How McDonald's Aims To Put More Savings On Your Plate In 2025

In January 2025, McDonald's unveiled its McValue platform, designed to make dining out more affordable for customers. In a company statement coinciding with the launch, Joe Erlinger, the President of McDonald's USA, noted that the initiative will help customers save money, "From deals on their personal go-to order to universal favorites like the $5 Meal Deal, we're excited to give fans more ways to save every time they visit one of our restaurants."

Long-term customers should recognize the familiarly of the McValue platform as a fresh spin on the brand's classic Dollar Menu – which served as McDonald's iconic answer to fast, cheap eats in the early 2000s. While the original Dollar Menu eventually disappeared, it ultimately paved the way for 2025's McValue Menu offerings — which comprises everything from regional pricing to app-only deals to special combo offers like Buy One, Add One for $1. Plus, you can pair the McValue Menu with your MyMcDonald's Rewards program for extra savings the next time you order.

McDonald's McValue approach will offer customers updated menu items, short-term special deals, and techie improvements for app users. The company is also changing up classic favorites by releasing the Chicken Big Mac for a short time, and bringing back fan favorites like the Snack Wrap. The chain is even experimenting with plant-based ingredients in some regions, tapping into both sustainability and dietary restrictions for customers.

The McValue menu also includes new budget meal combos, also known as the company's much-loved, if less-than-profitable, $5 meal deals — which feature a burger or chicken sandwich, fries, 4-piece Chicken McNuggets, and a small drink. On top of this, McDonald's will also introduce weekly limited-time offers, such as $5 McSaver breakfast meals. In this way, the company aims to keep things exciting without straying from its commitment to staying affordable. Plus, it will beef up its app offerings with customizable deals for app users in order to better serve existing customers.

McDonald's McValue menu aims to turn fast food into an affordable pick for customers financially struggling. Plus, the company is banking on this approach increasing foot traffic to locations – a necessary consideration in the wake of so many restaurant chains facing bankruptcy. McDonald's has largely managed to separate itself from competitors in the fast food market by stongly prioritizing value in its marketing strategy, and the McValue campaign is sure to continue that tradition. 

As Cory Watson, McDonald's Owner/Operator said in the McDonald's McValue launch statement, "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." Plus, by increase app user offerings as part of the McValue stratgy — like offering free fries with any purchase over a dollar and free fries Fridays — the chain hopes to grow their app usage and turn occasional customers into McDonald's regulars.