McDonald’s McRib turns 40 years old this year, and to celebrate its anniversary, the fast-food chain has created its first-ever non-fungible token (NFT) inspired by the delicious yet elusive barbecue sandwich.
For those new to the world of NFTs, NFTs are unique pieces of virtual art that can’t be duplicated. The McRib NFTs are basically digital versions of the fan-favorite sandwich that fans can add to their personal collection and enjoy even when it’s not on the menu.
For a chance to win one of the 10 exclusive McRib NFT, fans simply need to follow @McDonalds on Twitter and retweet McDonald’s invitation tweet from their own public account between November 1st and November 7th. By November 12, McDonald’s will choose 10 people to receive the McRib NFT. To receive their prize, winners need to have a crypto wallet capable of transacting in Ethereum.
i present to u the most important NFT. RT for a chance to win one of ten exclusive #McRibNFT
no purch. nec. 50 U.S./DC, 18+ only. winners need crypto wallet to receive NFT. rules: https://t.co/2QRhsPlpur pic.twitter.com/KYmWI67PhG
— McDonald's (@McDonalds) November 1, 2021
While some NFTs sell for millions, McDonald’s noted on the official rules of the sweepstakes that the McRib NFTs are only valued at $20 each. The restaurant, however, acknowledges that the “value of the McRib NFT can vary,” meaning it can go up or down and “may lose all of its value” in the future.
First launched regionally in Kansas City, Kansas in 1981 before debuting nationwide the following year, the McRib is a seasoned boneless pork patty smothered in barbecue sauce and topped with pickles and onions on a hoagie style bun.
The McRib was created by McDonald’s first executive chef and McNuggets inventor Rene Arend after feasting on pulled-pork sandwiches on a trip to Charleston, South Carolina. Though it was favorably received by fast-food lovers at the time of its initial release, it didn’t become as popular as the McNuggets, so McDonald’s decided that the sandwich would work best as a seasonal menu item.
Fortunately for fans, this year’s McRib Season has just started. The iconic sandwich officially returned to the menu at participating McDonald’s restaurants nationwide last Monday, but will only be available for a limited time.