McDonald’s Hershey’s S’mores McFlurry: A Campfire Classic Reimagined
McDonald’s brings the flavors of campfire s’mores to its summer menu with a new Hershey’s S’mores McFlurry—here’s a full breakdown, taste test, and verdict.
McDonald’s has sparked fresh excitement among fast food fans this summer with the nationwide debut of the Hershey’s S’mores McFlurry. Announced alongside the highly-anticipated Snack Wrap comeback, this new dessert delivers the beloved flavors of campfire s’mores in a cup. But does it truly capture that nostalgic, fireside indulgence? We ordered, tasted, and evaluated the S’mores McFlurry to bring you a comprehensive taste test, a critique of its flavor and texture, and a side-by-side look at McDonald’s iconic McFlurry menu.
Read on for details, comparisons, and verdicts—plus answers to the most common questions McFlurry fans are asking.
What’s in the Hershey’s S’mores McFlurry?
Before diving into the flavor, it’s worth exploring the components that make up the S’mores McFlurry:
- Vanilla Soft Serve: McDonald’s signature vanilla base provides the creamy backdrop.
- Hershey’s Milk Chocolate Bits: Small pieces of Hershey’s classic chocolate offer rich sweetness.
- Graham Cracker Crumbles: Finely ground graham crackers add crunch (and an echo of pie crust, for some tasters).
- Marshmallow Pieces: Bits of marshmallow (not fluffy—more on that shortly) round out the campfire flavor profile.
This blend is served in both regular and mini sizes, aimed at satisfying cravings whether you want a small treat or a more decadent finish to your meal.
A Sweet Treat with a Summery Backstory
The s’mores McFlurry was rolled out on June 10, positioned by McDonald’s as the “dessert of the season.” The company highlights its dual purpose: a snack to share by the campfire, or a single-serve treat to cool down during a hot afternoon.
Embracing the nostalgia of summer, McDonald’s touts the product as “your go-to summer dessert,” inviting fans to enjoy that unmistakable s’mores flavor whenever the craving strikes.
Taste Test: Is the S’mores McFlurry a Campfire Hit?
To deliver a fair assessment, we sampled the Hershey’s S’mores McFlurry in both classic and mini sizes. Here is our breakdown of each element and how they work together:
- First Impression: Generous layers of toppings almost conceal the vanilla ice cream underneath. The aroma is predominantly chocolatey, with subtle hints of graham and marshmallow.
- Marshmallow Pieces: The texture here is surprising—these are not soft and squishy, but rather crispy and similar to cereal “marbits.” While they lack the gooeyness of a roasted marshmallow, their sweet, caramelized flavor does echo the classic campfire treat, especially as they melt slightly into the ice cream.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs: Slightly finer than many might expect, these crumbles evoke a pie-crust-like crumb. While some taste testers would have preferred a chunkier texture, the graham delivers the necessary crunch and flavor for that s’mores feel.
- Hershey’s Chocolate Bits: While labeled “Hershey’s Milk Chocolate,” the bits sometimes skew closer to a dark, candy-bar flavor than the classic Hershey’s bar. Their snap and richness balance the sweetness of the ice cream and marshmallows.
- Vanilla Soft Serve: The creamy foundation ties the mix-ins together, providing a cool, sweet contrast and keeping all textures playable.
Texture: Crunch Meets Cream
The texture of the S’mores McFlurry walks a tightrope between creamy indulgence and crunchy surprise:
- Crunchy marshmallows and chocolate bits provide a contrast to the soft serve, reminiscent of s’mores-flavored breakfast cereals.
- Not every spoonful guarantees all three s’mores elements, so the experience can vary between bites.
- Some tasters missed the gooey-marshmallow quality of authentic s’mores, noting that the crispy marshmallow pieces didn’t fully replicate the fireside staple. The overall effect is more “s’mores inspired” than “authentic s’mores.”
Despite these differences, the overall sensory experience is fun and summery, especially in the context of fast food dessert innovation.
