Update: No, the McDonald's French Fry Perfume Isn't Real

When it comes to fast food fries, everybody knows McDonald’s has some of the best in the business. The scent of those golden, salt-sprinkled fries wafting out of the bag is unmistakable—and just like that, we're like dogs to a bone. 

Well, last week, McDonald's Japan posted on X (previously Twitter) about three perfumes including one that hinted it smelled just like the restaurant’s world-famous French fries, leading us to believe this was a new product being released by the brand. Admittedly, we were shocked that the greasy, deep-fried scent you’re usually trying to get out of your clothes would become available to apply willingly, but when we recalled the quarter pounder candles of 2020, we wouldn't have been surprised if this was true. So much so that we originally reported they would be available in Japan.

However, this news has officially been debunked. A spokesperson for McDonald's Japan told "Food & Wine", "The image was posted as part of a promotion for the limited-time flavored fries product, and we would like people to enjoy the scent of fries and flavors. This perfume is not actually manufactured or sold.”

What we believed were perfumes in three scents including the "salted classic," was actually a marketing campaign for McDonald's Japan new limited-edition "Shaka Shaka Potato" flavors: Garlic Pepper Mayo and Ume-Nori Salt. The Shaka Shaka Potatoes are simply a carton of french fries that come with a seasoning packet you add to a bag with the fries and shake to coat them in the seasoning.

So while no one gets to actually buy these perfumes, the new fry flavors are very much a real release, unfortunately they're only available at McDonald's Japan. But McDonald's U.S., take note: While we're relieved no one will be spritzing on French fry-scented perfume, we wouldn't be mad if Shaka Shaka Potatoes made their way to U.S. menus soon.