McDonald’s Rolls Out 15% Discount on Combo Meals, Introduces $5 & $8 “Extra Value Meals” in US

In response to mounting pressure over rising menu prices, McDonald’s combo meals are getting cheaper. In a deal struck with U.S. franchisees, the fast-food giant has agreed to a 15% discount on eight popular combo meals. At the same time, the company will add $5 breakfast specials and $8 Big Mac and Chicken McNuggets combo deals under its revived Extra Value Meals brand .

Restoring Value with Extra Value Meals

Beginning in early September 2025, restaurants will offer discounted combos spanning breakfast, lunch, and dinner—featuring items like the Big Mac, Quarter Pounder with Cheese, McNuggets, McCrispy, Egg McMuffin, and other breakfast sandwiches .

These value-focused offerings include:

$5 Sausage Egg McMuffin and $8 Big Mac combo starting in September

From November, $5 Sausage, Egg & Cheese McGriddle and $8 10-piece McNuggets meal will join the lineup 

From Negotiations to Implementation

The pricing rollback reflects weeks of negotiation with franchisees, who were concerned about margin pressures. To gain their support, McDonald’s agreed to subsidize revenue losses, contingent on increased foot traffic from the new promotions .

According to internal messaging from company executives, the initiative is an answer to customer feedback demanding more "everyday value and affordability" from the brand .

Why It Matters

The shift marks a strategic attempt to restore McDonald’s affordability reputation, slammed by viral outrage over an $18 Big Mac combo at select locations. That pricing incident reignited concerns around brand value and value perception among customers .

While McDonald’s has recently seen positive same-store sales, its customer traffic—especially among price-conscious and lower-income segments—remains sluggish. This move aims to reverse that trend .