McDonald’s to introduce new value meal bundles in 2026

McDonald’s has announced plans to roll out new value-oriented meal bundles in early 2026 as the company seeks to reverse a decline in U.S. restaurant traffic. The initiative follows an eight-week test period in 1,900 locations, where the chain experimented with fixed-price and mix-and-match bundles. Some franchisees have already bypassed corporate tests to launch their own value offers, highlighting an urgent need for competitive pricing.

The company’s U.S. same-store sales declined by 0.2% during the July-September period, marking the first decrease since early 2025. This downturn aligns with broader industry data showing a 2.6% drop in foot traffic across the U.S. fast food sector, as inflation and elevated costs of living continue to pressure consumer spending. CEO Chris Kempczinski acknowledged that previous attempts to address pricing concerns were insufficient, noting that compelling entry-level options are essential for retaining lower-income customers.

Implementing a uniform value strategy remains complex for McDonald’s, as 95% of its U.S. locations are independently operated by franchisees. Achieving alignment on national promotions has been a recurring struggle for the brand, which is currently competing against aggressive value menus from rivals such as Taco Bell.

Global same-store sales grew by 1.3% in the third quarter, buoyed by performance in Germany and Australia. The company reported $7.16 billion in revenue for the quarter, slightly missing analyst expectations, while net income increased by 9% to $2.49 billion.