Is the McRib Back in 2026? Where, When and What It Costs
Yes, the McRib is back in 2026, but only in some places. McDonald’s told reporters it began returning to select cities on Tuesday, October 27, 2026. McDonald’s has not said how long it will stay.
Not every restaurant has it. The easiest way to check is the McDonald’s app. Below you will find the cities, the price, the calories, and why this sandwich keeps coming and going.
Is the McRib back at McDonald’s in 2026?
Yes. The McRib started returning on October 27, 2026, in select markets. That is earlier than last year, when it came back in mid-November in some places. The last nationwide run was in December 2024.
McDonald’s confirmed these cities to USA Today: Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Dallas, Cleveland, Seattle and St. Louis. Some areas, like Columbus, Ohio, and Pittsburgh, were reported to get it a day early. Fans also reported sightings in other places, such as San Antonio and Charlotte.
When is the McRib coming back, and how long will it stay?
There is no official end date. McDonald’s has not said when the 2026 run will finish. In past years, regional runs lasted a few weeks. In 2022 the “Farewell Tour” ran from October 31 to November 20. In 2010 it lasted about six weeks. If you want one, go soon.
How do I find a McRib near me?
Open the McDonald’s app and look at your local menu. If the McRib is not listed, your store does not have it yet. You can also try the McRib Locator, a fan-run website where people report where they bought one. Its map is made by fans, so it may be wrong or late. Always check the app or call the store before you drive far.
Store hours matter too. See our McDonald’s hours guide.
What is a McRib made of?
A McRib is a boneless pork patty shaped like a rack of ribs, covered in barbecue sauce, with onions and pickles on a bun. It has no bones. The “rib” shape is just a mold.
- The patty is mostly ground pork shoulder, pressed into shape. Wikipedia says this “restructured” meat idea came from a US Army lab and a university scientist.
- USA Today lists the patty ingredients as pork, water, salt, dextrose and rosemary extract.
- It comes with tangy barbecue sauce, slivered onions and pickle slices on a roll.
There is also a lawsuit. In December 2025, four customers sued McDonald’s in Illinois. They say the name is misleading because there is no rib meat and the patty has other pork parts. McDonald’s called the claims meritless and said the patty is all boneless pork. As of late October 2026, news reports have not said how it ended.
How much does a McRib cost in 2026?
A McRib costs about $6 to $7.50 by itself in 2026, and the price depends on your city. Mashed saw $5.99 for the sandwich and $9.89 for a meal at one restaurant. Sporked reported a Bay Area app price of $7.49 for the sandwich and $11.79 for the meal. Some Reddit users saw $4.89 in other places.
For comparison, the McRib averaged about $5.63 in December 2024, according to Rolling Out, which cites lawsuit data from the McRib Locator. McDonald’s sets its own app prices, and franchise owners can change them. See the McDonald’s menu with prices for other items.
How many calories are in a McRib?
A McRib has about 480 calories, based on the nutrition numbers McDonald’s lists for it. Here are the main facts for one sandwich (about 7.4 ounces).
- Calories: 480
- Total fat: 22 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g (12 g sugars)
- Protein: 27 g
- Sodium: 870 mg
Other calorie sites show different numbers, such as 520, because they are not from McDonald’s. Use the app for the latest facts. Fries and a drink add a lot more. Count them in if you are watching your calories for the day.
Why is the McRib only sometimes available?
McDonald’s says it keeps the McRib limited so the menu feels fresh during the year. There are two popular theories, but they are only theories.
- Scarcity. When something is hard to get, more people want it. Rolling Out reports that the lawsuit makes a similar point.
- Pork prices. A 2011 informal study noticed that early McRib runs often matched low pork prices. It was a small study, not proof.
Other reasons may play a part too. In Germany, for example, the McRib is being removed from the menu on October 27, 2026, partly because it needs extra work in the kitchen, Wikipedia reports.
McRib history: when did it come back before?
The McRib was created by McDonald’s first chef, René Arend, in 1981. Wikipedia says it was first tested around Kansas City. Sales were low, and it left in 1985. Since then it has come and gone many times.
| Year | What happened |
|---|---|
| 1981 | Debut as a test, then a wider launch |
| 1985 | Removed after low sales |
| 1989 | Returned |
| 2005 | First “Farewell Tour” announced |
| 2010 | Six weeks nationwide, from November 2 |
| 2020 | Nationwide, from December 2 |
| 2022 | Farewell Tour, October 31 to November 20 |
| 2024 | Nationwide, from December 3 |
| 2025 | Select cities, mid-November |
| 2026 | Select cities, from October 27 |
Other McDonald’s seasonal treats
Looking for more limited items? Read our McDonald’s holiday menu guide and the McDonald’s secret menu guide. If you want a different barbecue fix, try the Burger King menu, Wendy’s menu or Arby’s menu.
Frequently asked questions
Is the McRib back at McDonald’s?
Yes, the McRib is back in 2026, but only in select cities. It began returning on October 27, 2026. Check the McDonald’s app to see if your restaurant has it.
When is the McRib coming back in 2026, and when does it end?
The McRib started coming back on October 27, 2026, and McDonald’s has not announced an end date. Past regional runs lasted a few weeks. Try to buy one soon if your store has it.
Which cities have the McRib in 2026?
McDonald’s confirmed Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Dallas, Cleveland, Seattle and St. Louis. Fans also reported it in other places. Because the list can change, use the app for your store.
How much is a McRib in 2026?
A McRib costs about $6 to $7.50 for the sandwich alone in 2026. Reported prices ranged from $4.89 to $7.49. A meal can cost around $10 to $12 in some places.
What is a McRib made of?
A McRib is made of a boneless pork patty, barbecue sauce, onions, pickles and a bun. The patty is mostly pork shoulder pressed into a rib shape. It has no bones.
How many calories are in a McRib?
A McRib has about 480 calories, 22 grams of fat and 27 grams of protein, per McDonald’s nutrition numbers. The sodium is 870 mg. Fries and a drink add more.
Why is the McRib only sometimes available?
McDonald’s says it limits the McRib to keep the menu fresh. Many people also think scarcity makes it more exciting. Some think pork prices play a role, but that is only a theory.
What is the McRib Locator?
The McRib Locator is a fan-run website that maps where people have bought a McRib. It is not run by McDonald’s. Use it as a hint and confirm with the app.
Prices are typical U.S. prices before tax and can vary by location. Menus Info is not affiliated with any restaurant mentioned. See how we check prices.
