McDonald’s is trying a familiar play to win back customers—bringing back its long-gone Extra Value Meals. After years of price hikes, many diners started seeing McDonald’s as pricey rather than affordable. That shift gave casual sit-down spots like Applebee’s and Chili’s an edge, leaving McDonald’s scrambling for ways to reset its “cheap eats” image. Now, the chain is doubling down on combo deals that shave dollars off fan favorites. Whether it’s a $5 breakfast bundle or discounted Big Mac meal, the Golden Arches is banking on nostalgia and savings to pull people back in.
Big Mac Deal for Just $8
One of the splashiest offers is a Big Mac combo for $8. That gets you the burger, medium fries, and a drink, a clear attempt to cap the cost before it drifts into double digits. For many, the Big Mac has always been McDonald’s signature. By making it feel affordable again, McDonald’s is hoping to reset expectations on what “value” really means.
Sausage McMuffin Breakfast for $5
Breakfast fans get their own bargain with a $5 Sausage McMuffin with Egg meal. It comes with hash browns and coffee, aiming squarely at the morning crowd. The deal is meant to rival diner breakfasts that often cost twice as much. McDonald’s is betting that convenience plus savings will keep commuters coming back.
Eight Meal Combos Return
The broader relaunch includes eight Extra Value Meals featuring McDonald’s classics. Items like Chicken McNuggets, Quarter Pounders, and Egg McMuffins are bundled with drinks and sides. Each combo promises savings of up to 15% compared to buying individually. For budget-conscious families, that’s the kind of math that makes a difference.
Last Chance Before Year’s End
The company says these deals will stick around until the end of the year. That limited window adds urgency for deal-hunters. For McDonald’s, it’s also a way to test whether value menus can truly drive more traffic. If successful, don’t be surprised if these bundles stick around longer.
Why Value Perception Matters
CEO Chris Kempczinski has admitted the obvious: people think McDonald’s costs too much now. Combo meals pushing past $10 left a sour taste for budget diners. Resetting that perception is critical, especially since middle-income customers are still showing up. The new deals are aimed squarely at reversing low-income diner losses.
Past Efforts Fell Short
This isn’t the first attempt to chase value seekers. Last summer’s $5 meal deal grabbed attention but wasn’t enough to stop traffic declines. Earlier this year, McDonald’s even rolled out a “buy one, get one for $1” offer. But sales kept dipping, showing that one-off promotions can’t fix the bigger pricing issue.
Profit Declines Spark Urgency
The push for discounts comes after two straight quarters of profit declines. While August finally showed growth, that boost was tied to marketing hits like “The Minecraft Movie” tie-in and new chicken strips. Discount meals could provide more lasting momentum, especially if they rebuild loyalty among everyday diners.
Competitors Could Feel the Heat
Analysts predict McDonald’s move won’t happen in a vacuum. Raymond James noted the deals could ripple across the restaurant industry. Rivals may be forced to match discounts to keep up. That could spark another round of fast-food “value wars” heading into 2026.
Sit-Down Chains Gained Ground
One of the biggest surprises of the past few years is that casual dining chains thrived. Applebee’s and Chili’s capitalized on McDonald’s higher prices by making sit-down meals feel competitive. When a burger at McDonald’s costs nearly as much, customers start choosing table service instead. The Extra Value Meals are McDonald’s attempt to flip that script back.
Customers Are Still Wary
Despite these flashy deals, some customers remain skeptical. For those burned by rising prices, it’ll take more than a few combos to restore trust. McDonald’s challenge is not just selling food but selling the idea that it’s affordable again. And that battle may take longer than a single promotion.
Will the Deals Be Enough?
McDonald’s is betting hard on its Extra Value Meals to win back bargain-hunting diners. The deals are a nod to the chain’s roots and a direct response to years of criticism over rising prices. But whether customers bite—and keep coming back—remains to be seen. What do you think: will these bundles bring you back to the Golden Arches, or has McDonald’s lost its value crown for good?
