Fast-food chains have been increasing their prices in recent years, causing many consumers to take their business elsewhere. Now, McDonald’s is hoping to lure them back with its latest promotion.
Earlier this week, the restaurant chain unveiled plans to lower the cost of its combo meals.
As first reported by the Wall Street Journal, the announcement comes after representatives from the company met with restaurant operators and offered to provide financial assistant to franchise owners if they lowered prices.
McDonald’s declined a request for comment from TODAY.com.
Below, we’re outlining everything consumers need to know.
What Sort of Price Changes Does McDonald’s Have Planned?
Per WSJ, eight of McDonald’s combo meals will soon cost 15% less than the total value of the meal’s items if purchased separately. For instance, a $10 meal could cost $8.50.
Customers can expect lower costs on combo meals including the following items starting early September: Big Mac, Chicken McNuggets, McCrispy, Quarter Pounder with Cheese, Egg McMuffin, and some breakfast sandwiches. The plan is to keep discounts in place through at least the beginning of 2026.
Additionally, customers can also look forward to the following deals on combo meals, now called Extra Value Meals, later in the year:
- September: $5 Sausage Egg McMuffin meals and $8 Bic Mac meals
- November: $5 Sausage, Egg and Cheese McGriddle and $8 10-piece Chicken McNuggets meals
McDonald’s Is Fighting Back Against Consumer Perceptions That It’s Become Unaffordable
Inflation has affected every sector of the economy in recent years, and many restaurants have struggled to stay afloat amid rising costs. In 2024, many consumers were outraged when the Big Mac combo at McDonald’s rose to $18 in some areas.
In response, McDonald’s USA President Joe Erlinger penned an open letter to consumers to explain why the average price of the chain’s menu items had risen around 40% since 2019. In the letter, he cited rising costs of employee salaries and the cost of goods.
Fast-food has traditionally been a budget-friendly option for consumers, but many have begun to consider McDonald’s as unaffordable in recent times, even as they’ve attempted to launch occasional deals.
At the same time, many casual dining restaurants, like Applebee’s and Chili’s, have used the opportunity to entice customers to dine with them.
In recent months, restaurants like Olive Garden and The Cheesecake Factory have reported increased sales, while fast-food chains like KFC, Pizza Hut and Popeyes have seen a dip in same-store sales.
Erlinger penned an internal message to McDonald’s employees after the company’s latest earnings report in August. In the letter, which was obtained by WSJ, the company’s president addressed growing consumer concerns of rising costs.
“Customers are telling us they need more of the everyday value and affordability that defines the McDonald’s brand,” he said.
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