McDonald’s Daily Double is not the burger I wanted the fast food chain to bring back. That pedestal belongs to the Big ‘N Tasty, which, for those of you who are too young to remember, was a short-lived Whopper competitor rolled out at the turn of the century. While not as ancient as the Big ‘N Tasty, the Daily Double made its debut in 2012, and it’s been available occasionally in specific US markets. However, it’s now available nationwide again.
The well-topping-endowed burger features two beef patties, two slices of Roma tomatoes, slivered onions, shredded lettuce, mayonnaise, and American cheese on a regular bun. I imagine it’s called Daily Double because Grimace wanted to remember the fond memories of watching the game show Jeopardy with The Professor, who grew Grimace from a petri dish and taught the purple blob love and compassion. I’m fairly certain that’s part of the McDonaldland canon.
Speaking of the McDonald’s universe (McDU), the Daily Double is one of the few burgers in Golden Arches history that, by default, comes topped with only mayonnaise and doesn’t come with pickles. But despite the lack of strong condiments like ketchup and mustard, it does have a flavor that I find to be good enough to convince me to order it again.
When I took my first bite, I had to double-check that there wasn’t a new sauce with the burger. It turned out to be the combination of mayonnaise and onion that created that pleasing flavor. The absence of pickles, mustard, and ketchup allowed the two beef patties to stand out with a strong meaty flavor and saltiness. I’m not sure I noticed the single cheese slice, so maybe a second slice should’ve been added for a stronger cheesiness, increased profit margins, and to really hit home the “double” in the Daily Double.
The lettuce and tomato bring a bit of freshness and something to cut through some of the saltiness of the beef patties. They also make the burger look as if there’s a salad on top of it. As someone who is trying to incorporate more vegetables into my diet in any way I can, I appreciate the double tomato slices. The shredded lettuce also gives this a certain quality equal to McDonald’s signature Big Mac — its messiness.
Despite not being the Big’ N Tasty, I’m glad McDonald’s Daily Double has returned. Although it’s basically a heavily customized McDouble, so I guess I could have had it all this time, which is a good thing because when it disappears again, I can continue to enjoy it.
Purchased Price: $4.19*
Rating: 7 out of 10
Nutrition Facts: 400 calories, 31 grams of fat, 11 grams of saturated fat, 1 gram of trans fat, 80 milligrams of cholesterol, 810 milligrams of sodium, 30 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, 5 grams of sugar (including 3 grams of added sugar), and 22 grams of protein.
*Because I live on a rock in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, things are a bit pricier here. You’ll probably pay less than I did.
The Big N Tasty was the best!! I might try this one but they will have to add ketchup for me.
Nice review, Marvo the Great! Speaking of old school McDonald’s burgers, did you get to experience the infamous Arch Deluxe? It came out about 5 years before the Big N Tasty. It was a ridiculously good burger for fast food at the time but it’s known as a marketing failure since the Micky D’s crowd at the time wasn’t looking for anything more than simple burgers and they advertised the Arch Deluxe as something way more upscale.
Man, I miss the Big N’ Tasty. After Super Size Me came out I started viewing McDonald’s in a disgusting new light, but the Big N’ Tasty kept me from giving up McDonald’s completely. Once they took it off the menu that was the final straw, however.
OK…..here it is!! A good effort by McDonalds, but once again, they’re cutting corners. If a burger has 2 PATTIES, it should have 2 slices of cheese!! Your employees cannot be trusted to be “frugal” with the mayonnaise. You have something like 7 DIFFERENT BURGERS that do not have mayonnaise. This should be one of them. PLACE A FOIL PACKAGE OF MAYO ON THE SIDE, for those who just have to have it! And resume frying your fries in beef tallow, so that they “taste good” again!! Ron Alphin 910-235-0167