their summer menus in 2015 and 2018. They were marketed as local favorites and cost around $8.99.

What did McDonald’s lobster rolls contain?

McDonald’s lobster rolls contained frozen and thawed lobster meat mixed with mayo, served on a toasted oval bun. They used cheaper lobster claw, knuckle and leg meat to keep costs down.

Does McDonald’s sell any seafood?

Yes. While lobster is off the menu, McDonald’s does offer Filet-O-Fish sandwiches, Fish McBites, and shrimp burgers internationally. However, specialty seafood is not McDonald’s focus.

Where can I get a great lobster roll in 2023?

Some top spots for authentic lobster rolls include seafood shacks in Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. Lobster food trucks and online retailers also offer quality options.

Does McDonald’s change its menu often?

McDonald’s frequently introduces limited-time offers and rotates menu items in and out. But its core menu remains fairly consistent to meet customer expectations. Dramatic deviations like lobster rolls are very rare.

So while you can find indulgent lobster rolls at coastal seafood shacks, don’t expect these luxury seafood treats on the McDonald’s menu anytime soon. The golden arches remain focused on the classics – burgers, chicken nuggets and fries!