Review: McDonald’s Szechuan Sauce Is a Bland Disappointment | Eater

"During the relaunch of its nostalgic Szechuan sauce—originally a 1998 tie-in for Mulan and revived after a 2017 Rick and Morty mention—expectations of long lines and stampedes (and past reports of riots when supplies ran out) didn't materialize at the author's neighborhood outlet: an adolescent cashier and abundant stock were on hand, with the company promising 20 million portions. The sauce itself was jelly-like and strawberry-colored, overwhelmingly sweet and corn-syrup forward with only faint savory notes and no discernible heat or the signature Sichuan peppercorn numbing; its ingredient list is heavy on sugars, vinegars, starches, soy and preservatives. It failed to enhance McNuggets, clashed with burger condiments, and was judged to lack chile oil, dried chiles, peppercorns and other bold Sichuan flavors—making it taste more like a sweet condiment you'd pour on pancakes than an authentic Sichuan sauce. One packet reportedly fetched as much as $995 on eBay last year." - Robert Sietsema