The Apple Pie is gone.
It feels a little strange acknowledging that unfortunate fact, because for decades, the apple pie has steadily been one of McDonald’s Philippines’ hardest hitters—and for good reason.
Introduced in the ’90s, the apple pie quickly became a must-order thanks to its signature filling. Gooey, warm, sweet, and studded with small apple chunks, it offered a delicious contrast to the crispy, golden shell it called home. And after decades on the menu, it’s become the sweetest ending to countless meals, making goodbyes anything but easy.
Still, McDonald’s Philippines says it was simply time for a new chapter. “We believe that it’s already the right moment to introduce new flavors that could really refresh and bring excitement to our pies and snacks lineup,” said Marketing Director Celina Lagandaon—emphasizing the belief that every ending can lead to a sweet beginning.
We Tried McDonald’s New Choco Lava Puff—Here’s Our Honest Review
In place of the beloved classic are two newcomers: the Choco Lava Puff and the Taro Custard Pie. Add in the Poptato, a new bite-sized potato snack, and suddenly there’s a whole new snack lineup to try. The question is: are they worth it?
To be completely honest, I approached these new items with hesitation, skeptical that they could ever compare to the beloved apple pie. But I surprisingly found myself savoring each bite—not because they’re apple pies, but because of what they are.
The Choco Lava Puff is a beautiful, brown, and flaky pastry that’s filled with a rich dark chocolate filling that spills out with every bite. It’s sweet, indulgent, and everything a dessert should be, making it perfect for those looking to let their inner child loose for a meal or two. It might especially work well when paired with a sundae or float for a hot-and-cold combination that’ll leave even the sweetest teeth satisfied.
The Taro Custard Pie, on the other hand, is a much more mature offering that’s just as good. With a filling made from creamy custard and real taro chunks, it’s a relatively toned-down dessert that’s not too sweet but not at all bland. It looks and feels a lot like the apple pie, with the same warm filling enveloped inside a golden, crispy crust. But instead of leaning on the nostalgia of a classic, it carves out its own identity with the earthy sweetness of taro and playful mouthfeel from the chunks. According to McDonald’s, taro was chosen because it’s become an increasingly popular flavor among Filipinos, and after trying this pie, it’s easy to understand why.
Then there’s the Poptato. Essentially a cross between fries and tater tots, these are crispy little potato bites with soft, fluffy centers. While good on their own as an easy-to-grab snack, they’re probably not going to win any awards for originality. But that’s not really the point. Their appeal lies in how familiar they feel while still offering something slightly different. They’re the kind of side that goes with just about anything on the menu, whether you’re having a burger, Chicken McDo, or simply looking for something to snack on.
McDonald’s New Snacks Do Not Replace the Apple Pie—And They Don’t Need To
Of the three, the Choco Lava Puff represents indulgence, the Taro Custard Pie is an understated standout, and the Poptato is the easy crowd-pleaser. Together, they form a formidable trio that feels familiar enough to satisfy even the most diehard McDonald’s fans while offering just enough of a twist to justify giving them a shot.
Will they replace the Apple Pie? Probably not—and maybe they don’t have to.
Some menu items become classics because of how they taste, while others become classics because of the memories attached to them. The McDonald’s Apple Pie had more than three decades to build that kind of nostalgia, and that’s not something any new product can replicate overnight. But if these newcomers stick around long enough, I wouldn’t be surprised if someone else grows up thinking of the Choco Lava Puff or the Taro Custard Pie in the same way many of us think about the apple pie today.
At the end of the day, a classic may have left the menu, but these newcomers have all the ingredients to become the new apple of someone else’s pie.
Frequently Asked Questions
McDonald’s Philippines introduced the Choco Lava Puff and Taro Custard Pie as its newest dessert offerings, alongside the new Poptato.
It features a flaky pastry filled with rich, molten dark chocolate.
The pie contains creamy custard with real taro chunks inside a crispy pastry shell.
Poptato is McDonald’s new bite-sized potato snack with a crispy exterior and fluffy potato center.
