You can binge Netflix’s Squid Game Season 2 anywhere in the world, but you can’t grab a bite of McDonald’s Squid Game-themed drop—unless you’re in Australia. Suddenly, a meal that should feel ordinary becomes a cultural phenomenon.
Fast food FOMO (the fear of missing out) thrives on this allure of the unattainable. It’s not just about the fries or burgers; it’s about the exclusivity, the feeling of being in on a fleeting moment that everyone else is missing. These limited-edition meals aren’t just menu items—they’re experiences that tap into nostalgia, pop culture, and the thrill of scarcity.
The Limits of Globalization–Why Fast Food Feeds FOMO
Globalization has made the world smaller. With a few clicks, you can order rare Japanese KitKats or artisanal European chocolates, bringing international flavors to your doorstep. But fast food doesn’t play by e-commerce rules.
A Squid Game McDonald’s meal, which was released in December in link with the Squid Game Season 2 premiere, like Japan’s sakura-flavored McFlurries or India’s paneer burgers, is tied to its location. It’s meant to be eaten there and then. No two-hour delivery window or vacuum-sealed shipping can recreate the buzz of grabbing one before it’s gone. This impermanence fuels a craving that even the finest shelf-stable snacks can’t replicate.
Why This Squid Game Drop Feels Different
McDonald’s limited-time items often exist at the intersection of nostalgia and pop culture. The Squid Game meal isn’t just a marketing gimmick; it’s a way to capture the zeitgeist. It draws on the global obsession with the Netflix hit while leveraging the brand’s status as a cultural institution.
Fans in Australia aren’t just buying burgers—they’re gaining access to a collectible memory. For those outside the region, social media offers tantalizing glimpses of what they’re missing. TikTok hauls, Instagram reels, and viral posts feed the FOMO, turning a meal into an international conversation.
The Cultural Tension of Food FOMO in a Globalized World
Here’s the paradox: globalization gives us access to almost everything, yet fast food exclusives remind us of what we can’t have. The Squid Game meal represents a cultural moment that’s deeply tied to place. You can’t stream it, ship it, or recreate it. You have to be there.
This tension keeps fast food FOMO alive. It’s why people travel for In-N-Out’s secret menu, recreate Japan’s Konbini snacks in their kitchens, or fantasize about Australia’s Squid Game drop. These meals highlight how food remains one of the last bastions of regional identity, even in a hyper-connected world.
How McDonald’s Squid Game FOMO Reflects Food Culture
McDonald’s Squid Game meal isn’t just a clever promotion; it’s a reflection of how we consume culture today. It’s the thrill of being part of something ephemeral, the joy of connecting through shared nostalgia, and the frustration of missing out when geography gets in the way.
Fast food FOMO reminds us that, in a world of endless options, some things are still worth chasing—if only for a taste of the moment.
Curious about the stories behind fast food FOMO, the Squid Game Season 2 McDonald’s meal, and the culture they shape? Follow me on Forbes for deep dives into the ‘why’ behind trends, exclusives, and the role food plays in our everyday lives.
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