Does McDonald’s New Tsukimi McShake Really Taste Like Japan’s Popular Pucchin Purin Pudding?

McDonald’s Japan has introduced the Custard Pudding Flavour Tsukimi McShake, sparking discussions on its resemblance to the beloved Pucchin Purin pudding. A taste test reveals that while the McShake captures the essence of purin, it offers a more refined and balanced sweetness compared to the original dessert.

McDonald’s Tsukimi McShake Sparks Buzz for Its Pudding-Like Flavor, Compared to Japan’s Iconic Pucchin Purin

A recent taste comparison has revealed a discovery about Japan’s most popular pudding brand, per SoraNews24.

As the weather cools in Japan, it’s the perfect time to enjoy seasonal treats like tsukimi (moon-viewing) offerings. One standout this year has been McDonald’s Tsukimi McShake, which has garnered praise for tasting remarkably similar to a Japanese purin (pudding).

Officially named the "Custard Pudding Flavour Tsukimi McShake," its purin-like taste might not be a complete surprise. Still, the shake has sparked online discussions about how closely it resembles Glico’s Pucchin Purin, one of Japan’s most popular commercially produced puddings.

Curious about these claims, a taste test was conducted to see if the shake truly lives up to its reputation. Starting with the McShake, the drink had melted slightly when it arrived at the office, but its surface remained creamy and white. Scooping out a spoonful revealed an icy texture with a yellowish hue reminiscent of pudding.

Upon tasting, it was a pleasant surprise—the McShake tasted like purine, offering smooth vanilla and egg flavors that matched the dessert’s familiar texture. However, the actual test was whether it matched the iconic Pucchin Purin.

Taste Test Finds McShake Sweeter and More Balanced Than Pucchin Purin, with a Surprise Frozen Twist

The pudding was released onto a plate for a side-by-side comparison, and the first reaction was surprising: “Has it always been this sweet?” The egg and caramel flavors seemed far more intense than remembered, making the dessert taste more like candy. After another sip of the McShake, it became clear that its purin flavor was much subtler.

To level the playing field, the pudding was placed in the freezer to see if chilling it further would bring its sweetness in line with the McShake. The freezing process did tone down the sweetness, but the intense flavors of the Pucchin Purin remained.

Ultimately, the taste test concluded that while the McShake does capture the essence of purin, its sweetness is more refined and balanced than Pucchin Purin's bolder flavor. Nonetheless, an unexpected discovery was made—frozen purine is delicious, and it might be hard to go back to eating it straight from the fridge. So, next time you pick up a purin in Japan, it might be worth trying it frozen for a new twist, while the McShake is best enjoyed as it is, available until mid-October.