McDonald's to Launch $3 Value Menu

New deals and discounts aim to win back cost-conscious customers

Mar. 12, 2026 at 5:06pm

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McDonald's is rolling out a new value menu with items priced at $3 or less, as well as $4 breakfast meal deals, in an effort to position itself as an affordable fast-food destination. The move comes after customer complaints about rising prices at the chain went viral on social media, and follows the introduction of $5 meal deals and a buy-one, add-one-for-a-dollar menu in recent years.

Why it matters

McDonald's is trying to regain its reputation as a budget-friendly option for customers, after surveys showed many no longer considered it an affordable choice. The new value menu and meal deals are part of the company's strategy to protect its leadership position in the value segment of the fast-food market.

The details

The new $3 value menu will include items like a sausage biscuit and 4-piece Chicken McNuggets, replacing the buy-one, add-one-for-a-dollar menu introduced in 2025. The $4 breakfast meal deal will feature a McMuffin, hash brown, and coffee. McDonald's spent tens of millions advertising its cheaper combo meals and provided $35 million in assistance to franchises that took a profit hit from selling the items earlier this year.

  • In April 2026, McDonald's plans to launch the new $3 value menu and $4 breakfast meal deals.
  • In 2024, McDonald's introduced $5 meal deals.
  • In January 2025, McDonald's added a range of $1 options that customers could score paired with a full-priced item.
  • In fall 2025, McDonald's struck a deal with U.S. franchisees to slash combo-meal prices.
  • McDonald's combo-meal assistance to franchisees stops at the end of March 2026.

The players

McDonald's

A global fast-food chain known for its burgers, fries, and other menu items.

Chris Kempczinski

The president and CEO of McDonald's, who said the team plans to 'make sure that we are protecting our leadership position in value.'

Ian Borden

The CFO of McDonald's, who said the company expected to provide about $35 million to franchises that took a profit hit from selling the cheaper combo meals earlier this year.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

McDonald's plans to start training restaurants on the new deals and meals in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

McDonald's is making a concerted effort to regain its reputation as an affordable fast-food option, as it faces increased competition and customer complaints about rising prices. The new value menu and meal deals are part of the company's strategy to protect its leadership position in the value segment of the market.