Great news for budget-conscious McDonald's fans! The fast-food giant is bringing back its popular Extra Value Meals, a move designed to attract customers seeking affordable dining options. After a hiatus, these value-packed bundles are set to return to menus across the United States, offering diners a selection of eight different meal choices.
This strategic reintroduction comes as McDonald's looks to revitalize its sales figures. The company's US same-store sales experienced a decline in the first quarter of 2025, prompting a renewed focus on providing value to its customers. The return of the Extra Value Meals is a key component of this strategy, aimed at appealing to those seeking budget-friendly options without sacrificing their favorite McDonald's treats.
To combat the recent sales dip and regain customer loyalty, McDonald's has been actively exploring various avenues to enhance its offerings. These efforts include the reintroduction of beloved menu items like the Snack Wrap, a fan favorite that has been sorely missed. Furthermore, the company has introduced new and exciting items such as the Daily Double burger, adding a fresh twist to its classic lineup.
Adding to the fun, McDonald's even launched McDonaldland Meals, specifically designed as kid's meals for adults, tapping into the nostalgia of their older customers. These initiatives demonstrate McDonald's commitment to catering to a diverse range of tastes and preferences, while remaining mindful of affordability.
Beyond individual menu items, McDonald's has also been actively promoting new value menus and offers, making it easier for customers on a budget to enjoy their favorite meals. The highly anticipated return of the Extra Value Meals is the latest and perhaps most significant step in this direction. These meals, encompassing breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, will be available at participating US franchises, starting Monday, September 8th.
The Extra Value Meals offer a variety of choices, including options for different tastes and preferences. Diners can choose from any variety of Quarter Pounder burger – whether it's the Original, Bacon, or Deluxe – or opt for any variety of McCrispy Sandwich, including the Original, Deluxe, or Spicy Deluxe. This provides ample opportunities for customers to tailor their meal to their liking.
The return of the Extra Value Meals marks their first appearance since 2019, and the savings are substantial. By choosing an Extra Value Meal, customers can save approximately 15% compared to purchasing the entrée, french fries, and beverage separately. This makes it a financially savvy choice for those looking to enjoy a complete McDonald's meal without breaking the bank.
Joe Erlinger, president of McDonald's USA, emphasized the company's dedication to value and affordability, stating, "McDonald’s USA is laser-focused on delivering value and affordability for our customers, and I’m incredibly proud of how our franchisees and teams continue to step up to make it a reality." This statement highlights the collaborative effort between McDonald's and its franchisees to provide customers with the best possible experience at an affordable price.
Erlinger further emphasized McDonald's commitment to its customers, stating, "From the $5 Meal Deal to McValue and now Extra Value Meals, we’re sending a clear message: we’re here for our customers. McDonald’s will always be a place where you can get the food you love at a price that fits your life." This reinforces the company's long-standing promise to provide accessible and enjoyable dining options for everyone.
To celebrate the nationwide return of the Extra Value Meals after six long years, McDonald's is offering special promotional pricing on two of its most popular options for a limited time. This is an added bonus for fans eager to experience the value and convenience of these meal deals.
McDonald's has made it clear that this is just the beginning of their efforts to provide more value and affordability. The company stated in a press release, "When it comes to bringing more value and affordability to fans, we’re just getting started." This suggests that further initiatives and deals are in the pipeline, promising even more savings for McDonald's customers in the future.
For breakfast enthusiasts, the Sausage McMuffin with Egg meal, complete with Hash Browns and a small coffee, will be available for just $5. This is a fantastic deal for those looking for a quick and affordable breakfast to start their day.
For those craving a classic McDonald's experience, the Big Mac meal, which includes medium fries and a medium soft drink, will be offered for $8. This iconic meal combination is a staple for many McDonald's fans, and the promotional price makes it even more appealing.
Of course, McDonald's isn't the only fast-food chain offering value meals. Competitors such as Wendy's and Burger King also have their own budget-friendly options, demonstrating the industry-wide focus on providing affordable dining choices. Wendy's offers the Junior Bacon Cheeseburger or Crispy Chicken Sandwich as part of their value menu, while Burger King features the Whopper Junior, Chicken Junior, or Bacon Cheeseburger.
McDonald's understands the importance of working together to ensure affordability. As stated by the company, "We’re working together to keep the menu items our customers love affordable for everyone in the communities we serve." This highlights the collaborative spirit within McDonald's and its dedication to serving the needs of its local communities.
The introduction of the McValue menu category back in January was another significant step in McDonald's comeback strategy. This menu features a "Buy One, Add One for $1" option for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, offering even more flexibility and savings for customers.
McDonald's has also been leveraging its mobile app to provide exclusive deals and incentives. These include free medium fries with a $1 purchase every Friday throughout the year, as well as a free McCrispy chicken sandwich for new app users. These app-exclusive offers encourage customers to engage with the platform and take advantage of even greater savings.
Local franchisees have also been empowered to create their own special discounts on menu items, such as the McGriddle, in addition to the app-only promotions. These localized deals, like 20% off $10 or more, provide even more opportunities for customers to save money while enjoying their favorite McDonald's meals.
Interestingly, some savvy fast-food enthusiasts have been exploring unconventional methods to save money, such as utilizing a "secret loophole" with kids' meals. It's been reported that a significant portion of US adults are opting for this "smart option," demonstrating their resourcefulness in seeking out the best possible deals.
However, McDonald's has recently implemented new rules regarding extra charges, which have sparked some controversy among fans. Some customers feel that these additional charges are "getting out of hand," highlighting the ongoing tension between cost-cutting measures and customer satisfaction.
Ultimately, the return of the Extra Value Meals represents a significant step in McDonald's efforts to provide affordable and appealing dining options to its customers. By offering a variety of choices at competitive prices, McDonald's hopes to win back customers and solidify its position as a leading fast-food provider.