I tried the new McDonald’s menu item that’s a twist on an iconic one – small detail makes them better than the original

MCDONALD’S fans have been desperate to get their hands on the fast-food giant’s latest breakfast item ever since it was announced a fortnight ago.

The Mini Hash Browns promise the same crunchy exterior and soft fluffy inside that we all know and love – but how did they stand up in a taste test?

I got an exclusive invite to try the new menu item before anyone else ahead of its public debut next week.

I have always been a sucker for a Hash Brown, so I was keen to give the new Mini version a try – and they did not disappoint.

The exterior is extra golden and crunchy as you would expect with any good Hash Brown – but because they’re smaller, there is more batter and that makes them extra crunchy.

And inside, the potato is still golden and fluffy while melting in the mouth.

I think they’re therefore better than the original Hash Brown and would give them a score of 4.5 out of 5.

The Mini Hash Browns do not come with sauce, but they are much tastier when dipped in tomato ketchup or brown sauce, so I think it’s worth getting a dip to go.

The treats come in a portion of five, which McDonald’s suggests makes them perfect for customers who want to enjoy the classic Hash Brown in smaller bite-sized pieces.

But I think you’d need a few more than five to feel full, personally. I accidentally ended up eating 13 during my taste test.

There is also a sharebox of fifteen Mini Hash Browns for sharing with friends and family.

But I’d be surprised if the sharebox feeds more than two or three hungry children at breakfast.

The portions of five cost £1.49, while the Sharebox of fifteen is £2.99.

In comparison, a single regular-size hashbrown costs £1.19.

The breakfast item will be available in participating McDonald’s from next week.

But the Hash Browns are only on sale for a limited time only, so if you want to give them a try you need to be quick.

The Mini Hash Browns will join a whole host of other popular breakfast items including the McMuffins and Breakfast Wraps.

They can only be picked up during breakfast hours, which are between 6am and 11am.

Fans of the fast food chain will know that it usually updates its regular menu, which is served from 11am onwards, every six weeks or so.

But the breakfast menu is rarely refreshed.

The last item to be added was in January this year, as we exclusively revealed when the popular Breakfast Wrap became available once again.

The popular item was axed in 2020 and fans had been calling for it to come back.

Meanwhile, the Mighty McMuffin first appeared on menus in November 2022.

The snack then returned in March last year and has been available ever since.

It comes with double bacon, cheese, sausage, egg and ketchup or brown sauce.

How to save money at McDonald’s

You may not know but you can end up being charged more solely based on the McDonald’s restaurant you choose.

Research by The Sun found that a Big Mac meal can be up to 30p cheaper at restaurants just two miles away from each other.

Meanwhile, you can bag a Big Mac and fries for only £2.99 if you fill in a feedback survey on any old McDonald’s receipt.

The receipt should have a 12-digit code which you can enter into the Food for Thought website when you submit your survey.

You will then receive a five-digit code which is your voucher for the £2.99 deal.

Check out all the various apps and platforms if you order McDonald’s to your home too.

Our research found that some can charge up to £1.20 more than others.

You can find your nearest McDonald’s branch by using the store locator tool on its website.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

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