McDonald’s is cutting combo meal prices by 15% to win back budget-conscious customers. New $5 & $8 deals aim to restore affordability and boost sales.
Table of Contents
McDonald’s Cuts Combo Meal Prices: $5 Deals, $8 Big Mac Specials Aim to Win Back Customers
Introduction
McDonald’s is taking a bold step to win back customers who have increasingly complained about rising menu prices.
Starting next month, the fast-food giant will slash prices on eight popular combo meals by 15%, hoping to change its reputation from “too pricey” back to “affordable indulgence.”
The decision comes just weeks after CEO Chris Kempczinski admitted that many customers now perceive McDonald’s as expensive, forcing the company to rethink its pricing strategy.
Why McDonald’s Is Slashing Prices
The move is part of McDonald’s renewed focus on value-driven meals amid inflation, growing competition, and shifting consumer perceptions.
“The single biggest driver of what shapes a consumer’s overall perception of McDonald’s value is the menu board,”
— Chris Kempczinski, McDonald’s CEO
For years, McDonald’s relied on its reputation as the go-to destination for affordable meals. But following the post-pandemic inflation surge, many loyal customers started viewing the chain as less budget-friendly.
According to internal surveys, over 60% of value-focused customers believe that McDonald’s prices no longer justify its traditional “fast-food value” image.
What’s Changing: New Prices & Deals
McDonald’s and its U.S. franchisees agreed to cut combo meal prices on eight of its most popular offerings.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Meal Combo | Old Price (Avg.) | New Price | Discount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big Mac Combo | $11.50 | $9.80 | 15% Off |
| Quarter Pounder Combo | $11.00 | $9.35 | 15% Off |
| McNuggets Combo | $10.20 | $8.65 | 15% Off |
| Filet-O-Fish Combo | $10.50 | $8.90 | 15% Off |
| McChicken Deluxe Combo | $9.90 | $8.40 | 15% Off |
| Double Cheeseburger Combo | $9.50 | $8.05 | 15% Off |
| Crispy Chicken Sandwich Combo | $10.80 | $9.15 | 15% Off |
| Breakfast Sausage McMuffin Combo | $8.50 | $7.20 | 15% Off |
Additionally, McDonald’s plans to relaunch “Extra Value Meals” alongside two new offers:
- $5 Breakfast Deal — Coming soon
- $8 Big Mac + McNuggets Special — Targeted at families and groups
These changes aim to pull back price-sensitive customers who have shifted to rivals like Wendy’s, Burger King, and Applebee’s.
Why Prices Went Up in the First Place
McDonald’s has faced rising ingredient costs, labor shortages, and supply chain issues since the pandemic. But the company underestimated how much these increases impacted customer perception.
In 2023, an $18 Big Mac combo went viral, sparking nationwide outrage and damaging McDonald’s image. The company later clarified that the price spike was “an exception”, but the damage to its affordability reputation was already done.
The Bigger Picture: Competition & Market Pressure
McDonald’s isn’t just competing with fast-food chains — it’s also battling casual dining restaurants like Applebee’s and Chili’s, where prices are often comparable but perceived as better value.
| Restaurant | Avg. Combo Price | Customer Perception |
|---|---|---|
| McDonald’s | $9.50 | “Pricey for fast food” |
| Wendy’s | $8.70 | “Better value” |
| Burger King | $8.90 | “More competitive” |
| Applebee’s | $12.00 | “Full dining experience” |
| Chili’s | $13.00 | “Better quality meals” |
This trend has pushed McDonald’s to double down on affordability, offering $5 and $8 specials to keep customers from leaving the brand.
What This Means for Customers
For budget-conscious consumers, this is good news. With inflation still biting into household budgets, the lower prices could make fast food affordable again.
However, not all items will see price drops — the cuts are strategic, focusing on high-demand combos to create value perception without sacrificing profitability.
McDonald’s Marketing Push: Winning Back Trust
Alongside price cuts, McDonald’s is:
- Expanding $5 meal bundles
- Partnering with pop culture brands (e.g., Minecraft Movie)
- Rolling out revamped chicken strips & premium drinks
- Relaunching the “Extra Value Meals” branding for nostalgia appeal
These steps aim to rebuild McDonald’s image as an affordable, go-to family restaurant.
Future Outlook: Will It Work?
Analysts are cautiously optimistic. McDonald’s strategy could:
- ✅ Attract price-sensitive customers
- ✅ Boost same-store sales
- ✅ Pressure competitors to lower prices
However, it also risks shrinking profit margins unless customer traffic significantly increases.
FAQs
1. When will the new McDonald’s combo meal prices start?
The 15% price cuts begin next month at participating U.S. locations.
2. Will all McDonald’s meals be cheaper?
No, only eight popular combos will receive price cuts. Other menu items remain unchanged.
3. Why did McDonald’s decide to lower prices now?
The company faced declining sales and negative customer perception after years of rising prices.
4. Are $5 and $8 meal deals permanent?
For now, they’re limited-time promotions, but McDonald’s may extend them depending on customer response.
Conclusion
McDonald’s is taking a calculated risk: lower prices to win back loyalty.
With $5 breakfast deals, $8 Big Mac bundles, and 15% discounts on combo meals, the fast-food giant is signaling a return to affordability — and betting that value will drive growth in 2025.