McDonald's Cuts Combo Meal Prices to Boost Affordability
ByAinvest
Wednesday, Aug 20, 2025 7:18 am ET1min read
MCD--
The price reduction will go into effect next month, with McDonald's also introducing new combo meal specials. These include a $5 breakfast deal and an $8 Big Mac and McNugget special. The company is providing financial support to franchisees who agree to lower their prices, as part of the pricing strategy [1].
The decision to slash combo meal prices is a response to the growing perception that McDonald's has become less affordable. In 2023, an $18 Big Mac combo meal went viral, sparking a debate about the chain's affordability [2]. The inflation crisis that followed the pandemic has altered many customers' views of McDonald's, making it seem less of a budget-friendly option compared to other fast-food chains [2].
McDonald's aims to appeal to value-minded consumers who have become deterred by pricey meals. The company's CEO, Chris Kempczinski, stated that "consumers’ value perceptions are most influenced by our core menu pricing" [2]. The new pricing strategy is part of a broader effort to revamp the company's menu and improve its affordability.
References:
[1] https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/mcdonalds-and-franchisees-agree-to-discount-combo-meals--report-93CH-4201801
[2] https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/20/food/mcdonalds-combo-lower-prices
McDonald's is cutting combo meal prices by 15% to make its menu more affordable. The move comes after CEO Chris Kempczinski admitted that the chain's menu has become too expensive and pledged to fix the problem. The lower prices will take effect next month, and McDonald's will also expand its combo offerings with a $5 breakfast deal and an $8 Big Mac and McNugget special. The company aims to appeal to value-minded consumers who have become deterred by pricey meals.
McDonald's (NYSE:MCD) has announced a significant price reduction for its combo meals, aiming to make its menu more affordable. The fast-food giant has agreed to discount eight popular combo meal offerings by 15%, according to a Wall Street Journal report [1]. This move comes after CEO Chris Kempczinski acknowledged that the chain's menu has become too expensive and pledged to address the issue [2].The price reduction will go into effect next month, with McDonald's also introducing new combo meal specials. These include a $5 breakfast deal and an $8 Big Mac and McNugget special. The company is providing financial support to franchisees who agree to lower their prices, as part of the pricing strategy [1].
The decision to slash combo meal prices is a response to the growing perception that McDonald's has become less affordable. In 2023, an $18 Big Mac combo meal went viral, sparking a debate about the chain's affordability [2]. The inflation crisis that followed the pandemic has altered many customers' views of McDonald's, making it seem less of a budget-friendly option compared to other fast-food chains [2].
McDonald's aims to appeal to value-minded consumers who have become deterred by pricey meals. The company's CEO, Chris Kempczinski, stated that "consumers’ value perceptions are most influenced by our core menu pricing" [2]. The new pricing strategy is part of a broader effort to revamp the company's menu and improve its affordability.
References:
[1] https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/mcdonalds-and-franchisees-agree-to-discount-combo-meals--report-93CH-4201801
[2] https://www.cnn.com/2025/08/20/food/mcdonalds-combo-lower-prices

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