McDonald’s will lower prices on its combo meals starting next month, in a move aimed at addressing customer concerns over rising menu costs.
The fast-food chain reached an agreement with U.S. franchisees to cut prices on eight popular combo meals, including the Big Mac, Quarter Pounder with Cheese, Chicken McNuggets, McCrispy, Egg McMuffin, and other breakfast sandwiches. The meals will be priced about 15% lower than buying the items separately.
To support franchisees, McDonald’s will provide financial assistance to cover the cuts, according to The Wall Street Journal. The company also plans to launch a $5 breakfast deal and an $8 Big Mac and McNuggets special, reviving its “Extra Value Meals” branding.
CEO Chris Kempczinski acknowledged during an August 6 earnings call that combo meals exceeding $10 had damaged the chain’s value reputation. “The single biggest driver of what shapes a consumer’s overall perception of McDonald’s value is the menu board,” he said.
The announcement follows backlash over reports of an $18 Big Mac combo meal in 2023, which sparked outrage online despite being an isolated case. McDonald’s USA president later clarified that overall menu prices have not risen faster than inflation.
The cuts are part of a broader push to attract budget-conscious diners. Last year’s $5 value meal stabilized sales, and new promotions—such as a partnership with A Minecraft Movie—have drawn younger customers. In September, McDonald’s will also expand its drink menu with cold coffees and fruit refreshers at more than 500 U.S. restaurants.
Joe Erlinger, head of McDonald’s U.S. business, said the move reflects customer feedback. “Customers are telling us they need more of the everyday value and affordability that defines the McDonald’s brand,” he said.
