McDonald's revives Extra Value Meals to attract budget-conscious customers

In the United States, McDonald's announced the revival of its Extra Value Meals starting September 8, 2025. This move comes as customer spending patterns shift due to rising food prices and economic uncertainty. Many low-income consumers have reduced their fast food spending, prompting the fast-food giant to expand its value offering to cater to this demographic. The new meals are designed to help diners save up to 15% compared to purchasing menu items individually, thereby addressing financial concerns faced by these customers. The Extra Value Meals will include a variety of options, such as a $5 Sausage McMuffin with Egg meal, which comes with hash browns and a small coffee, and an $8 Big Mac meal that includes fries and a medium drink. Additional meals will feature popular items like the Egg McMuffin, Bacon, Egg and Cheese Biscuit, and 10-piece Chicken McNuggets. McDonald’s aims to provide affordable meal solutions that resonate with those struggling financially after years of rising inflation. The company’s strategy is to bolster its appeal among budget-conscious consumers, particularly as they face food price increases. McDonald's has seen a significant drop in traffic from low-income customers, which underscores the need for value menus. Franchisees have collaborated on pricing strategies to ensure that these new meal offerings remain accessible and attractive, given the ongoing economic pressures experienced by many communities. The introduction of these meals is part of a broader effort to restore customer traffic and make fast food more affordable. By increasing the variety of meal options at attractive price points, McDonald's is keen on recapturing the market share that has been lost due to economic hardships faced by consumers. These changes reflect a growing trend among fast food establishments to emphasize value in their offerings, recognizing that maintaining customer loyalty is crucial during challenging economic times.