McDonald's hyped it as its 'biggest and boldest' burger ever.
But as the Big Arch rolls out early across the US, early customers are already giving it a lukewarm reception -with some branding it greasy, overpriced and underwhelming.
Although this burger was expected to hit restaurants on March 3, some diners managed to try it early and quickly took to social media to share their verdict.
One Reddit user who had spent $14 on one in San Diego writing: 'Burger was greasy, which I've never experienced at this location. I thought the sauce was too sweet and oddly too thick. Almost like a melted cheese consistency.'
Another wrote: 'There's just nothing special about it, which is depressing because they clearly tried to make it special and failed.'
This supersized burger featuring two beef patties, three slices of white processed cheese, crispy and fresh onions, pickles, lettuce and a brand-new tangy 'Big Arch' sauce in a sesame and poppy seed bun.
'I didn't like it either. Not because of grease, but it just doesn't taste very good,' another McDonald's customer wrote. 'The Big Mac has some tanginess with its sauce. The Quarter Pounder has some tanginess with the ketchup. The Big Arch sauce was extremely muted.'
McDonald's describes the new Big Arch sauce as 'tangy and creamy,' with a mix of mustard, pickle, and sweet tomato flavors.
The Big Arch is the chain's biggest burger ever, clocking in at 1020 calories and 53g of protein in the US. A Big Arch Meal, with a medium coke and medium fries, is 1610 calories.
The burger was first tested in Canada, the UK, Portugal, Germany and France - where bosses say it proved a hit - before finally launching in the US more than two years after it was first mooted.
'Customers are responding to this more satisfying burger that meets demand for something heartier while still feeling distinctly McDonald's,' global chief restaurant experience officer Jill McDonald said.
It is likely that if the Big Arch sells well in the US - and is profitable - then it will become a permanent addition as it has in the UK.
The price of the Big Arch seems to vary by location in the US, as is the case with all menu items. In New York on Friday they cost between $9 and $10 before tax.
The original Reddit post said their sandwich in San Diego was $14 - but that may have been for a meal.
'At least it wasn't dry,' another Reddit user said. 'But I don't think it's worth the price.'
The plan for the bigger burger came after McDonald's fought to win customers back after 2024 saw the company report its first sales decline since Covid lockdowns shut restaurants.
McDonald's has tested bigger options before.
In January 2023, the Double Big Mac --with four patties instead of two and extra sauce-- returned for a limited time for $7, and was a hit while on sale for a month.
McDonald's remains one of the world's largest franchises, but it is now longer the biggest after being dethroned by Chinese cafe chain Mixue Ice Cream & Tea.
The Big Arch push also comes as McDonald's faces fresh scrutiny over other parts of its menu.
The company was recently hit with a proposed class action lawsuit over the McRib, with four plaintiffs accusing the fast-food giant of misleading customers about what the sandwich actually contains.