McDonald’s is set to introduce a new limited-time offering to its menu, the ‘Special Grade Garlic Sauce,’ available exclusively through the McDonald’s mobile app starting July 9. The sauce boasts a unique flavor profile with ‘notes of garlic and soy sauce, balanced with a slightly tangy sweetness,’ according to the fast-food giant.

This new dipping sauce is a result of a collaboration between McDonald’s and the popular anime series ‘Jujutsu Kaisen.’ Customers purchasing the Special Grade Garlic Sauce through the app will also receive a complimentary monthlong trial of the anime platform Crunchyroll. Additionally, those buying McNuggets via the app will get the garlic sauce for free.

McDonald’s has strategically tapped into the anime trend before, with previous initiatives such as the ‘WcDonald’s’ branding on packaging, offering the ‘Savory Chili WcDonald’s Sauce,’ and releasing anime shorts in various markets. The ‘WcDonald’s’ concept was a clever way to engage fans and create buzz around the brand.

According to CFO Ian Borden, the integration of Chicken McNuggets with the new dipping sauce, themed packaging, and bonus gaming content led to increased excitement and sales within the McNuggets category. The initiative garnered significant social media attention, with over 6 billion impressions and nearly 100,000 mentions across various platforms.

McDonald’s continues to innovate and cater to evolving consumer preferences, leveraging partnerships and creative marketing strategies to stay relevant and engage with its audience. The introduction of the ‘Special Grade Garlic Sauce’ is another example of the brand’s commitment to offering unique and enticing experiences to its customers.