
We find out if this limited-edition beverage is as good as everyone says it is.
While McDonald’s customers around the world have been raving about the Grimace Shake since it appeared last year, customers in Japan have been left out in the cold, waiting for the purple monster’s arrival.
At the end of last month, the wait was finally over, as the shake was added to the menu for a limited time. That meant we were able to get a taste of the drink and find out if it was worthy of all the hype surrounding it.
According to McDonald’s Japan, this version of the Grimace Shake uses blueberry juice to express the purple color of the character, with blueberry yoghurt adding a tartness to the mix. When we got a sip of it, we instantly got the impression that it tasted more like vanilla than yoghurt, but the blueberry was definitely there, with a junky flavour reminiscent of American bubble gum.
After taking a few sips, we finally got a faint sensation of yoghurt in the aftertaste, and it was so subtle it roused the curiosity of our taste buds, adding a sense of mystery to every mouthful. However, what we really loved about the drink was its vibrant purple colour, which actually made us think of purple sweet potato sweets, adding a dissonance in look and flavour that made our head spin.
It was a fun drink, and while we wouldn’t really say it’s worth the hype in terms of flavour, it’s a good-looking beverage that you won’t regret trying. One thing to note is it’s incredibly sweet, but lovers of salty sweet combinations will see that as a bonus, as it’ll pair well with a side of fries for dunking.
Either way, it’s nice to see Grimace making a return to the chain, especially here in Japan, where he was spotted riding a train. The drink won’t be around for long, though, as it’s only on the menu until late November, but hopefully we’ll see the purple guy pop up again!
Photos © SoraNews24
● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!




Grimace frightens schoolgirls, rides a Japanese train as the cult shake arrives at McDonald’s Japan
McDonald’s now has a Calpis McShake on the menu in Japan
McDonald’s Japan adds purple shakes to their menu, but they’re not grape-flavored
McDonald’s Japan runs new anime ad for milkshakes, some viewers see lolicon mag cover instead
We try the viral “McAffogado”: Does adding espresso to a Vanilla McShake really make it good?
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Tokyo fish market breaks New Year auction record as single fish sells for over 500 million yen【Vid】
Things get heavy with the Gold Lucky Bag from Village Vanguard
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
This quiet forest cafe in Japan lets you read all day in the house of a famous author
Here’s what our bachelor writers ate over the New Year’s holiday in Japan
The Purple Lucky Bag from Village Vanguard is an extra-large waste of money
Fewer Japanese people traveling domestically, government blames birth rate, others blame foreign crowds, costs
Four Shinto shrines to pray for love at in Japan to start the New Year
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Hayao Miyazaki says Happy New Year to Studio Ghibli fans with new art for Year of the Horse
Cup Noodle tries an authentic Jiro-style ramen, but something’s not quite right
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
The best Starbucks Japan Frappuccinos we want to drink again in 2026
We revisited Sweets Paradise after a decade to see if Japan’s dessert buffet still delivers
That time Seiji called JASRAC to ask why he didn’t get paid royalties for his song being on TV
Pizza Hut Japan’s hot lucky bags are perfect for a New Year’s pizza party
Majority of Japanese mayors say foreign residents are essential but most see good and bad effects
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
How to make a McDonald’s Ramune milkshake at home
McDonald’s Japan welcomes autumn with Purple Sweet Potato McShake
McDonald’s captures the sweet flavour of Japan with new Ramune milkshake
McDonald’s Japan has peaches playing together nicely in new white/yellow peach McShake
It’s sweet, cool and green! McDonald’s Japan to offer McShake Kiwi
McDonald’s Japan offering Calpis shakes this summer with new-and-improved recipe
Does McDonald’s Japan’s first-ever matcha pie live up to the hype?
Get into the tropical summer spirit with a pineapple-flavored McDonald’s shake!
New Pokémon x McDonald’s collaboration features Pikachu on milkshakes and desserts in Japan!
Tasting McDonald’s Japan’s new Milky “Taste of Mummy” collection
McDonald’s teams up with local confectioners for new lineup of very Japanese desserts
Does McDonald’s Japan’s new Tsukimi Moon-Viewing shake really taste like a Pucchin Purin pudding?
Stuck with left over bacon? Try a heavenly junk food creation – bacon + McDonald’s shake!
McDonald’s releasing lychee milk shakes in Japan as part of new Asian Sweets lineup
Is McDonald’s Japan’s new Godiva hot chocolate worth the relatively high price?
Dragon Quest Slime toys appear at McDonald’s Japan in crossover with Grimace and pals【Video】
Leave a Reply