CHICAGO, Illinois — After nearly a decade off the menu, McDonald’s is bringing back its popular Snack Wrap in the United States starting July 10.
The wrap, which features crispy chicken, shredded lettuce, cheese, and a sauce wrapped in a soft tortilla, was discontinued in 2016 due to the time it took to prepare. Despite its removal, customers have continued to ask for it at drive-thrus, keeping demand alive for nine years.
Originally introduced nearly 20 years ago, the Snack Wrap was created to offer a convenient way to enjoy McDonald’s chicken. Its removal in 2016 upset many loyal fans. Alicia Force, a musician and school assistant in Missouri, even launched a Facebook group that grew to 86 members advocating for its return. Nearly 19,000 people signed an online petition, and fans across the country turned to videos of people enjoying Snack Wraps in countries like Ireland, where the item never left the menu.
McDonald’s U.S. President Joe Erlinger said the company listened to fans and is excited to bring the Snack Wrap back. But the decision is about more than nostalgia. The Snack Wrap is smaller, more affordable, and appeals to customers watching their spending due to inflation. It also offers a lighter alternative to burgers, which may attract health-conscious consumers.
For Steve Davis, a mental health counselor from Florida, the Snack Wrap was a staple. He used to buy six grilled chicken wraps at a time to keep in his fridge. Though he’s not a frequent fast-food customer, he appreciated the Snack Wrap as a healthier option.
McDonald’s is also feeling pressure from competitors. Popeyes recently introduced chicken wraps, while Burger King and Wendy’s launched their versions in 2023. Convenience chains like Wawa have joined the trend as well. Erlinger noted that chicken has nearly doubled in popularity over beef in fast food and continues to grow rapidly.
To bring back the Snack Wrap, McDonald’s had to make several changes. It first launched a new chicken strip—the peppery McCrispy Strip—in May after years of testing. The company also upgraded kitchen tools, simplified preparation, and trained staff at all 13,500 U.S. locations to ensure the item could be made quickly and efficiently.
For now, the Snack Wrap will be available in two versions: Ranch and Spicy, both using fried chicken. Other options such as grilled chicken, honey mustard, and sweet chili sauce are not returning yet. That news may disappoint longtime fans like Force, who loved the honey mustard flavor, and Davis, who preferred the grilled variety.
Globally, McDonald’s offers more wrap options. In Canada, for example, customers can choose grilled or fried chicken, as well as fish and breakfast wrap varieties. The company has not confirmed whether it will expand flavor options in the U.S. in the future.
The return of the Snack Wrap comes as fast-food chains face a challenging market. From January to April 2025, visits to fast-food restaurants in the U.S. dropped 1% compared to the same period the previous year. McDonald’s reported a 3.6% decline in sales during the first quarter. Rising prices are a major factor—the average fast-food meal now costs 41% more than it did in 2019.
McDonald’s hopes that more affordable items like the Snack Wrap will help bring customers back. While the company has not announced a U.S. price, Burger King’s similar offering sells for $2.99.
Food industry analyst David Portalatin said consumer habits are shifting. More people now prefer smaller meals throughout the day over three traditional ones. “Consumers just want something quick when they’re hungry,” he said.
Force, one of the wrap’s most devoted fans, shares that sentiment. As a teenager, she loved picking up a Snack Wrap after school. “Hopefully, they come back, and they taste the same, and they don’t break my heart again, quite frankly,” she said.
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