McDonald’s is set to roll out significant price cuts on eight staple combo meals beginning early September 2025, offering each for roughly 15% less than purchasing the items individually. The discounts will remain in place through early 2026 as part of a renewed push to restore the brand’s reputation for affordability.
The promotional campaign includes the return of its “Extra Value Meals” banner, featuring $5 breakfast deals—such as the Sausage Egg McMuffin—and $8 value meals like the classic Big Mac or Chicken McNuggets combos. A second wave in November will add offerings such as a Sausage, Egg, and Cheese McGriddle and 10-piece Chicken McNuggets at the same price points.
These price reductions come after weeks of careful negotiations between McDonald’s corporate team and its U.S. franchisees. To secure franchisee buy-in, the company promised financial support to offset potential losses, taking into account the anticipated higher traffic generated by the promotions. The plan reflects a collaborative approach to balancing margin pressures and competitive pricing.
Leadership emphasized that the move responds directly to customer feedback. “Customers are telling us they need more of the everyday value and affordability that defines the McDonald’s brand,” said Joe Erlinger, head of McDonald’s U.S. business. CEO Chris Kempczinski added that combo meals priced over $10 have hurt value perceptions, with the menu board being “the single biggest driver” of those views.
The decision also follows widespread backlash to reports of Big Mac combo meals priced as high as $18 in certain locations. With the cost of Big Mac combos having risen roughly 27% since 2019, and average prices hovering around $10.50, McDonald’s is making a concerted effort to reposition itself as accessible amid inflationary pressures.
This initiative forms a key part of McDonald’s broader strategy to regain traffic among value-conscious segments, particularly low-income customers, who have increasingly opted to cook at home. By combining price reductions with new branding, the company hopes to turn the narrative and drive renewed customer visits.
