McDonald’s to Cut Combo Prices in Nationwide Effort to Reclaim Value Edge 

McDonald’s is actively working to enhance its perceived value across all day parts by implementing strategic pricing initiatives. The company and its franchisees have agreed to reduce the prices of eight combo meals, making them approximately 15 percent cheaper than if purchased separately, with these changes set to begin in September and continue through early 2026. Additionally, McDonald’s will introduce new value offerings such as breakfast meal deals and “Extra Value Meals,” including $5 Sausage Egg McMuffin and $8 Big Mac combos, designed to appeal to cost-conscious consumers. These efforts aim to provide more attractive discounts ranging from around 4-5 percent for standard combos to about 20 percent for the new value meals addressing consumer perceptions that menu prices, especially for combo meals, are too high and improving overall value perception. 

Despite recent sales growth driven by menu innovation and value promotions, McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski highlighted ongoing challenges related to core menu pricing and consumer perceptions of value, particularly at the drive-thru. He noted that nearly half of customers are deterred by high menu prices, especially seeing combo meals over $10, which negatively impacts their perception of value. The company is focusing on refining menu board pricing strategies and expanding value offerings, especially during breakfast, which Kempczinski identified as a weaker daypart. To support lower-income consumers who tend to visit more frequently. The chain has also committed to maintaining certain price points, like the $2.99 Snack Wraps, through 2025, emphasizing its focus on affordability and increasing customer engagement amid economic pressures. 

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McDonald’s to Cut Combo Prices in Nationwide Effort to Reclaim Value Edge – QSR Magazine