From McGrinch Meals to THC-infused pickles, marijuana and McDonalds are joining the pickle craze this season.
America is deep in a pickle moment. Dill has unexpectedly become the flavor of the year, showing up in everything from chips and dips to candy canes and cocktails. Now, two powerhouse industries are leaning in – yes marijuana and McDonalds are joining the pickle craze. The famed burger chain, home of the Golden Arches, just rolled out its much-buzzed-about McGrinch Meal, and the cannabis sector is releasing a wave of dill-flavored products designed for pickle-loving consumers. Together, they’re turning the 2025 holiday season into a brined, bold, and slightly bizarre cultural phenomenon.
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The McGrinch Meal, available for a limited time, is McDonald’s must-try holiday special. Built around the booming demand for tangy, salty flavors, the meal features a crispy chicken sandwich dripping with dill-pickle sauce, extra pickle medallions stacked on top, and a side of pickle-seasoned fries. Even the drink gets festive with a neon-green lemonade featuring a tart, dill-forward “holiday splash.” The idea taps directly into America’s revived affection for pickles, a trend driven partly by social media challenges, partly by nostalgia, and partly by the rising popularity of fermented foods.
Meanwhile, the cannabis market—always quick to spot a cultural moment—has launched its own pickle-inspired lineup. Edible companies are releasing THC-infused pickle chips, dill-pickle gummies, and even cannabis-infused brine shots. Vape makers aren’t far behind, experimenting with terpenes which mimic herbal, tangy, vinegar-bright aromas. Some dispensaries are hosting “Pickle & Puff” events, pairing dill-themed snacks with THC products designed to boost appetite, enhance flavor, or simply make the whole pickle craze more amusing than it already is. The cannabis industry’s embrace of the trend fits perfectly with consumers who love novelty products as much as they love the holiday munchies.
For pickle fans, the timing couldn’t be better. The holidays are traditionally about indulgence, and this year’s pickle explosion offers a new twist on seasonal flavor. Dill has gone from deli staple to cultural mascot, bringing together fast food fans, cannabis consumers, and curious foodies in a briny celebration.
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And the scale of America’s pickle passion is enormous — Americans consume on average about 9 pounds of pickles per person each year, according to USDA research. It adds up to literally billions of pickles enjoyed across the country annually — a testament to just how deeply pickles are woven into the fabric of U.S. snacking culture.
And in the end, the pairing is almost too perfect: the McDonald’s McGrinch Meal, dripping with pickle goodness, and marijuana’s dill-infused creations make for the ultimate holiday munchies feast—tangy, festive, and unmistakably 2025.
