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Shamrock Shake is back, joined by an old McDonald's friend: Here's what to know
Top of the morning to 'ya. It's soon to be Shamrock Shake season.
McDonald's Shamrock Shake, a milkshake made with vanilla soft-serve ice cream, artificially-flavored minty green syrup and whipped topping, will return to restaurants on Monday, Feb. 10.
The Oreo Shamrock McFlurry, made with vanilla soft-serve, minty green syrup and Oreo cookie pieces, will also be on the menu. As in years past, McDonald's will donate 25 cents per Shamrock Shake purchased through March 23 to Ronald McDonald House Charities.
It's not just the shake making a comeback this year. Uncle O'Grimacey, Grimace's Irish uncle, is returning after a decades-long hiatus. If you're unfamiliar with Uncle O'Grimacey, you're not alone. The Saint Patrick's Day character has been on leave for some time.
Here's what to know about this year's Shamrock Shake season and the return of Uncle O'Grimacey.
Who is Uncle O'Grimacey?
Uncle O'Grimacey debuted in 1975, five years after the Shamrock Shake first hit the McDonald's menu. Shaped like Grimace, with a round body and short arms and legs, Uncle O'Grimacey is all green, sporting a little hat, shamrock-adorned vest and walking cane.
In the first McDonald's ad that stars Uncle O'Grimacey, Grimace tells Ronald McDonald that he is distraught because he doesn't have a gift for his uncle who is visiting from out of town (Sham Rock, Ireland, to be exact). But good ol' Ronald has an answer. He offers up the Shamrock Shake.
Uncle O'Grimacey continued to appear in commercials and promotional materials for several years, but like many McDonald's characters − Mayor McCheese, Birdie the Early Bird and Captain Crook − the uncle was phased out.
Don't feel like shelling out $299 for a vintage Uncle O'Grimacey PlayPlace statue from eBay? No need to fret. In honor of the character's return, McDonald's will be selling limited-edition Uncle O'Grimacey t-shirts, baseball hats and crewnecks. The products will only be available on the McDonald's Unlimited website.
McDonald's will also make donations to Ronald McDonald House Charities for every Uncle O'Grimacey merchandise purchase. The fast food chain did not disclose how much these donations would be.
How many calories are in a Shamrock Shake?
A medium Shamrock Shake contains 540 calories, according to McDonald's. This is comparison to the 570 calories in McDonald's medium vanilla shake, and 650 calories in a medium chocolate shake.
As for the Oreo Shamrock McFlurry, the regular-sized dessert contains 460 calories, according to McDonald's.
Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Story idea? Email her at gcross@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Shamrock Shake is back, joined by old McDonald's friend: What to know
