Fast-food giant McDonald's slashes prices on its meal combos to attract frugal patrons once again

McDonald's, the global fast-food giant, has announced a price reduction on eight of its most popular combo meals. The move, which is part of a renewed push to make meals more affordable, is set to take effect starting in September 2025.

The decision follows negotiations with franchisees, backed by corporate subsidies, and is a response to customer pushback over steep meal-price hikes between 2019 and 2024. The affected French McDonald's franchisees, independent operators in France, saw the price reduction begin in early 2025.

The eight popular combos include the Big Mac, Quarter Pounder, McNuggets, McCrispy, and breakfast favourites like the Egg McMuffin. McDonald's has agreed to subsidize potential losses for franchisees in exchange for their participation in the price reduction.

The reduced prices will make these combo meals cheaper than buying each item separately. Consumers can expect no more feelings of a combo meal costing as much as dinner out. The revived "Extra Value Meals" label will be used for budget-conscious diners, with $5 breakfast combos and $8 Big Mac or McNugget meals offered as full meals that fit a budget.

McDonald's is resurrecting the "Extra Value Meals" branding in an attempt to regain its reputation for value. The 15% savings applied across these combos encourages smarter purchasing rather than less. McDonald's and its operators will co-fund marketing for the new specials.

These changes aim to provide better value for consumers, whether for a quick bite before work or a bargain lunch. Instead, tangible savings are offered without sacrificing favourite menu items. The price reduction is a significant step towards making fast food more accessible and affordable for everyone.