Key facts
- McDonald's is bringing back fried apple pies for the first time in over 30 years.
- The pies will be available at most U.S. restaurants starting June 23 for a limited time.
- The company is installing a 35-foot tall fried apple pie sculpture on Route 66 in Joliet, Illinois.
- Other fast-food chains are also offering patriotic-themed items for America's 250th birthday.
McDonald's is bringing back its fried apple pies for a limited time, starting June 23, to commemorate America's 250th birthday. This marks the first time the fried version has been available in most U.S. restaurants in over three decades, as the company had switched to a baked version in 1992 due to consumer concerns about fat and cholesterol. The original fried apple pie, developed by franchisee Litton Cochran, was introduced in 1968, the same year the Big Mac debuted.
Several other fast-food chains are also releasing patriotic-themed items. Burger King has introduced a Firecracker Cookie Pie, Sonic is offering a red, white and blue slush float, and Hardee's has a Star-Spangled Biscuit. McDonald's is further celebrating the occasion by installing a 35-foot tall fried apple pie sculpture on Route 66 in Joliet, Illinois, which will remain until July 4.
The baked apple pie currently offered by McDonald's contains 230 calories, 10 more than the original fried version. The company states it serves approximately 170 million American-grown apples annually in its U.S. stores. A Facebook group dedicated to bringing back the original fried apple pie has amassed 130 members.