Which McDonald’s advertising mascots, introduced in 1988, were shaped like Chicken McNuggets?

McDonald’s introduced the McNugget Buddies as Chicken McNugget-shaped advertising mascots in 1988.

The characters were anthropomorphic versions of McNuggets, typically shown with faces, arms, legs, and different costumes or personalities. Their designs turned a menu item into a cast of collectible-style promotional characters, fitting McDonald’s broader McDonaldland branding of the period.

The McNugget Buddies appeared in television advertising, packaging, and promotional merchandise. They are distinct from the Fry Kids, another McDonald’s character group associated with French fries, and from the chain’s human or creature characters such as Ronald McDonald and Grimace.

Chicken McNuggets were introduced nationally in the United States in 1983, several years before the McNugget Buddies became part of McDonald’s advertising. The mascots therefore promoted an established menu item rather than introducing the product itself.