McDonald’s is taking a big step to win back budget-conscious customers, announcing a 15% price cut on its combo meals after admitting its menu had become too expensive. Keep reading to learn which menu items are covered by the price slash—and when the new prices take effect.
McDonald’s slashes combo meal prices in bid to win back customers
After weeks of public pressure and a rare admission from its CEO, Chris Kempczinski, that the menu had become too expensive, McDonald’s is making good on its promise to offer more affordable options. The fast-food giant is set to significantly drop the price of its combo meals, a move that marks a major strategic shift to win back customers.
According to a source close to the company’s plans, McDonald’s and its U.S. franchisees have reached an agreement to price eight of their most popular combo meals—including the Big Mac, Quarter Pounder with Cheese, Chicken McNuggets, McCrispy, Egg McMuffin, and other breakfast sandwiches—at 15% less than if customers purchased the items individually. U.S. franchisees rolling out the discounts beginning in early September will reportedly receive financial support from the fast-food giant, with the reduced prices set to remain in place through early 2026.
While McDonald’s has not yet officially commented on the report, which was first broken by The Wall Street Journal, the move aligns with the CEO’s recent pledge to restore the chain’s reputation for value at a time when inflation and higher menu prices have driven some diners away.
Beyond lowering costs, McDonald’s is also reviving its “Extra Value Meals” branding and introducing new promotions, including a $5 breakfast deal and an $8 Big Mac and McNuggets special. Additional offers, such as a $5 Sausage, Egg & Cheese McGriddle and an $8 10-piece McNuggets meal, are expected later this year—signaling a broader effort to reestablish the Golden Arches as the go-to choice for affordable fast food.
McDonald’s CEO admits rising prices are hurting value perception
Kempczinski recently acknowledged that pricing has become the defining factor in how customers perceive the brand. Speaking during the company’s August 6 earnings call, he noted that “consumers’ value perceptions are most influenced by our core menu pricing,” reflecting a growing sentiment that McDonald’s is no longer the affordable option it once was.
The post-pandemic surge in inflation has shifted public opinion of the Golden Arches, transforming its image from a low-cost, quick meal stop into a fast-food chain that can feel as pricey as casual dining competitors.
Kempczinski conceded that customers are “too often” confronted with combo meals priced above $10, a reality he admitted is “shaping value perceptions in a negative way.” He emphasized that affordability starts at the most visible point of contact: “The single biggest driver of what shapes a consumer’s overall perception of McDonald’s value is the menu board. [So] we’ve got to get that fixed.”
What sparked the push for lower prices at McDonald’s
Back in 2023, an $18 Big Mac combo went viral and ignited outrage online, fueling claims that McDonald’s had strayed from its long-standing promise of affordability. Although the pricey meal turned out to be a one-off at a rest stop, the backlash was loud enough to prompt an unusual open letter from the president of McDonald’s USA, who stressed that the high price was an “exception” and insisted the chain’s overall prices had not risen faster than inflation.
In the aftermath, McDonald’s doubled down on efforts to reestablish value for its customers. The chain expanded its value offerings while also rolling out upgrades across the menu, from revamped chicken strips to new beverage options. Its $5 value meal, launched last year, gave sales a temporary lift by tapping into what diners wanted most: satisfying combinations at a price point that felt worth it.
At the same time, McDonald’s leaned on themed promotions to keep momentum going. Tie-ins like the recent “Minecraft Movie” meal proved to be especially popular, helping the company rebound after two straight quarters of declining sales.
Sources: The Wall Street Journal, CNN