Top 5 fast-food holiday menu items (by calories)

With the winter season comes a barrage of fast-food holiday menu items, and this year that includes McDonald’s McRib. The burger chain is bringing out the cult-status BBQ boneless-pork-patty sandwich on Dec. 17 for the holidays (the once-a-year special usually shows up for an October-to-November run) in an effort to boost year-end sales.

It’s not just the McRib that rears its head this holiday season; Starbucks’ pumpkin spice latte is flowing, despite rumors of a shortage. And desserts such as McDonald’s McFlurry, Sonic’s milkshakes and Burger King sundaes get holiday-ized.

Jonathan Gold Quiz: Hamburgers

And meanwhile ... in an unexpected fast-food holiday menu twist, Japan Airlines is serving KFC fried chicken meals on its flights in the U.S. and Europe as a winter special: An “Air Kentucky” meal includes one drumstick, one boneless chicken breast fillet, a piece of flatbread made for the airline meal and a cup of cole slaw and lettuce leaves. Happy holidays!

Scroll down to find out which among the following fast-food holiday menu items has the most calories.

5. Burger King Gingerbread Cookie Sundae

What it is: Vanilla soft serve, topped with crispy gingersnap cookie crumbles and a swirl of sweet gingerbread sauce.

How much it costs: $2.49

Number of calories: 350

4. Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Latte

What it is: Pumpkin and fall spice syrup added to espresso and steamed milk, topped with whipped cream and pumpkin pie spice.

How much it costs: $4.50

Number of calories (for a 16-ounce grande with whole milk and whipped cream): 380

3. McDonald’s McRib

What it is: A boneless pork patty (in the shape of a rack of ribs) slathered in BBQ sauce on a bun with pickles and chopped onions.

How much it costs: $2.99

Number of calories: 450

2. McDonald’s Holiday Mint McFlurry

What it is: Vanilla soft serve mixed with peppermint candy pieces and mint syrup.

How much it costs: $2.59

Number of calories: 570

1. Sonic’s Chocolate Mint Holiday Shake

What it is: Chocolate ice cream blended with crushed holiday mints, garnished with whipped topping, more crushed mints and a maraschino cherry.

How much it costs: $2.49

Number of calories (for a 14-ounce small): 870 calories

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