Seasoned fast food lovers all over the nation reminisce about the good old days when every purchase at their local McDonald's felt like a value menu deal even if it wasn't officially on that menu. That was when a McDonald's Happy Meal cost $1.10, and a hamburger was less than $2.
For the last few years, McDonald's fans have been manifesting for the fast food giant's menu to return to the incredibly affordable prices it once had, as they have skyrocketed due to inflation and higher food costs.
However, the magical thinking seems to have finally paid off since McDonald's granted its loyal customers' wishes by unveiling a brand new value-focused addition to its menu that will turn every meal at McDonald's into a Happy Meal in 2025.
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"We will stay laser-focused on providing an unparalleled experience with simple, everyday value and affordability that our consumers can count on as they continue to be mindful about their spending," said McDonald's Chairman and CEO Chris Kempczinski. "McDonald's will continue to follow our Accelerating the Arches playbook to drive long-term growth globally and win in this environment," he added.
McDonald's rolls out its McValue menu with multiple money-saving deals to choose from
On Tuesday, McDonald's ( MCD ) kicked off 2025, promoting its budget-friendly initiatives by unveiling its new McValue menu , as customers have complained about the continuous price increase in the past few years.
The newly released McValue menu offers various deals, such as local deals based on customers' geographical location, in-app exclusive deals, which include free medium fries with a $1 purchase every Friday and a free McCrispy Chicken sandwich to promote the usage of the McDonald's app, and buy one, add one for $1 deals that include breakfast , lunch, and dinner items.
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The $5 Meal Deals have returned in 2025 and are here to stay since they are also part of the new McValue menu. As part of the deal, customers get small fries, four-piece Chicken McNuggets, a small soft drink, and may choose from a McDouble or McChicken sandwich, all for just $5.
"No matter the city or the state, they're telling us how important it is for them to find their favorite meals at affordable prices. And we couldn't agree more," said McDonald's Owner/Operator and National Value Chair Cory Watson. "That's why we're committed to continuing to serve up great local deals - from special discount pricing on fan-favorite a-la-carte items to unique meal bundles, you can find great prices on iced coffees, soft drinks, cheeseburgers, chicken McNuggets, and more. We have great value for everyone, whether you're a party of one or feeding the whole family," he added.
McDonald's provides value deals outside of its McValue menu
McDonald's repeatedly mentioned in its latest earnings calls how much value has shaped the company's business and alluded to the highly-awaited return of McDonald's as a value-focused fast food chain.
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To honor its promise, McDonald's wanted to reward its loyal customers with even more money-saving offers outside its McValue menu. In addition to the value deals, McDonald's is partnering with 16 different brands to offer customers multiple promotional deals throughout the first few weeks of 2025.
These deals are in partnership with big companies and include great offers, such as one free month of YouTube TV, 20 minutes of free Wi-Fi on American Airlines, and a Tinder Gold Premium Access subscription. To unlock free credits, upgrades, and ad-free entertainment, customers must interact with the ads on the McValue platform within the McDonald's app or website.
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