If you’ve spent any time on the internet this month, you’ve most likely encountered a meme about McDonald’s new Grimace shake. The berry-flavored shake was initially released to honor the 52nd birthday of the beloved fast food mascot. But in the weeks following, it’s safe to say that the shake has taken on a life of its own.
The bright purple beverage has sparked jokes, memes, and a series of increasingly unhinged TikToks. In the videos, users sip on the Grimace shakes before mimicking horror movie-style death scenes. And to top it all off, the purple shake can be found dribbling out of their mouths, splattered like blood all over the floor, and even oozing from their nostrils.
And at the center of the mayhem is Grimace himself. The character has largely been shrouded in mystery—a McDonald’s spokesperson only revealed in 2021 that he was actually an enormous taste bud. In old advertisements for the fast food chain, Grimace was described as an "evil" shake stealer. With such a secretive backstory, it’s made it even easier for social media users to fill in the blanks with even more sinister stories.
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Users have accused the mascot of being a “Griminal,” kidnapping their families, and even having access to nuclear warheads. The giant purple taste bud, however, is claiming innocence. Grimace even took to social media to comment on TikTok trend.
McDonald's fans are split: they either love him or fear him. We're not sure how'd we feel if presented with the opportunity to actually meet Grimace face to face. Is he an adorable, fuzzy purple character or a secret cold-blooded murderer.
Have you tried the Grimace shake yet?
Gabby Romero is Delish’s editorial assistant, where she writes stories about the latest TikTok trends, develops recipes, and answers any and all of your cooking-related questions. She loves eating spicy food, collecting cookbooks, and adding a mountain of Parmesan to any dish she can.
