
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?
New Mt. Fuji overnight bus takes travelers from downtown Tokyo straight to the most popular hiking trail
7-Eleven Japan now has Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches, but how do they taste?[Taste test]
A visit to Sri Lanka’s knockoff knockoff Uniqlo (no, we didn’t stutter) to see its rare “Pikachus”
Tokyo revises accommodation tax amidst tourism boom, Airbnb rentals now included
Yoshinoya and Dragon Quest slaying scalpers with shift to made-to-order collaboration merch
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan moves to enforce language requirements for foreign nationals seeking permanent residency
7-Eleven Japan releases chocolate cookies that taste like freshly baked melon bread
Famous sweets store in Ameyoko fills a bag with sweets and a show, but is it still worth it?
Japan to get new high-speed train connecting Haneda and Narita airports, ease overtourism
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Japanese overnight sightseeing train returns for summer with ramen stops and ocean views
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Starbucks Japan teams up with Converse Tokyo for a new limited-edition collection in honour of Tanabata
Don’t judge this Kiki’s Delivery Service book by its cover, because it’s not actually a book!
The quest for Dragon Quest Yoshinoya figure sets: Worth taking for fans, tricky for scalpers[Pics]
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
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?
What are McDonald’s macarons really like in Japan?