After more than 30 years, McDonald’s has brought back its original Fried Apple Pie at participating U.S. restaurants as a limited-time menu item celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. The nostalgic dessert returned on June 23 and is expected to be available while supplies last.
For those wondering about the ingredients, the current ingredient statement does not list any obvious animal-derived ingredients. The filling and crust are made from apples, enriched flour, palm oil, sugar, spices, and other plant-based ingredients. The ingredient list also specifically identifies the natural flavor as “plant source,” which is noteworthy since natural flavors can sometimes come from either plant or animal sources. Based on McDonald’s published ingredient information, there are no known animal-derived ingredients in the pie itself.
What oil is it fried in?
McDonald’s cooks its fried menu items in a canola oil blend. The blend contains canola, corn, and soybean oils, and does not contain beef flavoring. That’s an important distinction because many people assume all of McDonald’s fried foods contain beef.
The confusion comes from the French fries. In the U.S., the fries receive their well-known natural beef flavor during the supplier’s par-frying process before they ever arrive at the restaurant. Once they reach the restaurant, they’re finished in McDonald’s standard canola-blend frying oil so the oil itself does not contain beef flavoring or ingredients.
What about shared fryers?
McDonald’s has not stated that the Fried Apple Pie is cooked in a dedicated fryer, and I couldn’t find any official information confirming separate frying equipment. Preparation methods can vary by restaurant, so if avoiding possible cross-contact from shared fryers or equipment is important to you, it’s best to ask your local McDonald’s before ordering.
For cross contamination concerns, their fries also contain milk as their beef flavoring the fries are coated with is apparently made from hydrolyzed wheat and hydrolyzed milk which is an allergen concern for those severely allergic. As always, everyone has their own comfort level with shared equipment and trace amounts that could be present and that’s a personal decision.
Did I try it?
Yes. I picked one up to see how it compared to the fried apple pies I remember from years ago, and I have to say it was pretty close. The flaky, crispy crust and warm apple filling definitely brought back some nostalgia. If anything, this version seemed just a little more cinnamon-forward than I remember, but it’s been decades, so that could just be my memory playing tricks on me. Either way, I enjoyed it.
As for shared fryers, that’s one of those topics where everyone has to make their own decision. Personally, it’s not something I’m too concerned with usually, but I know many vegans are and I completely respect that. My personal feeling is that it can make veganism seem more inaccessible and my goal has always been the opposite but I don’t judge anyone for their personal ethical, environmental or health choices and expect the same in return.
Some perspective
This is still fast food. It’s a fried dessert made with refined flour, sugar, and oil and not something anyone is pretending is a “health” food.
For those who occasionally enjoy nostalgic treats, it’s interesting to see a classic return that, based on the published ingredient list, appears to be free of known animal-derived ingredients.
If you’ve been missing the original crispy McDonald’s apple pie, you’ll probably want to grab one sooner rather than later. It’s a limited-time offering and McDonald’s says it will be available only while supplies last so check your local restaurants.
Kreg Sterns is the founder of Big Box Vegan, a national plant-based grocery content platform covering vegan finds, product news, and store-level reporting at major retailers since 2018. He is the 2026 VegNews Veggie Award winner for Favorite Vegan Instagrammer and has been featured by NPR, VegNews, and The Kitchn.
