We tried Iceland's McDonald's-style meal deal and here's how it compares
The supermarket's range has had everyone talking on social media again. But is it for the right reasons?
Saying a dupe is better than the original is a daring claim, but it's one that has been echoed repeatedly in relation to Iceland's Snackster range. These frozen products aren't new - they first graced the shelves back in 2021.
Yet every time they experience a resurgence in popularity, largely thanks to TikTok’s For You Page, the consensus remains the same. In one way or another, people argue the range is better than what McDonald’s has to offer.
The selection encompasses everything from a Big Stack burger to a sweet chilli chicken wrap and a traditional sharing portion of chicken nuggets. Paninis, kebabs, and Subway alternatives also feature in the range, though reviews of these will be saved for another day.
More recently, a few additional McDonald's-esque items have found their way onto the shelves, notably a Smile in a Box meal. Within the £3.50 cardboard box, you'll discover either a quarter pounder or a cheeseburger, accompanied by a serving of chips and an apple pie.
Given the array of Golden Arches-inspired options available at the Williamson Square location, we decided to put the claims about their superiority to the test.
I wouldn't label it as a replica or a dupe of McDonald's offerings, as Iceland puts its own spin on them with a twist that isn't quite as convenient as the fast-food chain.
With many of the items, you need to have the extras on hand, but having said that, it's food you're likely already to have in your home - lettuce, cheese, onion and in some cases, extra dipping sauce.
The boxes proudly proclaim they are great in the air fryer. But I opted for the traditional method and threw them in the oven.
Given the cost of the items - detailed below - the taste is justifiable. Once you've added some seasoning and sauce, there's little room for grumbling.
The food could be a godsend for parents trying to encourage their children to eat at home, as it mimics a McDonald's meal. However, when it comes to the quantity and quality, they might notice a difference.
For instance, the chicken wrap was considerably thinner than its McDonald's counterpart and wouldn't leave you feeling full. The chicken nuggets, while visually similar, lacked the crispy batter that McDonald's nuggets are famous for.
Perhaps Iceland's version was less crunchy due to my cooking technique, but I assure you I followed the instructions to the letter for an accurate comparison, even if they did appear to need a couple more minutes under the grill.
Was the Snacksters range as groundbreaking as everyone made it out to be? Far from it. Would the items replace my fortnightly fix from McDonald’s? Probably not. But would I throw them in my Iceland basket again? Absolutely.
Iceland receipt
- Quarter Pounder box £3.50
- Chicken nuggets 20 pack £3.50
- Spicy stack meal £3.50
- Chicken wrap and fries £3.00