McDonald's UK has sent its customers on a code-breaking mission, using a cryptic social media post to tease the arrival of a new secret menu.
The Coded Napkin Riddle
The fast-food giant sparked curiosity on Monday, 30th December 2025, by posting an image of a napkin covered in numbers on its Instagram account. The caption challenged Brits to find a hidden message, explaining that each number corresponded to a specific letter.
Eager fans quickly got to work, and the puzzle was solved in short order. The decoded message read: "The secret menu is coming fifth [of] January 2026." While the company has not yet detailed what the new offerings will include, the announcement has generated significant buzz online.
Customer Hype and a Permanent Return
The teaser post ignited a wave of excitement among McDonald's enthusiasts. One Instagram user commented, "I just had fun cracking the code. I cannot wait." Another echoed the sentiment, asking, "THE SECRET MENU IS COMING FIFTH JANUARY TWO THOUSAND TWENTY SIX. but what is it?"
A strong consensus emerged in the comments regarding one highly requested item: the Chicken Legend burger. "If it isn’t the chicken legend we don’t care," stated one customer, with another simply agreeing, "Chicken legend or nothing."
While the full secret menu remains under wraps, McDonald's has confirmed one major permanent addition. The Big Arch burger will make its full-time return to menus across the UK and Ireland from Monday, 5th January. This aligns perfectly with the date revealed in the code.
What is the Big Arch Burger?
Announcing the burger's permanent comeback, the company stated the Big Arch was "too tasty to stay away." The burger features two 100% British and Irish beef patties, topped with white cheddar cheese, crispy onions, fresh onions, shredded lettuce, pickles, and the signature Big Arch sauce, all served in a poppy and sesame seed bun.
Ben Fox, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer for McDonald's UK and Ireland, said: “The Big Arch® is back for good. When we first introduced it, customers voted with their feet and made it clear they loved the unmistakably McDonald’s taste, the generous use of ingredients and the iconic Big Arch sauce. This a burger that has earned its permanent place on the menu alongside the Big Mac.”
This clever marketing stunt ensures that fast-food fans will be eagerly awaiting the new year, with at least one confirmed favourite and the promise of more secret items to discover on the 5th of January.
