I tried McDonald's new Snack Wraps, which are back on the menu after a nearly decadelong hiatus.
Erin McDowell/Business Insider
McDonald's Snack Wraps have made their big comeback after being discontinued in 2016.Fans have been begging for their return, and I understand why.I tried both flavors — I preferred the new spicy version, but also liked the ranch Snack Wrap.
McDonald's Snack Wraps are back, and they're just as good as we remembered.
One of the most highly anticipated fast-food releases of the year, McDonald's Snack Wraps returned to nationwide menus on July 10.
They're available in two different flavors and cost $2.99 each, excluding tax and fees.
The wraps are made with the chain's new chicken tenders, which launched in May, plus lettuce, shredded cheese, and either ranch or the chain's new spicy-pepper sauce.
The Snack Wraps disappeared from many menus in 2016, before being officially discontinued by the chain in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to reduce menu offerings.
A 2020 Change.org petition to bring back the wraps gained more than 18,000 signatures, proving fans' hunger for their return.
"Consumers are facing endless uncertainty today, whether it be tariffs or inflation," Michael Della Penna, chief strategy officer at InMarket, which publishes a quarterly report on fast-casual restaurant customer loyalty and restaurant productivity, told Business Insider.
"Returning to classic favorites like the Snack Wrap or the McRib, which McDonald's brought back last winter, gives customers a chance to go back to the days when they enjoyed older menu items, creating more excitement around visiting," Penna continued.
I tried both new flavors to see if they're worth the hype and the years of fans begging for them to return.
I arrived at my local McDonald's just as they began serving lunch.
My local McDonald's in Brooklyn, New York.
Erin McDowell/Business Insider
There were no signs outside advertising the new Snack Wraps, but luckily, I've known they were coming for weeks.
The McDonald's was pretty busy considering it was still early in the day.
The McDonald's was busy.
Erin McDowell/Business Insider
Taking a quick look around the restaurant, I couldn't see anyone else chowing down on the new Snack Wraps. Most people seemed to be finishing up their breakfast. Others waited for their pickup orders.
I placed my order at one of the kiosks, which advertised that the Snack Wrap was back.
A mobile kiosk advertised the return of the Snack Wraps.
Erin McDowell/Business Insider
The Snack Wraps are sold separately for $2.99 each but are also available as a combo meal, which includes two wraps — either the same flavor or one of each — fries, and a drink.
"The value wars continue," Penna told BI. "The return of the Snack Wrap not only checks the nostalgia box, but with its price tag of $2.99, it leans into the fact that consumers are increasingly shopping for value."
At home, I opened up the bag to find two neatly wrapped packages.
The Snack Wraps were labeled with what kind of wrap was inside.
Erin McDowell/Business Insider
The paper wrapper showed what kind of wrap was inside, either the spicy version or the ranch version.
Both wraps are made with McDonald's new chicken tenders.
The chicken wraps were smothered in sauce.
Erin McDowell/Business Insider
McDonald's launched its new McCrispy Strips on May 5, marking the first time chicken strips have been on the menu nationwide since the pandemic.
Snack Wraps were also officially cut from menus due to menu simplification at the start of the pandemic.
The spicy Snack Wrap features a new spicy-pepper sauce.
The spicy Snack Wrap came with a new sauce.
Erin McDowell/Business Insider
This is the newest iteration of the Snack Wrap. When the item first left the menu in 2016, it was available with a ranch or honey-mustard sauce.
When I peeked inside the wrap, there was a generous amount of sauce slathered on the chicken tender, cheese, and shredded lettuce.
The chicken tender was crispy and juicy, balanced out by the spicy sauce.
The spicy Snack Wrap packed more heat than I expected.
Erin McDowell/Business Insider
The lettuce was fresh, and overall I was impressed by the size of these wraps. Despite being snack-sized, I found one filling enough for a quick and easy lunch.
The spicy sauce did pack a punch — it didn't leave my mouth tingling from the heat, but it had enough kick to justify the spicy name.
I also enjoyed the ranch version of the Snack Wrap.
The ranch version was similarly smothered in sauce.
Erin McDowell/Business Insider
The ranch sauce was rich and flavorful, and coated every inch of the chicken tender, tortilla, and toppings.
The ranch version tasted lighter, but still had a solid amount of flavor.
I enjoyed both versions of the new Snack Wraps.
Erin McDowell/Business Insider
The creamy ranch balanced out the fresh-tasting lettuce and the crispy chicken tender.
I'm happy to see the Snack Wrap back on the menu at McDonald's.
The Snack Wraps proved that simplicity and good value is enough to win over customers.
Erin McDowell/Business Insider
For a fast — and relatively healthy — lunch, these wraps hit all the right notes. From the low price point to the crispy chicken and diverse flavor options, I can see why fans have been begging for their return for years.
In a time when fast-food customers are inundated with limited-time-only collabs and out-there flavor profiles like pickle-glazed wings or Takis-covered chicken sandwiches, sometimes going back to basics is best.
