# Virtual Sandwich Collectibles McDonald's Created an NFT to Mark the 40th McRib Anniversary By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2021-10-28 | Marketing Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcrib-anniversary References: [prnewswire](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mcdonalds-usa-unveils-first-ever-nft-to-celebrate-40th-anniversary-of-the-mcrib-301410515.html) & [mcdonalds](http://www.mcdonalds.com)  To mark the 40th [McRib](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcrib-1) Anniversary, [McDonald's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/big-mac-rubiks-cube) minted a limited-edition digital collectible in the form of an NFT (non-fungible token) to celebrate the iconic sandwich. This digital asset will be given away to select fans this fall who interact with the brand on [Twitter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pokemon-happy-meal) and enter the sweepstakes by retweeting the invitation. Just 10 fans will receive a McRib NFT, a unique piece of virtual art that will start to expand a digital collection of assets. While the McRib only appears every once in a while, this NFT is a lasting keepsake that will stick around forever. The launch of these exclusive NFTs coincides with the limited-time return of the McRib at participating restaurants nationwide, beginning on November 1st. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.8/10 - Popularity: 64% | Activity: 69% | Freshness: 10% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/marketing) > [Branding](https://www.trendhunter.com/branding) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Virtual Collectibles:** Creating virtual collectibles as NFTs is a new way to capture brand loyalty and create a lasting sense of exclusivity. - **Social Media Sweepstakes:** Using social media platforms like Twitter for sweepstakes can increase engagement and create buzz around a brand's limited edition offerings. - **Digital Asset Expansion:** Creating limited edition digital assets can lead to the expansion of a brand's digital collection, increasing the potential for future sales and exclusive offerings. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Fast Food:** Fast food chains can use limited edition digital collectibles to promote their products and drive customer engagement. - **Marketing and Advertising:** Marketing and advertising agencies can create unique social media campaigns centered around NFTs and digital collectibles to drive social media engagement and buzz. - **Cryptocurrency and Blockchain:** Companies specializing in cryptocurrency and blockchain can develop platforms for the creation and trading of exclusive digital collectibles as NFTs. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [QSR-Backed NFT Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grimace-1.md) - [Virtual Sandwich Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quiznos-out-of-this-world.md) - [Hamburger NFT Collabs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sliderverse-nft.md) - [Elusive QSR Sandwich Relaunches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-mcrib-sandwich.md) - [Limited QSR Pork Sandwiches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcrib-1.md) - [Half-Gallon QSR Sandwich Sauces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/a-whole-lotta-mcrib-sauce.md) - [Menu-Inspired NFTs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/metaverse-meal.md) - [Animated Slow Cooker NFTs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crockpot-50th-anniversary.md) - [Collectible Cup QSR Meals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcdonalds-collectors-meal.md)