The fast-food war has just got a little personal, with Carl’s Jr. launching a daring campaign that turns your burger buyer’s remorse into a massive, complimentary meal. If you recently found yourself disappointed by the size of a certain classic two-patty sandwich, this is your chance for a culinary upgrade. Carl’s Jr. is offering to swap your purchase pain for a free taste of their new Cali XL burger, a behemoth that’s reportedly twice the size of McDonald’s Big Mac. Curious how to get in on this epic burger deal? Keep reading to learn the details.
Swap a McDonald’s burger for a free Cali XL burger at Carl’s Jr.
Carl’s Jr. is shaking up the burger scene with its latest creation: the Cali XL burger. This towering sandwich stacks two charbroiled beef patties with melty American cheese, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and savory grilled onions, all nestled in a toasted sesame seed bun coated with Classic Sauce. Hungry guests can grab this mouthwatering masterpiece for just $5.99, or upgrade with fries and a drink for an additional $2.
Alongside the Cali XL launch, Carl’s Jr. is rolling out the “Sad Mac Buy Back” promotion. Fans can snap a photo of any McDonald’s burger receipt dated between January 1, 2025, and November 11, 2025, and upload it to Carl’s Jr.’s website. Participants will receive a free Cali XL, automatically credited to their Carl’s Jr. rewards account starting November 22. The campaign is supported by TV commercials and a lively social media push, sending a bold message: “More meat. More flavor. More value.”
“People want a burger that’s actually worth it. Our new Cali XL has more meat, more flavor, and more value,” said Paz Romero, vice president of brand at Carl’s Jr. “The ‘Sad Mac Buy Back’ is our way of letting guests try it for themselves by swapping disappointment for something better—no questions asked.”
Why the Cali XL burger outmatches the Big Mac
When it comes to sheer beef power, the Cali XL burger doesn’t hold back. According to McDonald’s FAQ, a standard Big Mac contains about 90 grams of beef per sandwich before cooking—just over 3 ounces. By comparison, the Cali XL packs a whopping 7 ounces of beef, more than double the amount in a Big Mac
The burger is already turning heads online. In a recent Reddit thread, a user posted a tempting photo of the Cali XL, and the comment section quickly erupted with excitement. “That looks amazing,” one user wrote. “That looks mighty tasty and bigger than the Big Mac,” another chimed in.
On a different thread, a Redditor compared it to a fan-favorite from another chain: “I quite enjoyed it,” they said. “[It’s] similar to In-N-Out’s Double Double with grilled onions, but a lot bigger.”
With the Cali XL burger only available for a limited time, don’t miss your chance to see how this colossal sandwich stacks up against the classics.
Source: AllRecipes