Fallon M
In recent years, McDonald’s Australia has embraced a wave of nostalgia and pop culture by launching a series of Adult Happy Meals that appeal to the inner child of grown-up customers, blending the comfort of classic McDonald’s fare with collectible toys and themed experiences. From the return of the beloved McNugget Buddies to a pixelated adventure inspired by Minecraft, the Golden Arches have successfully transformed a childhood favourite into a nostalgic and fun experience for adults.
The Kerwin Frost Box: A Retro Revival
The first major Adult Happy Meal to hit Australian and New Zealand shores was the Kerwin Frost Box, which launched on February 14, 2024, and was available for a limited run until March 12. This special edition meal was a collaboration with American artist and streetwear icon Kerwin Frost, known for his quirky, creative designs and love of 1990s pop culture.
The meal featured a choice of a Big Mac or 10-piece Chicken McNuggets, with fries, a drink, and one of six reimagined McNugget Buddy figurines. These toys, originally popular in the 1990s, were brought back to life with Frost’s imaginative twist:
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Kerwin Frost – The Mayor
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Don Bernice – The Wise Stylist
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Uptown Moe – The Neighbourhood Hero
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Waffutu – The Curious Optimist
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Brrrick – The Cool Guy
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Darla – The Dreamer
Each character was designed to promote self-expression and individuality, and came packaged with collector’s cards. The campaign was a nostalgic nod for adults who remembered the original Buddies while offering something fresh and creative. The initiative followed the success of a similar Adult Happy Meal released in the U.S. in 2022 with Cactus Plant Flea Market.
The Minecraft Movie Meal: Pop Culture Meets Fast Food
In April 2025, McDonald’s Australia took another bold step into adult-themed meals by collaborating with one of the most beloved video games of all time, Minecraft. Tied to the release of the Minecraft movie, the Minecraft Movie Meal launched on April 2 and ran through May 14.
Targeting both older Minecraft fans and a new generation of players, the Adult Meal included a choice of a Big Mac or 10-piece Chicken McNuggets, fries, a drink, and one of six exclusive Minecraft-themed collectibles:
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Big Mac Crystal
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Birdie Wings
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Fry Helmet
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Grimace Egg
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Soda Potion
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Zombie Hamburglar
These unique toys blended McDonald’s characters and iconic items with the blocky, pixelated style of Minecraft. Each toy also came with a code redeemable for exclusive in-game content, including skins and add-ons, while customers ordering through the MyMacca’s App received bonus digital packs.
The Minecraft Movie Meal also introduced a limited-edition Nether Flame Sauce—a spicy, garlic-infused condiment inspired by the game’s fiery Nether realm, adding a flavorful kick to the Chicken McNuggets.
Happy Meals for Kids and Kids-at-Heart
To ensure the younger audience wasn’t left out, McDonald’s Australia also offered a Minecraft Movie Happy Meal, featuring a smaller meal with a choice of a burger, snack wrap, or nuggets, along with one of 12 film-inspired toys and a scannable code for a digital Minecraft mini-game.
While the campaign was generally well-received, it wasn’t without its controversies—some parents raised concerns that certain exclusive content was only accessible through mobile apps, which they argued created inequality for children without smartphones or internet access.
A Winning Strategy for McDonald’s Australia
Through the release of the Kerwin Frost Box and the Minecraft Movie Meal, McDonald’s Australia demonstrated a savvy understanding of consumer sentiment. By merging nostalgia, pop culture collaborations, and interactive digital elements, the fast-food giant created memorable campaigns that went beyond just a meal—they became moments of shared experience for fans of all ages.
Whether it’s rekindling childhood memories with McNugget Buddies or exploring the pixelated world of Minecraft through collectible toys and in-game rewards, McDonald’s continues to show that Happy Meals aren’t just for kids anymore.
