Business

McDonald's Draws Worried Consumers with $3 Menu Items and $4 Breakfast Deals
By Reuters | 02 Apr, 2026

The Chicago-based fast-food giant addresses stressed consumer budgets with new menu items priced at $3 or less and a $4 breakfast meal deal, building on the successes it has begun enjoying from the value-pricing strategy introduced last year.

McDonald's said on Thursday it was introducing menu items priced at $3 or less and offering a $4 breakfast meal deal in the U.S., as restaurants aim to attract price-conscious diners worn down by economic uncertainties.

Here are some key details:

The burger giant said at least 10 menu items would be available throughout the day, and it would spotlight selectunder-$3 items at even lower prices for a limited time, starting with the Sausage McMuffin at $1.50 and the McDouble at $2.50.

Besides the new $4 breakfast meal, the company also introduced lunch and dinner deals priced between $5 and $6.

CEO Chris Kempczinski in February said there was growing evidence that the Chicago-based company's value strategy was working, with gains in visits from low-income customers.

The company last year began subsidizing franchisees'"extra value" meals as costs of some commodities, such as beef, remained high, but Kempczinski had said the company would not subsidize pricing permanently.

McDonald's launched its $5 meal in June 2024 as a limited-time offer, but extended it later. It also offered a 15% discount on combo meals and introduced $5 and $8 specials last year.

The Wall Street Journal had first reported the menu introductions last month.

Rivals including Burger King are also intensifying efforts with more economical menu options.

(Reporting by Neil J Kanatt in Bengaluru; Editing by Devika Syamnath)