Key Highlights
- The Friends Meal launches in the UK on February 3, 2026.
- McDonald’s will not allow customers to buy individual Happy Meal toys separately for this release.
- To collect all six characters, one must order a Friends Meal from McDonald’s.
- The meal costs start from £9.09 and rise up to £10.09 for larger sizes.
Nostalgia Reignites: The Launch of the Friends Meal at McDonald’s
McDonald’s is bringing back a piece of 90s nostalgia with their new Friends Meal, launching on February 3, 2026. This “ultimate adult Happy Meal” promises to reignite childhood memories for fans.
A Unique Collecting Challenge
The twist? You can’t buy the Friends figurines separately; you must purchase a Friends Meal to get your hands on any of the six characters: Monica, Phoebe, Rachel, Joey, Chandler, and Ross. This change from past practices means that the cost of collecting all six toys could be substantial.
How Much Does It Cost?
The meal itself starts at £9.09 for a medium Big Mac or McPlant meal, and goes up to £10.09 for larger sizes like McNuggets. Six medium Big Mac meals would cost you £54.54, while six large McNugget meals exceed £60.
The Meal Itself
While the toys are the main attraction, the food is a mixed bag. The new marinara sauce, called Monica’s Marinara, was surprisingly good—tasting just like pizza and quintessentially American. However, the overall meal quality leaves much to be desired.
The Business of Nostalgia
McDonald’s has clearly tapped into a lucrative market by rebranding their Happy Meals with iconic TV characters. The strategy works on multiple levels: it brings in nostalgic customers and potentially new ones who are curious about the character toys.
Expert Verdict
As a food writer, I was skeptical at first but ended up pleasantly surprised by the sauce. However, the toy is the real draw. The lack of a bold new burger or dessert inspired by the show is disappointing given how much foodie content Friends contains.
Conclusion
The Friends Meal is a clever play on nostalgia and collectibles. While it might be worth splurging for those who grew up with the series, it’s hard to justify the cost for casual collectors or non-Friends fans. The real star of the meal is undoubtedly the toy collection.