S’mores McFlurry vs. Classic McFlurry Flavors
To see how the S’mores McFlurry stacks up against McDonald’s classic McFlurry options, we compared it to the longstanding Oreo and M&M’s McFlurries—favorites that have graced menus for years.
| Flavor | Main Mix-Ins | Primary Texture | Flavor Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hershey’s S’mores | Hershey’s chocolate, graham cracker, marshmallow | Crunchy + Creamy | S’mores: chocolatey, sweet, slightly toasty, layered |
| Oreo | Oreo cookies | Crumbly + Creamy | Bitter-sweet chocolate, rich, uniform |
| M&M’s | M&M’s candy | Crunchy + Creamy | Chocolate candy, colorful, very sweet, uni-texture |
The Oreo McFlurry offers heavy chocolate notes that sometimes overpower the base; M&M’s are fun yet repetitive in texture and taste. The S’mores McFlurry distinguishes itself by layering three complementary elements, each contributing different dimensions of crunch, flavor, and creaminess.
What About Mix-In Distribution?
One critique that emerged from our tests (and echoed by other reviewers) is that not every bite provides all three s’mores components. Some bites deliver mostly vanilla and graham, others just marshmallow and chocolate. Occasional unevenness may leave those seeking the perfect “campfire-in-every-spoonful” sensation a bit underwhelmed.
This could be improved with either chunkier add-ins or perhaps a swirl of marshmallow fluff to replace or supplement the crispy marshmallow bits.
A Limited Edition Flavor: Should You Try It?
The S’mores McFlurry is a limited time offering—a move that has become increasingly common with McDonald’s dessert menu in recent years. For fans of all things s’mores, or those simply seeking a nostalgic summer dessert, it’s certainly worth a try for the novelty alone. But how does it rate overall?
- S’mores enthusiasts: May find the lack of gooeyness and less cohesive bites disappointing, especially if comparing to the freshly made, fireside treat.
- Chocoholics & Cereal Fans: Will likely appreciate the crunchy chocolate-marshmallow-graham effect, reminiscent of s’mores cereals or even classic sundae toppings.
- Novelty seekers: The seasonal factor and fun packaging alone make this a worthwhile summer splurge.
What Could Be Improved?
- Marshmallow Execution: Swapping crispy marshmallow bits for gooier, fluffier marshmallow, or even marshmallow swirl, could better capture authentic s’mores vibes.
- Mix-In Ratio: More generous or chunkier distribution of the mix-ins may deliver fuller flavor and more uniform s’mores satisfaction per bite.
- Chocolate Variety: Using a milkier Hershey’s chocolate or even chocolate soft serve (instead of vanilla) might further deepen those campfire notes.
Our Verdict
The Hershey’s S’mores McFlurry excels at invoking the spirit of summer and adds a playful twist to McDonald’s dessert menu. While it might not fully replicate the gooey, melty, just-roasted magic of real s’mores, it’s a whimsical treat that stands out for its multi-layered flavors and textures. If you’re looking for a break from McFlurry’s usual suspects, or simply want to share a summery snack, this flavor is a fun (if imperfect) choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is the S’mores McFlurry available everywhere?
A: As of its launch, it rolled out nationwide at McDonald’s locations in the United States, but availability may vary by region and is for a limited time only.
Q: What sizes does the S’mores McFlurry come in?
A: It is offered in regular and mini sizes. The mini is great for a light treat during hot days or as an add-on to a meal.
Q: Are the marshmallows in the S’mores McFlurry gooey or crunchy?
A: The marshmallows are crunchy, closer to freeze-dried or “cereal marshmallow” texture, rather than gooey and melty.
Q: How does the S’mores McFlurry compare to Oreo or M&M’s McFlurry?
A: While Oreo and M&M’s McFlurries focus on one main mix-in, S’mores McFlurry features three, giving more variety in texture and flavor. However, uniformity of bites and the campfire essence can be hit or miss depending on your preference.
Q: Will the S’mores McFlurry return in the future?
A: There’s no official word from McDonald’s on whether this flavor will become a recurring summer special. Past experience shows popular limited editions sometimes return, so let your local store know if you’re a fan!
Final Thoughts
The Hershey’s S’mores McFlurry is McDonald’s playful salute to summer nostalgia, channeling the chocolate, graham, and marshmallow trifecta into a cool, creamy dessert. While it isn’t a perfect facsimile of fireside s’mores, it offers a sweet, textural adventure for fans of both McFlurries and summertime treats—and a reminder that sometimes, dessert is about fun and novelty as much as flavor.
